A NEWLY transformed nature discovery area was officially opened in May following weeks of restoration work.

Owned by The Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust – Laverstock water meadows forms an important green corridor between Laverstock and Salisbury.

The aim is to create a wildlife oasis, and grasslands have been reseeded with wildflowers and native trees planted along hedgerows. There is also a wildlife viewing area alongside the river Bourne chalk stream.

Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust own the land and Chair Jane Wilkinson said: “We are all very excited to see how the Nature Discovery Area has taken shape.

“It’s been great seeing so many young people at work on the meadows creating a wonderful resource for all to enjoy, particularly families with young children who will enjoy walking through the area, which is starting to buzz with wildlife.”

Trust volunteers, the Scout Group and the River Bourne Community Farm were all involved in seeing the project through to completion.

The meadows support a variety of plant life including marsh marigold, wild angelica, meadowsweet, comfrey and teasel, and water voles, otters, kingfishers, and little egrets may be seen.

There will be a variety of butterflies, moths, and dragonflies too. Visitors are encouraged to bring wellington boots.

Funding for the project was provided by Laverstock and Ford Parish Council and Wiltshire Council Southern Area Board.

Additional information about the nature discovery area is available on the website.

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.