Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Great Western Hospital, Swindon

Hagbourne Pond and Access Project

	The UK is responsible for 89% of the world’s population of bluebells. Hagbourne Copse is part of the Swindon bluebell woodland, a semi-ancient woodland, supporting a large population of bluebells. However, suitable bluebell habitat has declined as development has spread making areas such as Hagbourne particularly important. Unfortunately, public use of the path through the Copse results in many bluebells being trampled each year so access needs to be improved. There is also a small pond in the south-west corner of Hagbourne Copse in need of restoration, to provide a suitable habitat for great crested newts. In addition to the practical work taking place on site the project also hoped to publicise and promote the production of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Swindon Borough.
Working closely with BTCV and local volunteers the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust began work on the site with the clearing of the Southern Ride. As part of these works a two day training course in the use of brushcutters was held, with six people receiving a nationally recognised qualification. A large section of hedgerow was laid providing an opportunity for a second training course in hedge laying to take place. Joint volunteering events were organised with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, BTCV and FaB (Flowers and Butterflies) to construct a sluice to allow other works to be carried out in a dry environment. The volunteers went on to construct boardwalk bridges and a pond dipping platform and a large area of the woodland was coppiced. Work continued with the preparation of areas of woodland for the planting of native wildflowers. The pond area has been cleared of silt and two islands created.

The project has developed, deeply beneficial, closer working relationships between Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and other volunteer and environmental organisations in the area. Many of the work days, training days and volunteering activities have involved groups not normally represented, such as young offenders, and have resulted in some volunteers gaining free access to accredited training.