October 2011
A beauty spot in Wiltshire, that had become an overgrown eyesore, menaced by fly-tippers and teenage motorcyclists, has been transformed into a community nature resource.
Nestling on land at the edge of Chiseldon village, the site, known as the washpool, was in such a sorry state that the community enlisted the help of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Halcrow to bring it back to its former glory. The Parish Council backed the project and additional financial support came from St Modwen.
With help from volunteers known as the Washpool Area Restoration Project (WARP) and from the Wildlife Trust, a series of ponds with a boardwalk, water meadow and wildlife refuge for amphibians and reptiles has been created.
Halcrow delivered a range of services, including topographical surveys and setting out earthworks, as well as providing construction and specialist environmental science advice.
The site has played an important part in village life since medieval times, when shepherds washed their sheep in the pool before taking them to market.
Phase three of the scheme consists of a plan to bring sheep to the area to graze on the land.
With the planting of native trees, flora and fauna, as well as sensitive coppicing of the surrounding woodland, the scheme increased local biodiversity and provides a unique educational resource for the area’s children.
Hilary Howe, chair of the WARP committee, said: “We became aware that this is a very special place for the village but it had become neglected and many people in the village wanted it to be restored. “It gives a heart to the village in so many ways with the school using it as well.”
Lynn Bishop said: “We have completed phase two, fencing off the bank and planting trees and we are looking to get sheep in there to graze. “We wanted to do something because we care about the village and we have had a lot of good support from the local communities, Halcrow, St Modwen and the Wildlife Trust.”