WORK is due to start on improvements at Mouldon Hill Country Park which are being funded by Network Rail’s Greater Western Programme.

This effort forms part of the Swindon Forest Meadow project, a partnership project between Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust running over three years.

The programme will fund work to improve the habitats on the tree mound within Mouldon Hill Country Park planted in 1990, since when only a small amount of management has taken place.

The planned work includes managing scrub areas on the tree mound, thinning ash tree plantations, widening rides to create new wildlife habitats and more space for visitors to walk, creating 30 metres of glades, placing bird and bat boxes, and planting woodland wildflower like bluebells and hedge woundwort.

Swindon Reserves Manager for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Neil Pullen said:“Much of the site will be left untouched with the programme of work targeting a few crucial areas and habitats that can be managed to both maintain their value to wildlife and also to enhance opportunities.”

Staff from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s wild landscapes team will start work in mid-January and be on site for up to four weeks. There may be a little disturbance at times, especially when working on the paths, so visitors are advised to be patient and observe any signs that are posted.

There are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to get involved both in this project and in the ongoing management and monitoring of the site. For more information or to get involved, contact Neil Pullen on neilp@wiltshirewildlife.org or visit www.wiltshirewildlife.org