We have decided to for our first project to concentrate on the pond area as this is a focal point of the park. There is great potential to enhance this both for amenity value and nature. We have applied for £50,000 funding from Community Spaces / Big Lottery and have successfully achieved Stage 1. We are now working on our Stage 2 submission. For this stage we have secured a grant of £7,000 from Community First, with a contribution from Wiltshire Council, to be used to commission a landscape architect.
The pond restoration initial proposal included:
Our second project is to construct a Nature Trail. For this we are planning to use local resources and donations, so it will be built step by step. It is likely to include:
If you wish to help us achieve this Nature Trail then please consider a donation, or sponsor materials or a particular feature, or come and help us with the construction.
The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Management Plan has a whole host of activities in its Action Plan. The Steering Group will be considering those tasks that are priority and can be undertaken with the resources we currently have at our disposal. Larger and specialist projects will mean working with partner organisations and we may need to apply for grants. So these will become part of a forward programme.
The areas surrounding Biss Meadows continues to be developed. It brings both pressures and opportunities for Biss Meadows. Wimpey has built recently the Old Farm Estate and now has passed across to the Council the field behind the estate. This has been landscaped with a pond, paths and trees. South View Park is currently being built and the developers have started work on a path and bridge over the River Biss. This will allow a circular walk to be developed.
The former West Wiltshire Council had given permission for development on the land between Biss Meadows and Paxcroft Mead to be developed for housing and employment. There is mention of green corridors through to Green Lane Wood and Biss Wood.
Wiltshire Council are developing a structural plan through to 2026 (the Wiltshire Core Strategy) and are proposing over 2,500 houses south of Biss Farm and employment areas by the railway line. Again there is mention of green corridors (alos see their general Green Spaces Strategy).
Wiltshire Council is keen that the Friends work with them to produce a Master Plan for Biss Meadows that will meet the diverse needs of wildlife, leisure and travel.
Working Parties are held on the second Sunday of each month to tackle various small scale management aspects according to the season and need. Tasks can include.
All abilities catered for and all ages, but children must be accompanied. We are a friendly group. Come and stay as long as you can. You are advised to bring stout footware and gloves.
Please see the News page for a list of past events and links to photographs.
Typical tasks will include:
All welcome. Stay as long as you can. Bring stout footware and gloves. We meet by the Tescos' wooden footbridge.
For photos of our previous Working Parties see the Gallery.