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New Forest Management gets help from Water Expert Representatives from the Forestry Commission, English Nature, The National Trust and Hampshire County Council came together recently to listen to nationally acclaimed Hydro-ecology expert and European Chartered Biologist, Ron Allen, explain how to manage the internationally important New Forest wetlands and rivers. Ron Allen, a Partner in Petersfield based The Environmental Project Consulting Group, designed and delivered a two day course to managers of the New Forest wetlands and rivers to provide them with a fundamental understanding of where the water comes from and how it reacts with the landscape to create wetlands of considerable biodiversity. The course, held on 21 and 22 September, involved both on site and off site work. Ron Allen is a specialist in the science of the behaviour of water in relation to wildlife habitats, a term which he has called Hydro-ecology and which is rapidly being adopted within the industry. Hydro-ecology is about the wetland support system not only water but also geology, hydrology, chemistry, soils, peat and how all these interact with aquatic and sub aquatic wetland fauna and flora. It's understanding provides a valuable approach to wetland management and impact. Ron Allen says, "Wetlands are coming increasingly under threat by drainage, pollution and by developments. Whilst most wetlands of ecological significance have considerable protection, this protection is very often based on limited knowledge. Many such sites are nature reserves and a key issue in wetland nature conservation is management. Not many of us know enough about water, particularly how it interacts with plant communities and what to do when water does not behave in the way we expect it to. If wetlands are to survive they need to be both protected and managed." Ron Allen was called in by the Forestry Commission two years ago to help restore the complex natural habitats of the New Forest, drained for pony grazing in the 60’s. He undertook comprehensive studies on the soil, geology, hydrology, chemistry and plant ecology of the area. The New Forest is known throughout the world for its wildlife and heritage and has recently been awarded European Union Life funding to restore its internationally important mires. Mr. Allen says, "These mires support internationally rare communities of plants and animals and indeed, the New Forest holds the majority of such sites not only in the UK but across the whole of Europe. It is vital that they are preserved and managed correctly." For further information contact: Ron Allen The Environmental Project Consulting Group Petersfield GU32 3PG Tel: 01730 231019 or Pauline Rowson Rowmark Marketing and Media Havant Tel: 023 9244 9600 |
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