MLM Update 1st May 2026

Underneath one of the refugia I can confirm we have seen a male grass snake. Very lucky to get a photo as this species is notorious shy and will scarper quicky when disturbed. We have had sightings of grass snakes reported to us before on site, so to have more confirmation that they are still there is very important, as it demonstrates that we are keeping a healthy environment for them to thrive. This sighting has been recorded on the HIWARG webpage, as this is who I check th

3 days ago

Butterfly & Moth Surveyors Needed for Mill Lane Meadows

Butterfly Conservation were very impressed with the site and Gemma (our local TVBC Countryside Officer) would really like some MLM surveyors to join TVBC’s Citizen Science initiative. Results are vital to help understand what we have, what is going well and what needs some help. More work planned to enhance butterfly and moth habitats. For more information, citizenscience@testvalley.gov.uk (Reptile, harvest mice and dormice surveys already in place)

4 days ago

Mill Lane Meadows, Summer 2026

Romsey Festival will include two nature reserve ‘walk and talks’ at local reserves including Mill Lane Meadows in Sherfield English. This is a wonderful opportunity to take a walk around the reserve with Gemma, the Reserve Officer, and learn about the nature on the sites and how they manage the site throughout the year. For more information on the festival take a look at the following link: Romsey Festival – Celebrating the arts and culture in Romsey, Hampshire or visit...

Apr 13

General information

Previously used as agricultural land for hay crop and grazing cattle. The site has been taken over by the council to be managed as a public open space, specifically for dog walking to relieve some pressure from the new forest. Mosaic of grassland, wetland and Carr Woodland which creates beautiful scenery as well as wonderful habitats for a variety of wildlife.

This is a dogs off lead site! Boundaries secured with fencing so feel free to explore, but please bear in mind some places will be boggy so stick to the drier areas and informal paths. Mill Lane stays very wet all year round so wear your wellington boots and be prepared for muddy dogs!

Useful information

Car park off Mill Lane, Sherfield English, Romsey, SO51 6FN, height barrier (2.1 meters) at the entrance.

What3words - Car park (agent.width.sneezed)

The site is accessible through Disability Discrimination Act compliant kissing gates however there are no set paths and it is often very wet and muddy so care should be taken for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Please take your litter home with you where possible.

Management of the site

Grasslands are cut annually for a hay crop which can have a hugely positive impact on grassland habitats, encouraging native wildflowers to grow and keeping down more hardy grasses and plants that would otherwise outcompete the flowers. Removing the grass cuttings reduces the soil nutrients which favours our wildflowers. Our grasslands and the native wildflowers they include are of high importance to our insect populations. Mill Lane holds an estimated total of 433 invertebrate species, 20 of which carry a conservation status as well as a wide variety of flora over the whole site, including Yellow Loosestrife, Marsh Pennywort and Water Mint.

The site is also bordered by some large veteran oaks estimated to be over 250 years old. These trees are home to many different species of insects and are therefore a hugely valuable part of the site. The management of the site will aim to benefit these veterans and aim to keep them healthy so they’re there for another hundred years to be enjoyed by generations to come.

The wet woodland also has the potential to be perfect habitats for bats, containing many suitable roosting areas as well as a plentiful food supply. The management of the woodland will take these habitat features into consideration and conducted in such a way that it is beneficial for the site and the wildlife that inhabit it.

Harvest mouse nests have recently been identified at the site. Harvest mice are small mammals that create nests from woven leaves in tall, sturdy vegetation such as grass tussocks and rushes (Mammal Society, 2023). Future management will aim to conserve harvest mouse habitat on the site. More information can be found here: Species – Harvest Mouse – The Mammal Society

Mill Lane Meadows SANG

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace

Sherfield English Hampshire