Proposed Change of Status for Ballard Water Meadow

Stuart R • Oct 06, 2023

The Friends of Ballard Water Meadow recently proposed a change in the status of Ballard Water Meadow and War Copse, plus the nearby site of Barton Common, from SINCs ( Sites of Interest to Nature Conservation ) to LNRs ( Local Nature Reserves ).

Sadly, despite assurances that no decision would be made before a consultation process, the proposal was unexpectedly thrown out at the New Milton Town Council's Amenities Committee on September 4th 2023.

The meeting, and the Friends' disappointment, was covered by The New Milton Advertiser and Times.

Curiously, the Town Council then announced a lesser five year commitment to the sites.

A subsequent letter supporting the Friends' proposal written by Keith Metcalf from the excellent Milford Conservation Volunteers was also published by the newspaper.

We publish below the details of the proposed change and responses from the Friends of Ballard Water Meadow.