Photos Thursley after the fire
 
 
 
   
NEWS
 

A few of our recent projects

New Forest Mires, Hampshire for National Trust  
 
The northern New Forest, Hampshire contains a series of valley mires owned by the National Trust. Valley mires are strongly acidic wetlands that form in peaty valleys and are one of the most characteristic and valuable habitats within the New Forest. We were engaged to undertake hydrological assessments of these valley mire systems in order to understand how they worked, where the water originated from and how the water contributed to and supported the wildlife habitats present. The studies provided the baseline scientific data to be used in developing management plans to ensure that these habitats are managed to best effect.  
 
Alresford Pond SSSI, Hampshire  
 
Medieval Alresford Pond has over many years become heavily silted leading to a significant decline in its habitat quality and the loss of many of its characteristic plants and wild creatures. In order to facilitate proposals for restoration of the lake, we were commissioned by Hampshire Wildlife Trust to undertake comprehensive desk study of what is known of the hydrology and hydro-ecology of the lake. Also, to investigate the water chemistry and sediment types present and their interactions, especially in regard to potential of plant nutrients given any restoration proposals such as by dredging.  
 
Gupton Farm and Castlemartin Corse, Pembrokeshire (Soil and Water for National Trust)  
 
The National Trust proposed to take part of their estate in Pembrokeshire out of tenancy and bring the management directly in hand. This was in order to restore part of the land back to wildlife habitat. The land comprised former sand dunes, dune slacks and related habitats that have been extensively damaged by intensive grazing and arable cultivation. In order to assess the range of potential habitats for restoration, we were engaged to undertake a very detailed soil survey of the land and to advise the Trust on the range of habitats that could be recreated. We found a vast range of soils ranging from dry sandy soils on one time sand dunes through very wet soils on spring lines and active water seepages to soils on deep peats. Cattle trampling of the wetter soils on slopes had opened up the springs leading to extensive gullying and soil erosion. The survey revealed the wide range of habitats that had been lost and indicated those areas where these habitats could be restored.  
 
Slinden Estate (Chalk Soil Management for National Trust)  
 
The National Trust recognises that knowledge of soils is very important in the management of both farmland and wildlife habitat. Also, that soil contains 'natural capital' essential to the functioning of land. The Trust were proposing to alter the management of part of their extensive chalkland Slinden Estate in West Sussex to better provide for a more diverse, mixed and sustainable agricultural land use. In order to better understand the function of soils in the sustainable management of their land, we were commissioned by the Trust to undertake detailed soil mapping, review the properties of the soil and advise on soil-based options for alternative land management. These studies have ensured that the Trust can take full account of soil properties in the sustainable management of their land for both agriculture and to enhance biodiversity.  
 
Oaken Wood, Kent (Soils and Ancient Woodlands)  
 
The Woodland Trust was concerned that proposals to fell this ancient woodland for quarrying would be against planning policies to conserve important woodlands. We were engaged to assess the significance of the developer's soil information and to present evidence at public inquiry in relation to the status of the soils in terms of their ancient woodland characteristics.  
 
St Faith's Meadow, River Itchen SSSI, Winchester, Hampshire  
 
Hampshire Wildlife Trust proposed to restore and manage St Faith's Meadow, part of the River Itchen SSSI, by removing hybrid poplar trees and invasive scrub and encouraging herb-rich wet grassland more typical of the riverside habitat. Local concern had been expressed that removing the trees and scrub could cause raised water levels on adjacent land and increase the potential risk of flooding of nearby properties. Our investigation of the land forms and hydrology of the site and an assessment of the potential hydrological changes resulting from the management proposals, demonstrated that adverse effects on adjacent housing were most unlikely.  
 
Housing Development, Petersfield (Protected Reptiles)  
 
We were engaged by the developer to assess the ecological implications of their development for retirement homes. The site was found to support a diverse population of protected reptiles and amphibians, especially slow-worms and lizards. We developed management strategies and collected up and protected wildlife moving them to safe locations nearby and so facilitating development of the land. All properties now sold.



44A Winchester Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3PG     Phone: 01730 266966     Email: ra@epcg.co.uk
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