OS 50K Sheet 186, SU 6551.
Introduction
Blackdam is an educational nature reserve of
approximately ten acres, on the outskirts Of Basingstoke. A series of
springs, which are a source of the River Loddon, have been dammed to
create ponds, around which a woodland has grown up and a colourful
wildflower meadow has been planted. The sits is leased by the Trust
from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
Blackdam was once part of a large marshy area known
as Basingfields. At some point the stream was dammed to form ponds,
marked on a map dating back to 1762 as Mill Head, Upper and Lower Fish
Ponds. The springs were known as "newrams", 'ram"
meaning pipe, and they were being used as a water supply for Hackwood
House until recent times. The old pump house can still be seen in
Redbridge Lane. Once abandoned, the ponds began to silt up and be
'reclaimed' by wildlife. In 1971 Hampshire Wildlife Trust took over
the site in order to maximise its wildlife and educational potential.
local volunteers and Trust staff have worked together to provide
better access and educational facilities for use by local
schoolchildren. Pond dipping platforms, boardwalking and information
signs have all been installed. A new Teachers' Pack has also been
produced. Copies are available from the Trust Office.
Wildlife of the Reserve
Blackdam's long and varied history has created a
site which supports a diversity of wildlife. The Ponds These were
originally used as fishponds and would have been clear, open water. In
recent times they have begun to silt up, sluices have been removed and
vegetation has begun to invade, so that the ponds now illustrate well
all the stages of 'natural succession' from open water to woodland.
Water-cress, Reed Sweet-grass and many sedges thrive, the water is
full of aquatic creatures and Dragonflies hunt above in high summer.
Many birds drink and feed here including Coot, Moorhen and Kingfisher.
Woodland
Trees have grown up around the ponds to create a
swampy woodland. Willows thrive in these wet conditions and there are
several species here - the male trees have bright golden catkins, the
female trees greenish catkins. In midsummer, the tiny seeds are tufted
with white hairs. The woodland is being managed using traditional
methods. Some trees are 'coppiced' by cutting them at ground level,
while others are 'pollarded' by cutting at head height. This
stimulates vigorous straight growth allowing light to the woodland
floor encouraging plants to flower. Plants which thrive in this shady
wood include Ivy, Herb Robert, Male Fern and Common Horsetail. A line
of tall Italian Black Poplars blew down in the 1987 storm and native
Ash have been planted to replace thorn. Meanwhile the fallen timber
provides a home for insects which in turn support the many woodland
birds including tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and woodpeckers.
Wildflower Meadow
The meadow was sown by local school-children after
the 1987 storm and wildflowers such as white and yellow Oxeye Daisies
and purple Knapweed now provide a haze of colour throughout the
summer. Nectar from Fleabane and Teasel, with its large pink
flowerheads, attracts many insects including hoverflies and
butterflies particularly Peacock. In winter the Teasels' seedheads
feed parties of bright Goldfinches.
Blackdam is a Hampshire Wildlife Trust reserve.
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