Plans to create a new wetland reserve in Trowbridge Park will go on public display later this month. Members of the public will be able to see the plans at a presentation day at the Civic Centre on Thursday 16 January from noon to 6.30pm.
The plans have been drawn up with the help of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and designers Johns Associates and aim to transform the current pond area to attract a variety of wildlife.
They follow the call from Trowbridge Mayor, Councillor Stephen Cooper, to the public for suggestions on the park’s future, which resulted in strong support for a natural wetland reserve.
The proposals include allowing the existing Paxcroft Brook to flow naturally through the area currently occupied by the failed artificial pond rather than being constrained by the existing brick culvert. This will result in a narrow winding channel that enables water to keep flowing across the wetland throughout the year.
There are also plans to provide features in the channel bed that provide better habitats for fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic life within the river. Wetland plants will encourage dragonflies, damselflies and other invertebrates to the area, which will in turn encourage a greater volume and variety of birdlife.
Cllr Cooper says: “As well as establishing a natural ecosystem, the aim is to create a better place for all members of the community to enjoy. Boardwalks will allow people to wander around and across the reserve and view the wetland from different angles. These walkways will also reconnect the area with the section of the River Biss that is currently hidden behind the existing pond. The installation of benches on this walkway will allow users time to pause and enjoy both the wetland area and the River Biss.
The Town Council sees this as a much better option than simply restoring the old artificial pond where water levels were unnaturally high, leaks were common, and the area lacked any real plant and animal diversity.”
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