Building Bridges to Safeguard Chimney Meadows

The project is for conservation management at BBOWT’s largest nature reserve, Chimney Meadows, through installation of a bridge and culvert. The 250ha of Thames floodplain includes a National Nature Reserve (NNR) of rare species- rich meadows and wet grassland that is managed by BBOWT. BBOWT has begun a programme of wetting-up works to improve the floodplain grazing marsh habitat. This work has already started to change water flows and levels. Access to the NNR and adjoining areas of the reserve for crucial grazing management is now becoming problematic because of the deeper water levels at certain times of year. BBOWT’s local grazier is no longer willing to risk his livestock, and will not renew his grazing contract without safe access via the proposed bridge. Access for conservation management in another part of reserve will also be improved against flooding through the proposed culvert. Without the proposed measures it is likely that the quality of the habitat will be seriously compromised.