by Shelley Lewis (née Anderson)
Encouraging news, the community is pulling together to ensure the continued protection of the Monks Brook Green. The village green application is still underway (I will update as and when I receive news). A ‘Friends of Monks Brook’ group has been set up to inform local residents of community activities and environmental news. It’s a great way to share interesting flora and fauna sightings and often highlights points of interest to look out for on your next visit.
Swaythling resident Robert Painton, who is a keen naturalist and photographer, will be conducting two guided walks on 18th and 19th April from 11am, meeting at Swaythling Railway Station. Monks Brook is a glorious spot and spring is a wonderful time to visit and experience a little area of rural tranquillity in the city. If you would like to join the email listing for Friends of Monks Brook please send your details to me at: shelleylewis2009 at googlemail.com.
Unfortunately, due to the widening of the Stoneham Carriageway, Hampshire County Council have recently cleared some of the top of the meadow. However, they are working closely with ‘Friends of Monks Brook’ to ensure minimum disruption to the area. Again I will keep you updated on any developments.
In the Monk’s Brook Greenway, a new bridge has been built near where the public footpath crosses the railway line. This bypasses an area which floods in wet weather. The crossing has also been improved with two new stiles -Ed.