A pioneering nature project has led to the flourishing of rare insects and 85 new plant species across two Basingstoke neighbourhoods.

 

The Hatch Warren and Beggarwood biodiversity improvement zone was started in 2020 by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council through close work with local residents, Natural Basingstoke and Hampshire County Council. The pilot project set out to explore if changing how roadside verges and small green spaces are managed would enhance the variety of plant and insect life in the area.

 

Now, recent surveys reveal it is working. Over 237 different plants including rare species like bee orchids and yellow rattle are taking root, up from 152 when the project began. Insects are also flourishing, such as the rare small blue butterfly that has spread to several new locations.

 

Local residents were the first to hear about the trial’s success at drop-in event on Saturday (27 September) at the Hatch Warren Community Centre. Borough council officers and Natural Basingstoke were joined by the borough council’s Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency Cllr Chris Tomblin as they shared the project’s findings and discussed future plans.

 

The successful pilot project aimed to expand on excellent work by the Hatch Warren Nature Group to improve the biodiversity of land near St Marks School. The group worked with the council and Natural Basingstoke to agree the green spaces and verges covered by the zone.

 

Recent survey data shows a 56% increase in species diversity, compared to 2020. Reducing grass cutting from eight times a year to just once also frees up borough council resources that it uses to support its other nature recovery projects.

 

Cllr Chris Tomblin said: “This pilot project trialling an improvement zone in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood proves that small changes in how green spaces are cared for can lead to big gains for biodiversity.

 

“It’s a brilliant example of what can be achieved when the council, local groups and residents work together to support nature. I’m proud that our borough is taking the initiative to create spaces for nature that benefit both wildlife and our communities.”

 

Now that the trial has proven successful, the zone is being renamed as the borough’s first official ‘space for nature’. New signs will highlight areas across Basingstoke and Deane where communities and the council are maintaining areas differently to encourage plants and wildlife.

 

The pilot project will be submitted to the Big Chalk Partnership as a model for urban chalk grassland restoration. It supports the council’s 2021 ecological emergency declaration and the biodiversity strategy it adopted last year, which commits it to enhancing habitats across the borough.

 

A summary of the pilot biodiversity improvement zone project in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood is at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/hatchWarren-and-beggarwood-biz