A wildlife regeneration project will be launched on Hook Common if fencing plans get the go ahead.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HWT) want to fence in the common so that livestock can be reintroduced to better maintain the land.
The area, a site of special scientific interest, was grazed until the 1970s when construction of the M3 made it unsuitable for cattle.
Alison Cross, head of conservation for HWT, said: “Over the years Hook Common has become less accessible and more overgrown.”
Without livestock to help manage it, some important plant species have vanished from the common.
One of these, the Marsh Gentian flower, once flourished in the area, but Mrs Cross said it has not been seen there for some time.
“It’s a beautiful, stunning flower, and very rare,” she said.
Construction would involve fencing in the common’s perimeter, and installing cattle grids.
Mrs Cross said: “These developments would be fantastic for the wildlife. We honestly believe this is what’s best for the people of Hook and wildlife on Hook Common.”
The area is classified as common land, and permission must be sought from the Government’s planning inspectorate before any developments can take place.
A six-week consultation period, during which plans are made available for public scrutiny, ends on May 15. A plan of the intended works is available for public viewing at Hook Parish Council offices.
Mrs Cross said several residents have approached HWT about the proposed development.
“Some have apprehensions while others think it is a brilliant idea,” she said. “Should there be any serious objections before the consultation period closes then a public inquiry will take place – potentially a long and costly process.”
But Mrs Cross is hopeful that will be avoided, allowing work to start this autumn and be completed by Christmas. And she claimed there would be no disruption to public access during construction.
Costs for the development would come from Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship scheme and HWT funds. For more information, call 01256 381190.
