Millwood Mere, By Cllr. Tim Nelson

Just a brief update on progress regarding the Mere. We have identified with the Borough Council three stages of work that are needed or desired at Millwood Mere:

The first was to clear away banks of nettles that had overgrown and open out the Mere by some limited trimming of the trees/bushes. This has been done. The feedback I have had so far has been positive from both residents and dog-walkers ‘Nice to see the Mere finally tidied up’.

The second stage was to attack the reeds! The Mere is a Victorian era Fire reservoir, dug about the same time as the Baddersley and Town wells. The reeds, lilies and bull-rushes are a perfectly natural feature of a pool such as the Mere, however, in time they will take over, encouraging ‘silting up’. In December, I am pleased to report, the Borough’s river contractors cut back the overgrown reeds, and deposited the cut material on the bank so all the displaced aquatic creatures could make their way back to the water.They have done a great job, and the Mere is now a much better water environment, for water fowl and fish etc.

The final stage of works proposed needs your input: What would you like to see? Ideas include maybe another bench for picnicking families in the Summer? perhaps a smarter sign (like the one on Hutchinson’s Way)? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on the Mere’s Future…………