Herald - Issue 397

Page 20 • The HERALD • 29th October 2020 v ENCOURAGING LOCAL ENTERPRISE v Carpenter/Handyman available for small jobs Doors, locks, handles, gates, fencing and small painting jobs Free Estimates Tel: 023 8081 1613 Mobile: 07960 050077 REFURBISHERS ALWAYS TRY TO MEET YOUR BUDGET RELIABLE! EXCELLENT REFERENCES! INSURED! Catalogue of previous works to view Plaster work • Floor & Wall Tiling • Wall removal • Bathroom Design & Fit • Laminate/Wood Flooring • Painting • Insulation • Decking • PVCu Gutter & Fascia OUR HANDYMAN SERVICES • Rubbish clearance • Gutters • Jet washing conservatories, paths and patios • Flat pack assembly • Van removals • NO JOB TOO SMALL • FIXED PRICES • WRITTEN QUOTATIONS P Strus 07414 779083 Email: p.strus7@gmail.com TRU-FLOW PLUMBING SERVICES For all your Domestic Plumbing, Tiling, Painting and Decorating Requirements • Fully Insured • Discounts for Senior Citizens Please Contact Andy Tel: 023 8087 0145 • Mobile: 07962 590089 Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH or email editor@herald-publishing.co.uk Forest Groups Unite to Protect New Forest Beauty Spot A group of New Forest organisations have agreed an urgent action plan to protect Hatchet Pond, one of the UK’s most important ponds for nature and renowned local beauty spot which is under major threat from pollution and over-use. Works at the pond started in 2019 but unprecedented pressures experienced during the easing of lockdown has accelerated the plans by Forestry England, Freshwater Habitats Trust, and Natural England. Hatchet Pond is the New Forest’s largest body of fresh water and home to some of the rarest wetland plants and freshwater animals long since lost from many other parts of the UK. As the most wildlife rich pond remaining in lowland England, it has the highest possible conservation status as both a Site of Special Scienti c Interest and a Special Area for Conservation and maintaining the health of the pond is a legal requirement. Pollution is being caused by a number of factors; the area around the Pond is rapidly eroding allowing silt to drain into it from the very busy car park, large amounts of material being thrown in to feed birds and bait sh, and a sharp rise in people and dogs entering the water disturbing sediment and releasing trapped chemicals. Erosion of the surrounding banks has also led to regular ooding of the car park raising a major risk of pollution from the toilet block. e urgent plan agreed by Forest organisations aims to increase protection of the site and covers a range of measures designed to halt the decline and restore this special place. Actions include relocating the car park, subject to planning consent, away from the pond edge whilst retaining views over it. e toilet block will also Pony at Hatchet Pond waterbodies in lowland England which support the same number of plants and animals, and so many rarities which are in decline elsewhere. Once lost, it will not be possible to recreate a site as good as this, so we need to take action now.” Jenny omas, New Forest Specialist, Natural England said: “Hatchet Pond is of exceptional ecological value, supporting a staggering 133 wetland plant species, more than one third of all the wetland species in the UK, along with numerous invertebrates. Natural England are delighted that this programme of restoration works is underway, which will help to protect and restore Hatchet Pond for the benefit of all the plants and animals which depend on it, as well as safeguarding it for the enjoyment and wellbeing of New Forest residents and visitors.” Nigel Mathews, Head of Recreation Management and Learning at the New Forest National Park Authority from the New Forest National Park said : “Over the summer, especially in the hotter weather, large numbers of people gravitated towards this beauty spot. Sadly, some ignored the signs and left litter, lit barbecues, petted the livestock and entered the water to go swimming, boating or paddle boarding. As the local planning authority, we will be dealing with the associated planning application for the works at Hatchet Pond in due course.” be removed to reduce the major risk of pollution with alternative public toilets available in nearby Beaulieu, Brockenhurst and Lymington. Bruce Rothnie , Forestry England’s Deputy Surveyor of the New Forest said : “Hatchet Pond is an incredibly important place for nature and wildlife. It is one of the few places across the country where you can still find so many rare species in one place. It is also a special place for people to enjoy and appreciate nature and its beauty. Dr Naomi Ewald from Freshwater Habitats Trust said: “Hatchet Pond is a unique and special place. There are no other Are you looking for an interest? Maybe you brummieartist@yahoo. com Learn to Paint or Draw have always wanted to learn to paint or draw? All subjects and media covered and all abilities are welcome. e sessions take place on Monday evenings and Friday mornings at Hythe Community Centre and cost £10 per session. If you are interested contact Derek to book your place on 07598 935902 or email: