Future of Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve Secure as Councils Complete Purchase

A six-council PARTNERSHIP has come together to support the purchase of Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve in Badshot Lea, near Farnham, and to protect it as open space for the community.

Surrey County Council, supported by funding from Hampshire County Council, Guildford Borough Council, Waverley Borough Council, Rushmoor Borough Council and Farnham Town Council, bought the old 137 acre quarry which is now fully restored as a nature reserve.

News of the deal with Hanson UK landowners was first revealed by The Herald in September, and the meadow will now be part of the rural estate of Surrey County Council.

Tice’s Meadow offers the option of a circular walk, with trails leading to Tongham Pools and Blackwater Valley, allowing visitors to explore wildlife and the natural environment. The new wetland, woods and meadows present great biodiversity value.

The long-term management plan for the site will be led by Surrey County Council with its partners and stakeholders to support the development and maintenance of grasslands and wetlands.

Councilor Tim Oliver, Head of Surrey County Council, said: ‘I am delighted that we were able to partner with five other councils and Hanson UK to secure the future of Tice’s Meadow as a nature reserve and open space. for the community.

“It really shows the strength of working together and the benefits we can offer our residents. I look forward to continuing this partnership and working with volunteers over the next several years to enhance Tice’s Meadow as a thriving wildlife habitat.

“I also hope that local people visit the site and engage in the natural environment to support their health and well-being.”

Councilor Keith Mans, Head of Hampshire County Council, said: “It is great news that Tice’s Meadow will continue to be a haven for wildlife and a wonderful open space for entertaining.

“It is thanks to working in partnership and a shared vision to protect and enhance the natural environment.

“Although based in Surrey, the nature reserve is immediately adjacent to Hampshire and therefore our contribution secures access to the site for many residents of this county, including those living in Aldershot. “

Councilor Joss Bigmore, Head of Guildford Borough Council, said: “We were pleased to contribute 10% of the purchase price of Tice’s Meadow to secure the future of the wildlife sanctuary for community use. .

“? The finances for the purchase of the meadow came from the investment program, this money does not come from the same pot that covers the daily expenses to run the services. ? It is a great example of local authorities working together to provide benefit to our residents.

Councilor Paul Follows, Head of Waverley Town Council, said: “Tice’s Meadow has been restored to its present state thanks to the tireless work of local volunteers and the enthusiastic support of the local community.

“That’s why we were absolutely determined to see it protected and, if possible, made public. We are extremely happy that by working alongside our partners from other local authorities we have been able to help save such a special place for future generations. “

Councilor David Clifford, Head of Rushmoor Borough Council, said: “Our residents love to visit Tice’s Meadow, which is right on our doorstep, so it’s great to see six councils working together to make sure this beautiful site is protected for future generations.

“We are more than happy to pay our fair share to secure its future as a protected nature reserve for the use of the community. I especially want to thank all of the volunteers at Tice’s Meadow, who have done a fantastic job on the site over a number of years, and I am sure they are absolutely delighted that the sale is closed.

Councilor John Neale, Head of Farnham Town Council, said: “Farnham Town Council is delighted that the collaboration between local authorities has resulted in the purchase of Tice’s Meadow by Surrey County Council.

“The site, with the support of Hanson and its parent company, the Heidelberg Cement Group, is an award-winning conservation site, thanks to the hard work of the Tice’s Meadow Bird Group and the local community.

“Farnham City Council was pleased to play an active role in discussions with the Hanson team to achieve this outcome and to provide a financial contribution that will allow continued public access.

“The City Council will continue to work with the County Council on plans for the future management of the site and the continuation of the impressive volunteer activity to support this important nature reserve.”

Paul Williams, Head of Land and Mineral Resources at Hanson UK, said: “Tice’s Meadow is an example of how a quarry can be transformed, after mining, into a highly valued biodiversity and community asset.

“We are now delighted to hand this award-winning nature reserve over to its new custodians and look forward to seeing the site evolve and continue to mature in the years to come. “

add a comment