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Meon Springs - Whitewool Stream Wetland ProjectThe below diagram illustrates how the aquifer (shaded in blue) sits over Whitewool Farm (red outline). As can be seen, the farm covers a large proportion of the aquifer and to achieve significant nitrate reduction in The Meon and The Solent as well as sustain and increase groundwater and stream flow, a whole farm approach is required. - Hence the slogan "The Valley is the Wetland".
Recharging and purifying the groundwater as well as the stream water, is the expanded vision behind the Whitewool Stream Wetland Project.
We do this by looking at the whole valley as the wetland. As you can see in the above picture, Whitewool Farm covers the majority of the aquifer feeding the upper reaches of Whitewool Stream, which means that by careful design and management, influences can be made to not only maximise the quality of water entering the system but also to maximise the quantity of water entering the ground to successfully recharge the aquifer for a long and sustained Summer flow. Shorter low flow period Between July and November each year, Whitewool Stream is sometimes subject to a Low Flow period. We are looking for ways to utilise natural features and systems across the whole farm to maximise the groundwater recharge of the aquifer, so that the stream continues to flow stronger and for longer over the Summer months. Minimal Flood Risk In very wet years, the houses along West Meon Road can suffer from flooding. The wetland will help to reduce this risk by slowing the flow of water produced by peak weather events and releasing it over a longer period of time. Greatly Reduced Nitrates High levels of nitrate are a problem in most UK rivers. The River Meon being no exception. By adapting agricultural practices and developing the wetland at the point where the stream leaves the farm, we aim to significantly reduce the nitrate levels going downstream. |
WHITEWOOL STREAM WETLAND
NITRATE MITIGATION FOR THE SOLENT AREA To discuss Nitrate Mitigation or Nitrate Credits please call or drop an email
to Jamie Butler "The Valley is the Wetland" WHITEWOOL STREAM WETLAND PROJECT
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“To cherish what remains of the earth and foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival.”
Wendall Berry
Author and Environmental Activist