Meon Valley Land Appeal
YOU did it! Fantastic news…thanks to incredible support from more than 1,000 supporters, the appeal target of £65,000 has been exceeded. A huge thank you to every donor who has moved us a step closer to being able to protect Court House Meadows for nature’s recovery.
If you couldn't make a donation but still want to support the Trust and our vision for a wilder future, you can still make a donation today or become a member to a make a regular gift to help protect local wildlife.
Why is this land so important?
Court House Meadows covers approximately 8.66 hectares (21.4 acres) of open grassland, with the River Meon flowing through the site, forming a key part of the wider landscape.
Chalk streams like the River Meon are exceptionally valuable – there are only around 200 in the world, with 80% in southern England. The River Meon is known as one of Hampshire’s ‘Cinderella Chalk Streams’, as it does not benefit from the level of legal protection and interest as the more well-known Rivers Itchen and Test. It has, however, often been cited as possibly the best example of a chalk stream in England.
With expert care from your local Wildlife Trust, the site could provide:
- A vital refuge for overwintering wading birds
- A healthier, more natural floodplain that helps reduce flood risk
- A restored river corridor supporting wildlife and cleaner water
- A more diverse landscape, through essential tree and habitat management
©Fergus Gill/2020VISION
