Construction of the £1.5 million Kennett Valley Wetland Reserve near Hungerford is due to begin next month, creating a new wildlife haven on 16 hectares of underused pasture.
The new nature reserve will cover approximately 16 hectares (40 acres) at Andy’s Meadow, close to the River Kennett on the northern edge of Hungerford.
The project is being led by the Town and Manor of Hungerford, the charitable organisation best known for organising the town’s annual Tutti Day celebrations.
Kate Edwards, speaking on behalf of the charity, described the Kennett Valley Wetland Reserve as “something very special”.
“It will be a proper nature reserve and a peaceful place where people can sit quietly,” she said.
“The focus will be on wildlife. Visitors may be able to sit on a bench, follow the paths and hear willow warblers and grasshopper warblers. We hope many wetland birds will also visit and make use of the reserve.”
The project has received strong backing from the local community, with construction expected to take place between September and December.
Work is scheduled to begin no earlier than September to protect nesting birds and should be completed before December, when wetter conditions could make the ground unsuitable for construction.
The first phase, including landscaping, wildlife habitats and visitor trails, is expected to be completed by next summer.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk