Buck Pool Spinney
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Buck pool in winter. Part of the spinney is on the left. |
The meadow is small (18 acres 7.3 hectares) in terms of wildlife conservation
and the trustees' long-term policy is to bid for any neighbouring sites that
become available. A licence was signed on 31 March 2001 for access, for `wildlife
conservation, public recreation and angling, to a site (2.4 acres) of `severed
land' between Buck Pool and the Dorchester bypass. This site, which we have
named Buck Pool Spinney, is in three parts, one with direct access from the
Hurst meadow, one by means of two footbridges (which we have improved) and one
separated by an eight-metre flood drain. This has been bridged by a footbridge,
completed on 3 November 2001.
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We are very grateful to Donald Morrison A.R.I.B.A. for designing the
bridges without fee. |
Architects drawing of footbridge
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The site and the flood drain, seen across Buck Pool |
Buck Pool spinney contains `inundation woodland' which is a rare and valuable
habitat. It will complement the existing meadow with woodland, and make the habitat more diverse. We propose to conserve
this and Volunteers have constructed an otter
holt, with expert help from BBOWT. The bank will be
protected in order to encourage water vole. The site will be subject to a
Conservation Management Plan from the Northmoor Trust, and we will be guided by
its recommendations. One proposal is the introduction of the Lodden Lily (summer
snowflake, Leucojum aestivum).
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Links
Map
Projects - improving the site
2001
Gallery
Finances
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