environmental focus 25
New natural habitat for wildlife in Bournemouth
More than 600 trees, including rowan, silver birch, oak and cherry, have been planted on the site and it’s hoped the natural lake will also promote more waterborne wildlife.
Plans to create a natural lake at a Bournemouth Academy have come to life thanks to Sembcorp Bournemouth Water (SBW).
The company agreed to fill a 30m x 10m crater in the grounds of The Bourne Academy with nearly half a million litres of water. The lake, which is on a three-acre piece of land at the Hadow Road campus, now forms part of an outdoor education site. Current activities include bushcraft, survival and practical leadership tasks. Future plans include turning the site into a cross- curricular outdoor learning area where science, English, drama and music students can enjoy a range of activities.
James Short, The Bourne Academy’s outdoor education
Roger Harrington, SBW’s managing director, added: “Water in this new lake will form the basis of a new and potentially rich habitat for a range of wildlife. We are pleased to support this in a small way so students can learn more first-hand about the factors that influence a healthy local water environment.“
Top: The crater filled by Sembcorp Bournemouth Water to create a natural lake
Above: Stuart Paterson, Network Technician, Sembcorp Bournemouth Water (right) and James Short, Outdoor Education Leader, The Bourne Academy (left) together with SBW’s Hazel Taylor and students watch as the lake is filled
leader, said: “Science students can pond dip, do studies on grasses and trees and look at the wildlife and eco systems. The English department can come out and read under a beautiful canopy of trees and listen to a chorus of wildlife all around. Drama and music can also
use the site. Activities I would love to run on the lake include fishing, raft building, kayaking and so on. The list is endless. This is a really exciting project for our community and we’re very grateful to Sembcorp Bournemouth Water for agreeing to fill the lake without charge.“
SBW supplies drinking water to approximately half a million people in parts of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. The company supplies approximately 187,000 households and 16,000 businesses through a system of seven major treatment works and a network of about 2,800 kilometres of water mains. Three quarters of the water is abstracted from the Rivers Avon and Stour and the remainder comes from borehole sites.
Countryside awards grow young environmentalists
They may not be embarking on environmental careers just yet, but youngsters from Hampshire are among the winners in the 2013 CPRE Hampshire Countryside Awards. Supported by nature- friendly farmer Steve’s Leaves, this annual event is becoming a showcase for inspiring, positive projects around the county.
The awards, run by CPRE Hampshire in conjunction with Hampshire Fare and Hampshire Ambassadors, have been celebrating the county’s diverse, living countryside since 2007. Principal supporter of the scheme is Steve’s Leaves, a bunch of pioneering farmers who grow tasty, nutritious baby leaves and carry out ’nature friendly farming’ whereby 10% of the land is dedicated to nature and the creation of habitats to encourage wildlife.
Winners were: Andover Trees United (Youth Category); Jodrell Close Wildlife Garden, Horndean (Voluntary and Community Category, supported by The Southern Co-operative); and Upham Brewery Expansion Project, near Winchester, (Rural Enterprise Category). The other shortlisted project in the latter category was the Chestnut Horse public house at Easton.
Simon Blandford, partner at the Winchester office of SmithsGore, which supported the Rural Enterprise category, said: “The finalists showcase the strength and diversity of rural businesses in the Winchester area. Both candidates demonstrated confidence in their ability to influence the local rural economy by creating employment opportunities and support for other producers in the area.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – DECEMBER 13/JANUARY 14
Dr Steve Rothwell with Herne Junior’s Narnia Reading Garden
“Confidence is critical for businesses and is often an early indicator of profitability.
“We are delighted that the businesses in our region are driving investment and production and the
rural economy and local people are benefiting as a result.“
The Awards 2014 are open for entries in three categories: Youth, Rural Enterprise and Community and Voluntary.
www.businessmag.co.uk
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