Water butts donated to Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve

21 July 013

Jim Day, Blashford Lakes' Education Officer (left) receives the new water butts from

Hazel Taylor, SBW's Community Liaison Manager, and David Harrison, SBW's Regulation Coordinator

A popular nature reserve near Ringwood has received a helping hand from Sembcorp Bournemouth Water (SBW). The company has donated several water butts to Blashford Lakes which is managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Rainwater collected in the butts will be used for topping up a wildlife pond. Jim Day, Education Officer, said: "We're very grateful to SBW for donating the butts and their continuing support for our work." Blashford Lakes near Ibsley is made up of former gravel pits which are now used for the public water supply and recreation, as well as conservation. The nature reserve covers 360 acres and is managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust with funding from three management partners - New Forest District Council, Wessex Water and SBW. In 2012 the reserve was visited by more than 1,500 pupils on school trips, as well as a further 550 youngsters on scout and youth group visits. Public events attracted an additional 1,556 people including 750 children. Future family events planned for this year include Grab a Grasshopper (Friday, 26 July) and river dipping (Tuesday, 6 August). Pre-booking is required and full details can be found at www.hiwwt.org.uk Roger Harrington, SBW's Managing Director, said the company was pleased to support Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and its "excellent work" at Blashford Lakes. He added: "Education and conservation form a key part of our engagement with our local community and at Blashford Lakes, learning about conservation is made fun for both children and adults." SBW is a corporate member of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust.

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