Children, volunteers and supporters netted pond wildlife and unveiled a new sign to mark 20 years of Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve.
Swanwick Lakes marks 20 years with pond fishing by Debbie Tann, Hester Barker, Florence Barker, David Rumble and Sophia Bartolini
Families joined employees of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT), which manages the reserve in Sopwith Way, with the support of partnering company NATS – which has its air traffic control centre on land near the reserve.
Young people fished for wildlife in the ponds and a huge new sign was revealed at the celebratory event to mark the milestone at the 86-acre reserve.
“Twenty years is impressive,” said HIWWT chief executive Debbie Tann. “The sign is to reflect the heritage of the site being the old brickworks, which is why its base is of bricks and the sign itself is made from wood.
HIWWT and NATS staff reveal the new sign at Swanwick Lakes
“We couldn’t have done it without NATS’ support. We look forward to another 20 years.”
Allison Spink, HR business partner at NATS, said: “We’re doing an awful lot to improve our environmental credibility. This is about the company giving something back to the community.”
Last year the educational centre, embedded within the reserve, hosted almost 1,000 local school children, 30 community groups and 30 public events, providing the opportunity for visitors of all ages and abilities to explore and learn about the countryside.