Page 78 • The HERALD • 24th April 2025 v WE’VE BEEN YOUR LOCAL SINCE 1994 v 023 8084 9370 Prospect Place, Hythe SO45 6AU • MOT’s • MOT Repairs • Air Con • Auto Electrics • Servicing • Welding • Diagnostics • Suspension • Tyres • Clutches • Cam Belts • Brakes Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to keep your vehicle on the road in a safe manner • We offer all garage services including free collection and delivery from your home • We now offer Dpf cleaning - Injector cleaning - Turbo cleaning and Air intake cleaning to help your car run cleaner improving its performance and economy. • Good Garage Scheme – RMI – Trust my Garage Member MOT’s, TYRES, CLUTCHES, CAMBELTS, SERVICING, WELDING, DIAGNOSTICS, LASER-TRACKING. CARS, VANS UP TO 3.5T, MOTORHOMES UP TO 30’ 023 8001 0029 Badminston Lane, Fawley, SO45 1BX 023 8001 0029 Mountbatten Group Announce Alan Titchmarsh CBE, as its New Patron e Mountbatten Group, which delivers end-oflife care in Southampton and across large parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, is delighted to welcome broadcaster, presenter, author and gardener, Alan Titchmarsh, CBE, as its patron. In accepting the role, Alan wrote: “I have long admired the compassionate achievements of the hospice, its unique ethos and the dedication of the staff.” Alan succeeds former Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Sir Martin White, who is stepping back from his role with Mountbatten Isle of Wight and Mountbatten Hampshire. Martin recently met Alan at Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s hospice site, in Halberry Lane in Newport, to formally hand over the reins to a role that involves championing the expert care delivered by Mountbatten sta , both on its inpatient units and in homes across the two counties. In his letter of acceptance, Alan said becoming a patron is an honour. Also on hand to welcome him to the organisation was Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley, MBE. Nigel said: “We are delighted Alan has agreed to lend his support to Mountbatten in this way. He is one of the country’s best-known individuals and his contribution to the vital work of our staff and volunteers will be significant and hugely appreciated.” Meanwhile, Mr Hartley paid tribute to Major General Sir Martin White for his unstinting support. Echoing Nigel’s thoughts, Mountbatten’s Chair of Trustees, Sir Ian Cheshire, said: “Martin has been a driving force in ensuring Mountbatten has remained in the heart of our communities, on the Isle of Wight, in Southampton and across large parts of Hampshire. We thank him for everything he has done to support Mountbatten and warmly welcome Alan, at a time when hospices are facing difficult financial challenges. His backing is very positive news.” ree of the most threatened reptile species are set to receive a huge boost to their recovery rate in the New Forest. Sand lizard, smooth snake and adder are particularly vulnerable to threats such as climate change, recreational pressures and res, which can severely damage their habitats. The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) is creating and restoring heathlands in the Forest to enable the recovery of these species and improve the resilience of their habitats. To date, much of the focus has been on creating a more open heathland by clearing overgrown gorse, creating ideal spaces for reptiles to forage, breed, and bask. e restoration work is part of the £1.3million Species Survival Fund project, which is funded by the UK Government and delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) is leading the project in conjunction with ARC, Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT), Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT), New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA) and Wild New Forest, to reverse the loss of habitats and species by enhancing 250 hectares of land for nature – the equivalent of 350 football pitches. Sand lizard and smooth snake are both European-protected species, while adders are classed as nationally vulnerable. “All three are facing several threats both nationally and locally, impacting the range and distribution of populations, and the habitats that support them,” said ARC project o cer Eryn McDonald. “This type of work helps to restore lowland heathlands to a favourable condition, supporting the species that rely on these surroundings. “It also helps link up the habitats from inside the Forest to the surrounding areas, creating a bigger, better, more joined up landscape.” e New Forest National Park is home to all six of the UK’s native reptile species: adder, sand lizard, slow-worm, grass snake, common lizard and smooth snake. All six will bene t from the restoration work. e project is funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund. e fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’sLength Bodies. It is being delivered by e National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. Working in partnership enables experts to combine their knowledge, expertise and resources with each other to ensure the best possible impact is made on the landscape. (Left to Right) Chair of Trustees, Sir Ian Cheshire; Alan Titchmarsh, CBE; Major General Sir Martin White; Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley, MBE Sand Lizard And Adders Benefitting From New Forest Habitat Restoration Work An adder in long grass (Credit: Steve Laycock)
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