Weather causes delays to stream restoration work

Work to restore an internationally important wildlife habitat at Latchmore in the New Forest has been delayed due to the recent extreme wet weather.

The work will eventually see the stream moved back to its natural meandering course, enabling reconnection with its floodplain and ensuring the future of Latchmore’s wetland habitats.

Contractors working on-site were nearly half way through the 20 week programme but have already lost almost a month due to the wet weather.

Kevin Penfold, Acting Deputy Surveyor for the Forestry Commission said:

“The poor weather has forced us to reschedule our programme. High quality and sensitive restoration to minimise adverse impacts is always a priority in the forest. Without a good run of decent weather, when we can be confident that ground conditions will be favourable, we have decided to postpone the restoration to the main stream at Latchmore.

“We will aim to carry out the delayed works in the summer of 2013 and will continue to liaise with interested parties before we begin.”

The Forestry Commission hopes to still complete the Thompson’s Castle mire part of the restoration scheme this summer, but this is also subject to favourable weather conditions. Damage caused by past drainage means the peat is now eroding and once washed away it will take thousands of years to recover. The mire is one of the most at-risk habitats in lowland Europe, important for absorbing carbon dioxide as well as its wildlife.

Further information on the Latchmore Project can be found at
www.hlsnewforest.org.uk

Ends

Notes to Editor

The New Forest HLS agreement covers 20,000 hectares of The New Forest in Hampshire, an area that supports an internationally important mosaic of habitats that are managed for wildlife, underpinned by a unique commoning system. The Verderers of The New Forest are the signatory with the Forestry Commission, The National Park Authority and The Commoners Defence Association creating a delivery partnership that is working with Natural England.
The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible for forestry in Great Britain. It supports woodland owners with grants; tree felling licences, regulation and advice; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Government on forestry policy. It manages more than a million hectares (2.5 million acres) of national forest land for public benefits such as sustainable timber production, public recreation, nature conservation, and rural and community development. For more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest.
Media Contact: Libby Burke, Communications Manager, Forestry Commission (South England Forest District), Direct Line: 023 8028 6832