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WILLESBOROUGH
Quest International
In May 2001 the KSCP, working with Quest (a
pharmaceutical company) and the Environment Agency, dug a large butyl
lined pond by the river, created two large bays on the river, and with the
help of volunteers installed an otter chamber holt.
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The riverside pond being created at Quest, May 2001
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The structure was dug into the riverbank and
made from blocks and slabs with pipes running into the river, some
planting was done over the top of the chamber to eventually form scrubby
cover for the otters. Two barn owl nesting boxes were erected on top of
telegraph poles along the river.
During the summer members of Quest staff gave up there time to carry
out planting of aquatics in the new pond and river bays. This has proved
very successful with a good rate of establishment. Quest staff, led by the
KSCP, also came out in December 2001 to spend the day tree planting and
install a specially constructed kingfisher nesting box. The staff planted
approximately 260 trees around the site and along the river bank. All the
works will provide excellent wildlife habitat along the river corridor at
Ashford.
As way of recognition of all the outstanding conservation work which
has been achieved at the site. Quest was awarded second place in the Kent
Environmental Business Awards (wildlife conservation section).
Further works are planned for the site, which includes the sowing of 2
hectares of wildflower meadow.
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Willesborough Junior School Wildlife
Garden
The KSCP guided children, teachers and parents in the
creation of a school nature area from February to April 2001. The garden is based on
designs by the children and contains a wildflower meadow, raised flower
beds, pond, hedge, trees, bird feeding area, nest boxes, animal track
paths and wheelchair access.
In May 2001 the garden was completed and was officially opened by the
Mayor of Ashford during the summer. Special thanks go to Ruth Runciman who
found time to make this garden happen and the Rail Link Countryside
Initiative who funded the project.
An education pack has been written for the garden, which is
complemented by a series of interpretive panels. This will make the garden
a superb education resource for the school as well as a home for wildlife.
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Pupils with their designs in the wildlife garden at
Willesborough Junior School
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Pilgrims Hospice, Willesborough
After consultation and grant approval, a wildlife improvement scheme is
under way in the grounds of the Hospice. The Rail Link Countryside
Initiative will fund all of the works, which include a large wildlife
pond, wild flower meadow, native hedge, trees, nesting boxes, interpretive
panel and leaflet, and seating areas. The work is largely being carried
out by volunteers, and the conservation area will be open to the community
to enjoy. If you are interested in helping with the work and upkeep of the
site please contact the Pilgrims Hospice on 01233 504100.
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Joey Wood
Felling and thinning of the trees took place in February
2000. In 1997 the KSCP led community groups in carrying out litter
clearance.
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Volunteers helping to manage Joey Wood
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Aylesford Stream
Eight stream side deflectors were installed with the
help of the Environment Agency in March 2000. These will improve fish
spawning by moving silt and creating gravelly areas.
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South Willesborough Dykes
This Site of Nature Conservation Interest has been
targeted by the KSCP and Ashford Borough Council because of the pressure
of development in south Ashford.
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One of the ponds created on South Willesborough Dykes
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The KSCP carried out a floristic survey
of the ditches in 1998 and has contributed ideas to the Ashford Green
Corridor Action Plan and written a management plan for the site.
In 1997, working with Ashford Cattle Market and
Eurostar, the KSCP organised the excavation of six small bays on the East
Stour, and close to the river two large ponds.
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