It’s been another busy year at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, the beautiful green space on the Marlborough’s eastern edge with the River Kennet running through it. The Reserve is jointly owned and managed by Action for the River Kennet(ARK) and Marlborough Town Council. At the AGM on Tuesday in Marlborough Town Hall, Anna Forbes, ARK’s Senior Project Officer & Volunteer Co-ordinator gave a comprehensive review of the year.
More than 2000 children from many local schools and youth organisations have enjoyed a River Schools Day where they learn about the river, about looking after the river and the land near the river. They also experience the river by wading into it, collecting samples and discovering what is in the river such as mayfly larvae and young eels(a critically endangered species). This year, for the first time, St John’s Year 10 Geography students carried out their field work at two locations on the river. All these days are offered free by ARK and this is made possible by ARK’s success in applying for funding from multiple organisations.
The Hereford cattle were back for their summer grazing in 2025 and this is having a very positive effect on the biodiversity of the meadow. There is now a much broader variety of wild grasses and flowers as the cattle graze down more dominant plants.
The number of volunteers of all ages continues to rise. Many volunteers have skills which can be used for maintenance thus keeping down costs. “They are such an asset,” commented Anna
Volunteers have also been clearing the river of litter, adding faggots to the river, and carrying out hedging. The hedging provides a valuable habitat for nesting birds with more than 70 varieties having been spotted in the reserve. Bats also hunt above the hedges as they are a valuable source of insect life. The faggots are used for bank stabilization, erosion control and habitat creation.
ARK also offers opportunities for students completing the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and for GAP year students who are intending to go to university to study environmental science.
The citizen science days have trained volunteers to collect data. The yearly water vole survey has been particularly successful and shows that this nationally endangered species is thriving on the Kennet. The results of the survey have been shared with the Wiltshire Mammal Group.
The latest big project for Stonebridge is to replace the decaying board walk on the north side of the river. The plan is to replace it with recycled long-lasting plastic similar to the other board walk at the beginning of the meadow. This would allow people in wheelchairs to access the river but the cost is £44,000. Anna has started a crowd fundraiser and if you feel you could make a contribution follow the link at the bottom of the article.
Meanwhile it’s a good time to visit the Reserve. The Snake’s Head Fritillaries are coming into bloom and a Water Rail, a reclusive marsh bird, has been spotted. Dog owners are reminded that dogs should be on the lead at all times and do clean up after your dog and use the bins provided. There are many fragile and protected species in the reserve.
Anna commented, “Special thanks to our amazing and ever growing numbers of volunteers, local businesses and all who have supported our work in the Reserve this year. There’s always ongoing opportunities to get involved at Stonebridge.”
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