Scrub clearance will begin at Anton Lakes Local Nature Reserve week commencing Monday 27th January. The work is being carried out by the Council as part of the Natural England Higher Level Stewardship scheme which encourages landowners to deliver significant environmental benefits.
Work is expected to take five days dependent on the weather and ground conditions. It will include the removal of approximately one hectare of hawthorn and willow scrub from the area to the north of the reserve which encompasses the watercress beds.
The removal of scrub will allow the re-establishment of wetland habitat and help retain the characteristics of the watercress beds which are a feature of the area. Increased light levels will result in improved habitat for a variety of insects and wading birds. Views will also be opened up onto the watercress beds and headwaters of the River Anton, improving access and potential use for educational visits.
Following this the area will be fenced to allow cattle to graze, which will help to maintain lower level grasses and allow wildflowers to grow. Access to this area will be maintained through the use of kissing gates.
This is the final stage of scrub clearance on the site carried out as part of the scheme.
Thank you to Cllr Karen Hamilton for the information