English Partnerships - Other - Wildlife conservation area on disused reservoir
Date: 10 Dec 1997
ENGLISH PARTNERSHIPS TODAY CONFIRMED A £26,536 INVESTMENT TO CONVERT A TRACT OF DERELICT LAND INCLUDING -HE LOS ALTOS DISUSED RESERVOIR, IN SANDOWN ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT, INTO A NEW WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREA.
The Los Altos reservoir was built over 100 years ago as a water supply reservoir. Suffering from high levels of silt and badly damaged by tree roots, it has been disused and abandoned for some time. The scheme will involve the reclamation of the reservoir and adjacent land to form a wildlife conservation area and an amenity for local residents. The land is owned by the Council and will be managed by them on completion. The total cost of the scheme has been estimated at £29,114.
Access to and around the reservoir is currently difficult due to the lack of footpaths, and many sections of the railings and fences surrounding the reservoir itself are in need of repair. This, along with the fact that the reservoir is virtually invisible in parts due to the dense undergrowth, makes it a potential hazard to children. Work to the site will include the removal of the silt and reeds choking the reservoir, the erection of safety barriers, the construction of footpaths and a viewing platform, in addition to landscaping and planting work.
Richard Durrant, Senior Development Manager at English Partnerships commented: "I am delighted that our investment is enabling this scheme is to go ahead. English Partnerships is committed to enhancing the safety and quality of the environment for the benefit of the community. Next Spring, when the project is due to be completed, local people can look forward to enjoying an attractive new amenity that as a conservation area will play an important role in providing improved habitats for wildlife in the area. It is an initiative that provides an excellent example of the close partnerships that we have formed with the Countryside section of the Isle of Wight Council, English Nature and the Countryside Commission".
Peggy Jarman, Local Councillor for Sandown, said "I am very pleased that this site will soon be reclaimed and made safe as attractive open space for residents and the public at large, particularly as it gives access to the spectacular views across the East Yar Valley toward Alverstone. I am very grateful to English Partnerships for making this scheme possible and look forward to developing further joint projects aimed at improving the area and prospects for everyone who lives and works on the Island".
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