About Emsworth - Conservation in Emsworth

 
Situated at the top of Chichester Harbour, Emsworth is sheltered from the elements and is popular with sailors, artists, naturalists and walkers alike. 
The Two tidal Mill Ponds to the east and one to the west of the town
 are host to a variety of wildlife as is Brook Meadow also to the west of the river. Historical documents show that the meadow has been a grazes water meadow since at least the mid 19th century and wild life surveys have recorded a wide variety of plants and animals including the endangered water vole.

Emsworth plays host to a wide variety of migrating birds every year - some such as Brent Geese coming from Siberia, - which join the many wading birds on the salt marsh around the foreshore not to mention Emsworth's notorious community of beautiful swans!
Emsworth has four principal Conservation groups each caring for a part of Emsworth's natural heritage.
Brook Meadow Conservation Group

BROOK MEADOW EMSWORTH
Brook Meadow is a six acre Local Nature Reserve right in the middle of Emsworth. The main entrance is from Palmers Road Car Park off North Street.

The site has over 300 species of trees and plants, including wild orchids. Rare sedges have led to the Meadow being designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. The River Ems, which flows through the Meadow, contains several species of fish and a highly prized population of Water Voles. Birds, butterflies and insects abound.

Brook Meadow Conservation Group manages the site on behalf of the owners, Havant Borough Council, and carries out conservation work.

The Group was formed by local residents in 2000 to protect and conserve the natural environment of Brook Meadow and its wildlife for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of the general public and their dogs.

A cheerful band of volunteers meets on the first Sunday and third Thursday each month from 10.00-12.00 to carry out maintenance and conservation work. This includes mowing grass paths, clearing rank vegetation, picking up litter, keeping the River Ems clear of obstructions, servicing gravel paths and caring for trees, hedges and plants. Coffee, tea and biscuits are enjoyed at half time and tools and gloves are provided. Our Leaders are trained in risk assessment, first aid and leadership skills. Regular surveys are carried out on the water voles, butterflies, birds, bats, insects and plants. 

Volunteers of all ages and physical abilities are welcome. There is a job to suit everyone. Training is given to operate the power scythe and brush cutter. The Group has public liability insurance and a safety and risk assessment talk precedes each Work Session.

Website: link to www.brookmeadow.org.uk   
Contact: Secretary, Jennifer Rye 
T.. 01243 376926

The Friends of Holly Bank Woods
An area of woodland to the north of Emsworth in Hampshire. The area was acquired by Havant Borough Council in 1996 (with a 999 year lease) and is designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Major works completed by Havant Borough Council, with practical help from the Friends of Hollybank Woods, during last four years have included path clearance, formation of a new circular walk, a new bridleway which is now in use and estate style fencing has now replaced much of the old chain link at Dymoke Street and Spencer Road. Winter 2005 - 2006 has seen further glade creation and whilst work party days have now finished for the season as spring approaches (nesting time), further work and improvement is being planned for winter 2006 - 2007.
https://e-voice.org.uk/hollybankwoods   


The Friends of Nore Barn Woods
Nore Barn Woods consists of two areas of woodland adjacent to the Foreshore and a part of Maisemore Gardens, Emsworth. Public access is via the end of Warblington Road where it is possible for a small number of cars to park. The site is nominally managed by Havant Borough Council but a small group of local volunteers, The Friends of Nore Barn Woods, have undertaken to investigate improvements and maintenance of the site under the auspices of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.
www.norebarnwoods.org.uk 
 
The Slipper Mill Pond Preservation Association
The tidal-filled Slipper Mill Pond lies to the East of Emsworth where the River Ems enters Chichester Harbour and the sea.
It is a unique brackish wildlife habitat with:
over 25 species of birds
more than 60 different plants and trees on its banks
breeding ground for many fish, especially grey mullet
many different animals in its muddy bottom - 2 protected species of mud invertebrates and an interesting tube worm
This historic pond dating from the 1760s has 34 owners who have charged the Slipper Mill Pond Preservation Association with its care and maintenance for the quiet enjoyment of the public.
www.smppa.org.uk 
 

 

 


 

External Links

 

Brook Meadows Conservation Group

 

Friends of Holly Bank Woods

 

Friends of Nore Barn Woods

 

Slipper Mill Pond Preservation association

 

Chichester Harbour Conservancy

 

Chichester Harbour Trust

 

 

 

 

These Photos courtesy of Brian Fellows (Brook Meadows Conservation Group)