A positive future for Fishlake Meadows
Test Valley Borough Council has announced that it has formally taken ownership of land at Fishlake Meadows near Romsey.
The nature reserve, which was previously owned by Bellway Homes, has been transferred to the authority as part of the Oxlease Farm housing scheme. The agreement sees the Council take a step further towards making improvements to the site’s appearance and ecology.
Community and Leisure Portfolio Holder, Councillor Tony Ward, said: “This is great news for the Council as it means that we are now able to move forward on plans to recruit a partner to manage the site. We have carried out extensive public consultation about how we can improve the area and we are looking forward to progressing these ideas. Our priority is to enhance the area for wildlife while also making it more accessible to the public.”
Fishlake Meadows covers approximately 60 hectares and comprises a mix of open and standing water, reed bed and swamp. The area is known for its beautiful and unique wildlife, including more than 170 species of birds.
The Council has previously invited a number of organisations to submit tenders to manage the site and will present its recommended bidder to the authority’s Cabinet in June.