Paving the Way for a New Nature Reserve in Petersfield

Posted: 29th July 2022

Churcher’s College Third Year pupils and Lower Sixth students have risen to the challenge of creating a footpath on the site of a new nature reserve, benefitting both the local community and the wider environment.

At Merritt’s Meadow, next to Petersfield cemetery and less than 500 meters from Churcher’s College, a nature reserve has been created and is managed by Merritts Meadow Conservation Trust, of which Mrs Jane Brundle is Chair.

On the recommendation of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Churcher’s College pupils have, together with local volunteers led by David Burstall, established a new footpath going down one side of the reserve next to a small brook; this will eventually replace a dog walker path which currently runs down the middle of the reserve.

The project is set to last two years and, eventually, a 182 yard path will cover the length of the reserve. The current 107 yard section of the path was opened by Mayor Peter Klist who addressed and thanked pupils, the Resident Association and local volunteers.

As we all know, nature is in dramatic decline and this little reserve will give the local wildlife, as well as general fauna some much needed room to breathe.

More information on the Merritts Meadow Nature Reserve: