The Basingstoke Conservation Volunteers have published their work plan for spring 2026, giving residents in Basingstoke, Hampshire, a chance to help protect local green spaces. The programme, which runs from March to June 2026, includes activities like fixing fences and laying hedges to improve habitats for birds and insects.
A significant change this year affects Pamber Forest, where the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has banned wood cutting in March. This new rule was introduced because climate change has caused birds to start nesting earlier in the season, meaning traditional woodland work must stop sooner to protect them.
Volunteers will also use traditional hand tools to cut grass at Mapledurwell Fen on March 29, 2026. This work is vital because the site is too small for cattle to graze, and hand-cutting ensures that rare wild flowers can continue to grow in what is considered one of the most diverse botanical spots in the area.
The spring schedule includes a trial mid-week session at St Leonard’s Church in Cliddesden on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Other projects involve finishing a long-term hedge-laying task at Lamb’s Field and making repairs to boundaries at Bassett’s Mead to keep the local wildlife safe.
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