Wildlife trust responds to Clackers Brook improvement concerns

WILTSHIRE Wildlife Trust has responded to the town council’s concerns about its plans to make habit improvements to Clackers Brook. 

The trust is planning to make a number of improvements to the banks of Clackers Brook at various locations along its route between Primrose Nature Area and Lowbourne.  

However, at a meeting last month, the town council criticised plans to use excess “spoil” collected from the banks of the brook to create “spoil bunds” almost a metre-high in two areas near the brook, including an area of grass between Queensway and the Woody play area. 

The council said that the “spoil bund” will create a physical barrier that blocks the view of the Woody play area, which could cause a “safeguarding issue” for vulnerable children.  

They also raised a number of other concerns, including the lack of consultation with residents impacted by the changes, and the quality of the “spoil” to be used for the bund. 

But the trust has explained that the “spoil bunds” will not obstruct visibility of the play area; that the soil will be tested for toxic elements; and that there are plans in place to consult with residents about the plans. 

Head of fundraising and communications for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Dugald McNaughtan, told Melksham News, “Contrary to the opinions expressed during this council meeting, proposed enhancements to Clackers Brook have evolved significantly as a result of discussions with key stakeholders. Our project manager has been in regular contact with Melksham Town Council to ensure that issues raised are addressed in a final plan, and a number of changes and alterations to the design and method of work were made as a result of their comments.  

“For instance, we have already agreed to test the soil for toxic elements and the proposed bunds will be no higher than 0.75m above the present soil level to ensure visibility of the play equipment, with the dimensions determined by available space, management considerations and so that they blend in with the surroundings.  “Additionally, the slopes won’t exceed 1:4 for stability reasons.  We have taken weed and future management issues into account; a shallow slope will make cutting easier and the spoil will also be seeded or planted (either grass, wildflower, trees, or a mix and match) to help suppress future weed growth.  

“A comment was also made about not consulting with local residents – in fact our intention was always to first get a design agreed, with input from all relevant stakeholders at this stage of the project’s development, before asking local residents for comment – as is good practice.  

“We haven’t got to that stage yet, and wouldn’t want to until we had that final design – to avoid the potential confusion of different versions being available.     

“We have provided several opportunities for the town council to visit and discuss the project, but unfortunately this offer has not yet been taken up.  We will continue to extend these invitations to ensure that the town council, as an important stakeholder, is able to input to the final proposals.”