We have enjoyed over a decade healing Kintbury Chase. From a darkened wood focused on pheasant shooting, we have improved access, thinned out the canopy to let in the light and seen the reemergence of flora and fauna in peaceful harmony. The meadows have also been transformed, from intensive grazing to a rich array of wildflowers and scrubland that now hums with life. Thousands of trees and hedging have been planted, ponds installed and repaired, wildflowers seeded and chalk scrapes created. This improved habitat management has led to the proliferation of existing species as well as the welcome arrival of new ones. Along the way we have uncovered evidence of those who have been here before us, from stone age tools to local ironworks and medieval artifacts.
The Eco Centre is intended to be a research base for the study and enhancement of the flora and fauna found on site, with a particular focus on butterflies and moths. The education and exhibition spaces, as well as the website, are intended to benefit special interest groups and researchers, schoolchildren and other visitors such and scouts and guides. We hope to share with them all that nature has to offer, along with a flavour of history and archaeology.
