Connecting children to wildlife at Hilton Nature Reserve

Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve is well known for its biodiversity value, being classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it is visited by bird watchers, anglers, nature enthusiasts and walkers. One key group of users that are currently not well served are children as the opportunity to explore, play and connect with nature is restricted. We wish to create amenity areas and wildlife habitats to encourage children, parents and schools to use the site. The facilities will include new ponds, willow sculptures, picnic tables and interpretation panels. Work will be undertaken in areas that currently are of limited biodiversity value and close to the site’s entry point where they will easily be accessible. We will also improve access by upgrading existing sections of old boardwalk and creating a new circular walk. Creating and restoring ponds will improve the biodiversity value of the site and provide new and better habitat for newts, dragonflies and damselflies.