Post by Hoppy on May 4, 2006 17:59:16 GMT -1
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY FISHERY IMPROVEMENTS CREATE WILDLIFE HAVEN FOR SOUTHAMPTON
Improved angling opportunities as well as habitats for wildlife have been created in Southampton thanks to a restoration project carried out by the Environment Agency.
Cromarty Pond is situated in urban surroundings on the western side of Southampton and a program of work was needed to restore the watercourse to its former glory. Historically the pond has suffered from leaks that have affected water levels and the area was also heavily overgrown.
As the Environment Agency believes that access to the environment should be made to all, funding via rod licence revenue was secured in order to restore this much-loved site. Work was carried out to improve the quality of the pond and also access for disabled people so that they could fish there.
These works included the resurfacing of the pathways and the modification of fishing areas to make them suitable for wheelchair access. The removal of overhanging limbs from trees and improvements to fishing platforms enable easier casting for junior anglers and beginners.
Marginal vegetation was also planted in areas where shade from overhanging tree limbs had limited aquatic plant growth and it is expected that this will also provide protection for juvenile fish habitats.
In addition to this, willow pollarding was carried out on the island and this project will now provide a natural haven for wildlife to thrive for present and future generations.
Richard Redsull, Environment Agency Fisheries Technical Officer for Hampshire, said: “This work has enhanced angling opportunities at the pond for all and it has also created a natural beauty spot for local people to enjoy. It has been a very rewarding project, especially now that wildlife will have the chance to thrive there for many years to come.”
Improved angling opportunities as well as habitats for wildlife have been created in Southampton thanks to a restoration project carried out by the Environment Agency.
Cromarty Pond is situated in urban surroundings on the western side of Southampton and a program of work was needed to restore the watercourse to its former glory. Historically the pond has suffered from leaks that have affected water levels and the area was also heavily overgrown.
As the Environment Agency believes that access to the environment should be made to all, funding via rod licence revenue was secured in order to restore this much-loved site. Work was carried out to improve the quality of the pond and also access for disabled people so that they could fish there.
These works included the resurfacing of the pathways and the modification of fishing areas to make them suitable for wheelchair access. The removal of overhanging limbs from trees and improvements to fishing platforms enable easier casting for junior anglers and beginners.
Marginal vegetation was also planted in areas where shade from overhanging tree limbs had limited aquatic plant growth and it is expected that this will also provide protection for juvenile fish habitats.
In addition to this, willow pollarding was carried out on the island and this project will now provide a natural haven for wildlife to thrive for present and future generations.
Richard Redsull, Environment Agency Fisheries Technical Officer for Hampshire, said: “This work has enhanced angling opportunities at the pond for all and it has also created a natural beauty spot for local people to enjoy. It has been a very rewarding project, especially now that wildlife will have the chance to thrive there for many years to come.”