Environmental Comment

Earlier in the year, the WVCA’s Environment Group was approached by some of the residents of Wallington Shore Road, with the view to try and preserve the mature oak trees that grow on the land behind their homes. This area is between the river and Wallington Way.

This request was taken on board, and combined with other new South Wallington projects.

The South Wallington Project is outlined as follows:

  1. Light crown reduction of the mature oaks which will lessen the effects of high winds and help to prevent any further tree loss.
  2. Under plant the area with native trees, to replace the trees already lost with scheduled thinning out in later years.
  3. Use plants such as dog roses, etc to thicken the edge planting around the mound end of the plot to create a barrier that will reduce access and discourage “anti-social” use of this area.

After hours of work spread over many months, these new projects were first announced on the 8 June 2010 at the WVCA’s AGM. This was followed on the 1st of July with a WVCA letter to all households of Wallington Shore Road between Lowlands and the Cob and Penn, inviting comments and ideas. We had some very good suggestions, especially one concerning line of sight from the foot bridge over Wallington Way. I would like to thank everyone who responded.

The Environment Agency, Highways Authority and Fareham Borough Council have all been fully involved or consulted and approve these objectives.

We would urge that any one who has any concerns or questions to get involved and have your own input.

Notes:

  • The sole purpose of looking after the oak trees is to preserve their life for as long as possible to enable future generation to enjoy them also. An added benefit is that if they are looked after, then they are less likely to fall and block the river creating a flood risk, as has happened in the past. This work will be carried out by village volunteers who are professionally trained and qualified personnel.
  • The under planting is needed to re-establish and reinforce the coppice as a noise barrier to Wallington Way. The tree canopy has now risen in some areas to a height that the earth bund can be seen and road noise now passes underneath the trees. The aim is to restore the leaf canopy to a mixed level and increase the overall percentage of evergreen foliage for a greater year round noise barrier affect.  This may involve selective coppicing at some stage.
  • The using of plants as a barrier to restrict access to this area will create more privacy for the immediate residents, and help with blocking pedestrian access to the reed beds, which is a protected area.

Other new projects include:

  • Replanting the noise bund/bank along Wallington Way
  • Earth bund construction on the river bank opposite Lowlands

We have now passed one more hurdle having received the required certificate of authority from the Environment Agency to plant in the flood plain and the noise bund, and also build the flood bund. The EA have always fully supported us in these initiatives and have kindly waived all of their fees.

The WVCA are looking for volunteers to grow on native saplings in pots, such oak, elder, alder, yew, hazel and sycamore. No poplar, blackthorn or willow. These are specifically identified as not suitable due to their growth traits.  The donated trees will be used on the South Wallington projects. So if you have had some unwanted saplings turn up this year in your garden, please don’t throw them out, put then in a pot till planting time. Don’t forget to tell us what you have so we can plan ahead.

These new projects will not be completed in a short time frame. This small coppice and noise bund will need regular attention over the coming years to keep it functioning as a noise and visual barrier to Wallington Way, which will also create a good environment for wildlife. The amount of additional work undertaken for these new objectives to be achieved should not be underestimated. The WVCA will desperately need more volunteers to complete these tasks.

If you are able to help in any way, practical or administrative; please contact either myself or any environmental committee member.

We specifically need some one to co-ordinate the growing or acquisition of saplings.

Charlie Scott

On behalf of the Environment group