Hiltingbury Lakes Update
Updates on the work taking place at Hiltingbury Lakes
Update from Hiltingbury Lakes
Students and teachers from Chandler’s Ford Infant school have designed and created a sculpture in response to the current climate emergency. The sculpture has been made from willow branches and shaped to represent seed heads.
Art co-ordinator from the infant school, Emma Clode, helped erect the sculpture on site along with our Assistant Countryside Officer, Lisa Sharp. The sculpture is now on display for visitors to enjoy.
Work at Hiltingbury Lakes is now finished. Contractors B&M McHugh Ltd's latest work on the pathways and water flows has now completed the major transformation project which has seen improvements to the pathways, fencing and viewpoints, restoring historical woodland and water flows around the lake and ponds.
The Council has worked with contractors Scott White and Hookins Ltd and B&M McHugh Ltd to transform the popular beauty spot back to its former glory with some essential maintenance work to the footpaths, bridges and waterways.
Starting from 20 June, contractors will return to complete footpath works around the lower ponds, particularly the western side, to carry out further drainage and surfacing works where the paths are muddy.
All the work taking place has been approved by the Environment Agency. Works will be carried out on the large bridge by the lake and the smaller pedestrian bridge close to the Kingsway entrance, contractors will be working hard to avoid too much disruption to people visiting the area.
Please see the map for more info.
You can find out more information in our phase 2 update.
Project overview:
The project started September 2019 and is made up of six phases.
PHASE 1 - Removal of Invasive trees and plants
Aim: To restore ancient semi-natural woodland and wetland habitats
This phase involves structural tree surveys and safety works, removal of rhododendron, laurel, self-set trees and bamboo from within the southern pond system.
PHASE 2 – Improving the water system
Aim: To ensure a functioning water system, forming part of the Monks Brook Main River
A survey of weirs and structures was completed along with urgent sheet piling repair to Weir 4 (temporary) on the southern pond. Detailed design work for the site has been commissioned with works completed in 2021 and continues into 2022.
PHASE 3 - Increase wild flowers, reed bed works
Aim: To ensure a functioning water system, forming part of the Monks Brook Main River
To Be Confirmed - Following completion of all tree, path and engineering works
PHASE 4 - Reinstatement of Footpaths
Aim: to restore 1.2m width gravel paths for pedestrian use within the site.
In 2019 we carried out a programme of path investigations and uncovered several long-hidden paths.
In 2020 a programme of path repairs was completed around the main lake.
In 2021 a programme of path repairs has been designed. Improvements to waterlogged and muddy paths around the southern ponds following the completion of all tree and watercourse engineering works will be carried out in 2021 and 2022.
PHASE 5 - Interpretation boards, benches, litter bins, fencing
Aim: to improve facilities and infrastructure at the site
A programme of bench repairs and bin replacements has been completed.
New entrance signs will be installed on the site.
Interpretation panels will be reviewed.
For more information check back here soon.
PHASE 6 - Management plan
Aim: to provide a costed management plan for the site
This plan will be drafted in 2022.
For more information check back here soon.