Mill Lane Meadows - Feb 26

January 26 Mill Lane Meadows

Happy new year to you all, I hope you all managed to get out for some lovely frosty walks over the festive period!

Just before Christmas, I walked around Mill Lane Meadows with my rescue dog Luna (who of course was wearing her festive attire), and it was a beautiful day – the red kites were out in full force, and we saw a lovely little kestrel perched on the power lines. The birds of prey are thriving there. Talking fauna – I will be setting up some refugia at MLM with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Amphibian and Reptile Group (HIWARG) in the coming months for surveys. This will help us understand what species we have, and how we can improve the habitat for them on site. It is exciting, and I will tell you more about our findings as the year progresses! We are also welcoming some corporate volunteers to site on Thursday 29th January, where we will be working on the dense hedgerow to the right of the back field. We plan to trial out some scalloping – a traditional technique that involves creating crescent-shaped chunks of vegetation at intervals along the hedge. This enhances biodiversity by providing varied conditions along the hedgerow, for example shaded areas, areas with increased

sunlight and enhanced wind protection. Please be aware that parking may be limited that afternoon.

Finally – remember to keep an eye out on the notice board for any updates on works on site or volunteer party tasks!

Gemma

Mill Lane Meadows Ranger Update Autumn 25

Autumn 2025 update from TVBC Reserves Officer, Gemma

Hello all, please let me introduce myself. My name is Gemma and I am the Reserves Officer managing Mill Lane Meadows for TVBC, having started the post in August this year.

I wanted to take this opportunity to update you with all that we have been up to at MLM, as it has received a lot of TLC over these last few months! One of my first site meetings since starting in post was to walk the site with your local Councillors, Nick Adams-King and Gordon Bailey, updating them regarding the works planned for the coming months and how we can promote the site to ensure local residents are aware of MLM and what it has to offer. Through October we had a lot going on at the site tree works were completed on the southern path, lifting some of the crowns to let more light in, and some safety work with some low hanging trunks. Following this we had a very successful native tree planting day, which saw 13 volunteers help TVBC staff plant 3 crab apples and 4 cherry trees in both fields. This was the day that Storm Benjamin was due, however we were very fortunate to have exceptionally dry and mild conditions throughout the morning! The trees were funded by the Environment Agency and grown locally at Hilliers in Romsey. After planting, we were very thankful for a wonderful lunch of homemade soup and apple crumble at Sherfield-English village hall for all participants, a lovely way to finish the day. Huge thanks to all who were involved with the lunch for the volunteers, it was very much appreciated by all.

Within days of the trees being planted, our fencing contractor was up at site to install the tree pens around each tree. These pens will ensure protection from deer and rabbits, the finishing touch to the tree planting project. I have held two TVBC team days at site recently to concentrate on willow management, coppicing the willow from around the pond to increase light exposure which will help the biodiversity, and to clear some of the willow on the south-western path which was constantly threatening to encroach. This will be a constant balancing act Ð willow is incredibly important due to its root system stabilizing soil and helping to reduce erosion; however it is also prolific - it can easily take over a site if not managed correctly. The final willow management day is planned for Tuesday 25th November, when I plan to cut the multiple saplings growing in the meadow to the left of

the car park Finally, I have installed a small notice board at the entrance to the site, so

I am able to update visitors to any planned works on MLM. For up to date site information look no further! Please keep on enjoying the beautiful MLM and I will be in touch soon!

Gemma !