For some reason people didnt take my original post seriously so Ill try again with a bit more detail. Approximately 20 years ago I chaired meetings between English Nature, the Isle of Wight County Council and the landowner of what is now the Lakeside complex at Wootton Bridge to sort out the management of the sluice gate in the bridge. The issues debated related to seasonal flooding of properties beside the historic Wootton millpond and the management of the unique and sensitive ecology at the top end of the creek. This is an area of brackish water affected by the fresh water flowing off the land and the managed influx of tidal seawater. It supports a delicate ecosystem which English Nature was keen to preserve. I walk in Firestone Copse alongside the marshland at the top of the Creek almost daily with my dog and often spend time birdwatching in the area. Im concerned to see that the landowner opposite the Copse has suddenly fenced in a section of marshland. The birdlife I see includes egret, heron, teal, mallard, cormorant, hobby, and buzzard amongst others. The ones Im most concerned about are the kingfisher I usually see each time if Im quiet but which is easily frightened and the fencing has also enclosed a spot on which little grebes nest each year. There is a healthy amphibian population and the creek is very well stocked with fish which often leap from the water at low tide. I dont know the intentions of the landowner but Im assuming its for livestock as the fencing is of barbed wire. Its not accessible to people as there is a stream running between the wood and the newly enclosed piece of land. I dont know what impact this may have on the balance of area and it may even be positive. However, this is marked on Natural Englands maps as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. If nobody questions these things, we are in danger of losing our beautiful natural heritage.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 07:36:30 +0000
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