A NEW area where animals, plants, and trees can thrive will be created near Bridgwater over the coming months.

Wessex Water has announced it will create more than 1.5 hectares of lowland meadow in Durleigh, with plants to also plant more than 4.5 hectares of trees to sit alongside the previous river realignment work, in addition to a further 15 ponds and scrapes, or seasonal shallow ponds set to be dug.

The site will be built on fields previously used for arable farming, right next to the Durleigh Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to more than 44,000 people in the area.

The range of ponds will be dug during July and August as a more varied ground surface is prepared to allow the sowing of the meadows and tree planting to be completed from the autumn. 

Woodland species such as willow, oak, lime, wild cherry, dog rose, hawthorn and crab apple will be among those planted, while newts, frogs and grass snakes will benefit from the wet areas.

The habitat work follows Wessex Water's previous project at the same site which saw a new wetland created that has reportedly reduced chemicals, sediment and silt within the Durleigh Brook, improving the quality of water reaching the reservoir and nearby water treatment centre.

Wessex Water’s Conservation, Access and Recreation (CAR) Manager Tom Reynolds said: “By creating these habitats we can complement our previous river realignment project, providing further permanent and seasonal ponds on site, creating features that mimic those found in ancient woodlands, plus delivering a mosaic of habitats that include wetlands, meadows and species-rich grassland.

“We’ll be maintaining these habitats into the future and planting woodland and meadow species that are appropriate to the local area and reflect the different ground conditions, particularly soil moisture and nutrients, across the site.  

“The key habitats created by this project will help to promote greater biodiversity across the area.’’

He added: “Public footpaths will stay open during this work and where there may be minor diversions, we’ll be placing signs to inform path users and maintain safety, as well as working sensitively to minimise the impact on existing wildlife and local enjoyment of the area.’’