Future of Bainton Heath reserve is protected by new management plan

A new 10-year plan has been drawn up to look after the Bainton Heath reserve.

National Grid Electricity Transmission will work with the Langdyke Countryside Trust to maintain the area.

It was a former tip for waste ash from power stations but is now a thriving wildlife site.

The area is home to a variety of flowers, mosses, lichens, butterflies and birds. It also hosts breeding populations of summer migrants, including reed and grasshopper warblers.

Initial projects will include installing areas of fencing to stop deer from eating the lower branches of trees - something that has resulted in a drop in the number of nightingales at the site.

National Grid spokesman Helene Parpworth said: “We are really pleased to be able to announce this new partnership for a unique ecological site.

"We initially leased the site to the trust for a three-year period but the new agreement will see National Grid sponsoring the site which will enable conservation measures go above and beyond current levels.

“Our enhanced habitat management plan will include increasing the number of guided walks, educational and volunteering days and greater involvement with local communities.”

The site is not open to the public but the trust occasionally organises visits.