Hilary Mould-Ryan brings us up to date with what is going on at Winnall Moors Wildlife Reserve

The development of the reserve at Winnall Moors in Winchester has taken another step forward since the appointment in January of two teams of specialists.

These experts have helped the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust write plans for the overall wildlife management and public access to the 158-acre site.

The project, which got off to a fantastic start with last summer's fundraising appeal, continues to benefit from strong support from the Environment Agency, Natural England and the National Trust, demonstrating the importance of this project for the area.

The plans for improving the river habitats on the reserve are well developed and should ensure that the reserve is suitable for the wide range of plants, insects and fish, for which chalk streams are prized.

By controlling the channelling of water in the reserve, the Trust will also be able to prevent the meadows from drying out - making them better for wildlife and securing their long-term survival.

Equipment for hay cutting in the new meadows, purchased through the fundraising appeal, is now available. This will allow the Wildlife Trust to maintain the meadows' rich variety of flowering plants, restoring the area to its former fame as one of Hampshire's richest meadows for wildlife.

Selective removal of scrub and trees is being proposed to preserve the wetland site. Project officer David Mallard explains: "Having some bankside trees is really important - but too much scrub and trees increases the rate at which wetlands dry out and the heavy shade can make it difficult for important wetland plants to grow."

Bankside scrub removal is also being considered to encourage the growth of smaller plants, which provide superb habitat for endangered species such as water voles.

Elsewhere, plans for improving public access and providing a wider range of information about the site are being combined to maintain a balance between the needs of people and wildlife. These project plans will be submitted in support of an application for further funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.