Moor Green Lakes ? proposed extension of gravel workings

CEMEX (formerly RMC) held an exhibition on 5 July as a preliminary to applying for planning permission to extract gravel from land west of Longwater Road and north of the River Blackwater at Eversley. At present, Moor Green Lakes reserve consists of the Colebrook Lakes and Grove Lake with Horseshoe Lake, the water sports centre, to the east, but work is already underway on the area called Manor Farm to the west of Moor Green Lakes which goes as far as the Longwater Road. This area is earmarked for nature conservation and reinstatement of the first section is already underway. Moor Green Lakes group is heavily involved in this.

The proposed new workings would not be deep, the gravel is in a thin seam, and the existing plant would be used to make it financially viable. Rules concerning traffic flows for lorries would remain the same as now. This means the gravel would pass on a conveyor under or over Longwater Road. Several reinstatement options were exhibited on 5 July and all of them offered a combination of wet grassland, reedbed, woodland and open water in various shapes and sizes. We have made a few preliminary observations about facilities, including paths, hides, linking of habitats with Manor Farm and a car park.

Taken together with Moor Green Lakes and Manor Farm we feel this extension of gravel workings would enhance an area becoming very attractive for birds and create a linkage of nature reserves of exciting proportions. Although local residents are likely to have many concerns about the extension of gravel digging the end result of the work is likely to be a much enhanced area for nature lovers and for peaceful recreation. Further details on the plans can be obtained from CEMEX and comments on the proposals are invited by emailing or writing to Ian Southcott, CEMEX UK Materials, CEMEX House, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2DT or ian.southcott@cemex.co.uk.

Colin Wilson –