Royal Oak Valley gets new conservation status

ROYAL Oak Valley, which sits in the heart of Yateley, has been designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

It has been given the designation because it contains a type of woodland known as alder swamp that is rare in Hampshire and for its

interesting variety of flowering plants and invertebrates living within a wet meadow in the north of the site.

The ranger for the Royal Oak Valley, Tim Ackroyd commented: “The valley should not be underestimated as an important area for wildlife and the local community.

“Hart Countryside Service has made considerable progress in improving this green refuge within Yateley town over the past six months continuing on from several years of work.”

He thanked the Yateley Society and Blackwater Valley partnership volunteers for their support.

“We also rely on the local community to be our eyes and ears and to treat this wildlife haven with the care and respect it deserves,” he concluded.