The River Lugg flows from its source in Powys through Presteigne and Leominster before merging with the River Wye at Mordiford, just outside of Hereford. The River Lugg supports a range of wildlife including otter, Atlantic salmon, brook lamprey, river lamprey and water crowfoot. The importance of the river for wildlife resulted in its designation as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in its lower stretches. 

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Over 20 Lakes formed by gravel extraction lie in the floodplain of the River Lugg, forming crucial stop off sites for migrating birds, resting sites for wildfowl and breeding otter. Bodenham Lake is one of the largest of the gravel pit lakes and has been managed by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and New Leaf Sustainable Development since 2016. Working with over 60 farmers to improve wildlife habitats and reduce pollution, our team began many improvements on the nature reserves in the valley.

 

I worked with the conservation team to scope project funding opportunities and led a smooth transition of management power -  transferring the management of Bodenham Lake and Queenswood Country Park within the Lugg Valley, to a newly formed Community Interest Company (CIC) with HWT and New Leaf Sustainable Development. I planned and excecuted the installation of a new car park payment system  to raise funds, and  increased visitor numbers by  developing  additional forest school activities, a community shop with local artisan products, and winning a Tesco's grant bid to install a Gruffalo wood sculpture trail in the woodland.

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