The next stage was to get funding to employ someone and give them the finances to make it happen. Achieved! Thank you Tudor Trust!
Undergrowth was cleared, trees had their crowns raised, swims (places to fish from) were created together with a wheelchair friendly ramp to access them and an all-weather path from the distant car park. A team of volunteers was formed, who meet each Monday morning, to maintain the area, tidy it up, keep the paths clear, go out on the water to clear pond weed and fishing line caught on the branches, and have the essential brew! It is ideal for those who want to get out and be active. For more information do email Lillie at lillian.wakely@acorncentre.org.uk |
Lillie, our wonderful Conservation Officer, as well as working with the volunteer team, supporting the fishing wardens and being on call for swan emergencies, has extended the impact of both Billy's Lake and the Acorn Centre through developing the Wildlife Warriors.
This is a Forest School initiative that now sees children from our two local junior schools and the local secondary school benefiting from time in the woods, whether it's at Billy's Lake or in woodland on their own school site. Neither staff nor students can speak highly enough of these opportunities to connect with nature. |
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Directions |
Billy’s Lake is located in the ‘Denmead Gap’ between Waterlooville and Denmead. It can be reached on foot from various directions.
From the Hambledon Road car park (actually located at the west end of Southdown View Road), there is a new, all-weather footpath which is accessible for wheelchairs, prams, puschairs and mobility scooters. Please – no motorbikes or horse traffic – they seriously damage the paths. To reach the car park, turn off the Hambledon Road into Sunnymead Drive, then immediately left into Southdown View Road. |