A WILDLIFE trust say they are doing all they can to restore a popular Winchester beauty spot.

As reported, concerns were raised at a town forum meeting in Winchester over St Faith’s meadow at St Cross.

The meadow was leased to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT)back in 2012 and is part of the River Itchen site of Special Scientific Interest.

Natural England allocated £53,800 for tree removal, fencing,restoration of the ditches to improve habitats and to facilitate improved water flow across the site, and channels and clearing the invasive scrub.

However the town forum meeting heard that it had been ‘neglected’, according St Cross resident Mike Gibbons.

However the trust said in a statement they are busy removing non-native polar trees, introducing cattle grazing, installing seating, improving the footpath and managing the Lockburn stream.

Area Head of conversation for HIOWWT, Martin Retuerto, said: "Land management is complex but the Wildlife Trust has a wealth of experience in restoring some of the Itchen Valley’s most valuable sites for wildlife and people.

“At St Faith’s we’re pleased to be working with the city council to restore this fen grassland, though it will take some time to reverse decades of damage.

“Through removing non-native poplar trees, introducing cattle grazing, installing seating, improving the footpath, and managing the Lockburn stream, we’re slowly seeing signs of recovery.

"It’s a testament to the hard work of Trust staff and volunteers, who spend a significant amount of time there, including engaging with the public and keeping the site clear of litter and dog mess.”

The meadow will be discussed again in more detail at the next Winchester Town Forum meeting at Winchester Guildhall on March 9.