Mayor launches walks for people to explore area's hidden gems

MAYOR WALK MRW Mayor of Havant Cllr Faith Ponsonby and her consort and husband Michael set off on a walk into the fields and woods skirting the Wecock estate in Cowplain

And now a new mayor is determined to make sure people get to know beauty spots on their doorstep.

Councillor Faith Ponsonby, the mayor of Havant borough, launched a series of walks yesterday aimed at exploring beautiful parts of the area.

She walked from The Acorn Centre in Wecock Farm up to Billy’s Lake.

The lake is a remnant of  Clarendon Farm – one of a cluster of three family farms in the area, including Wecock Farm and Lovedean Farm.

Over the past few years, volunteers have spent many hours restoring the lake and making it a wildlife oasis for the community to enjoy.

The area is used in conservation projects for young people and the lake was recently restocked with fish.

A disabled path down to the water has also been completed.

Jon Welford, conservation and education specialist for the Billy’s Lake project, joined the Mayor for the walk.

About the walking scheme, he said: ‘It’s a brilliant idea.

‘I’m constantly meeting people who don’t know places like Billy’s Lake are actually there.

‘The more people want to use it for recreational purposes, the better.’

After her walk, Cllr Ponsonby said: ‘It’s such an unspoilt place.

‘There’s lots of wild flowers – it was lovely. We didn’t see the kingfisher, sadly.’

People are being invited to join the mayor on more walks.

The walks will start at 10am, and will end at about 11.15 am.

Walks this year include:

n July 13 – Meet in the field car park opposite the Northney Tea Rooms, Hayling Island, to walk by the shore and across the fields of North Hayling, ending back in the Tearooms for coffee.

n August 10 – Meet in the car park of Bedhampton Social Hall to explore some hidden corners of Bedhampton, and return for a coffee in the Social Hall.

n September 14 – Meet in the Strouden Court Car Park, St Clare’s Avenue, Warren Park, to walk in the Giant’s footsteps, and return to walk up from the car park to the Park Families Sure Start Cafe for coffee.

n October 12 – Meet in the car park of the Springwood Community Centre, in Stakes, Waterlooville, for a walk through ancient woodlands.

More walks are organised for next year. For details contact Anne Thurlow on (023) 9244 6152.