Herald - Issue 462

22nd August 2024 • The HERALD • Page 31 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v New Build, Extensions, Renovations and Roofing • All aspects of carpentry, brickwork and Roofing • All Roof repairs • Patios and Landscaping • Bathroom and Kitchen design and install Architectural Services with design, planning, technical and 3D offered in association with 023 8028 4420 info@blaydondev.co.uk info@newforestas.co.uk Gift Flowers for Same Day Delivery in Southampton • Birthday • Anniversary • New Baby • Romance • Congratulations • Get Well Soon • Florist Choice • Christmas • Valentines Day • Mothers Day • Funeral 3 Main Road, Marchwood SO40 4UZ 023 8066 3717 • 07769 902350 info@newforestflowers.co.uk www.newforestflowers.co.uk Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Quality Service Tel: 023 8194 0878 • Mobile: 07710 464093 Email: mark@markparsonsdecorating.co.uk Web: www.markparsonsdecorating.co.uk Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating Services Calling All Boat Users! Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has launched a survey to gather valuable insights from boaters regarding mooring and anchoring in the Solent. Boating practices can have a signi cant impact on the health of marine ecosystems. e Solent Boating Survey seeks to understand and build Learning in Libraries have a number of FREE courses starting at Hythe Library in September. Computers for Beginners Hythe Library starts on Monday 16th September, 2pm – 4pm, running weekly until 21st October. Numbers are limited on this course. Beginners Ukulele Hythe Library starts on Tuesday 17th September at 10am, running weekly until 10th December. is is a free course; some Ukuleles are available to hire. Sing your Way to Better Mental Health is running every Tuesday from 17th September to 10th December, 11.05am-12.05pm. To book your place on any of the above courses please visit: shop.hants.gov.uk/ collections/learningin-libraries/hythelibrary If you are unable to book any of the above courses online please call the learning team on: 023 9223 2957. a clearer picture of how boating can impact the Solent’s vital seagrass meadows. “We are passionate about helping people connect with nature, which includes our local seas.” said Emily Stroud, Senior Engagement O cer (Solent Seascape) at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. “Getting out on the waves in a boat is a great way to do this. However, traditional anchoring and mooring systems can cause damage to the Solent’s delicate seagrass meadows. The Solent Boating Survey is vital in helping us understand the mindsets and motivations regarding how boats are secured in and around these precious habitats. The views and actions of boaters will ultimately help guide us in developing conservation strategies, with boating communities that protects these important habitats whilst safeguarding community values.” Emily adds. e Trust is urging all boaters to participate in the survey and would like to hear from anyone who regularly takes to the water in the Solent, this includes on sail and motor yachts to dinghies, powerboats and RIBs, plus personal water cra s. e survey can be found on the www. hiwwt.org.uk/solent-boating-survey ere are several fantastic prizes up for grabs upon completion of the survey: an exclusive guided shore walk with a marine biologist for up to eight people, a year’s free membership to the Trust, and a £20 voucher for Fatface Foundation Store. e survey closes on 31st December. e survey guarantees anonymity, ensuring that the data collected remains con dential. ere is also the option to sign up to receive the results. e sheltered conditions of the Solent’s seagrass meadows provide a home for a wealth of wildlife, including rare stalked jelly sh and both of the UK’s native species of seahorse. e swaying leaves are also perfect nursery grounds for young at sh. Seagrasses also have a highly important role in tackling climate change. Seagrass plants and meadows have the potential to sequester and store huge amounts of carbon. Seagrass captures carbon at a rate 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, making them one of our most important natural solutions to the climate change crisis. e UK has lost approximately 90% of its seagrass meadows, half of which has been lost in the past three decades. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, in conjunction with the Solent Seascape Project and Solent Seagrass Restoration Project, works to restore seagrass habitats in the Solent to their historical levels. Seagrass © Theo Vickers NEW COURSES STARTING AT HYTHE LIBRARY Lymington and District Naturalist Society have eld walks taking place on 22nd August, 10am, at Longslade Bottom, meet at the car park. Followed on 5th September, 10am, at Pig Bush, meet at the car park. Non Members are welcome to join in the walks for £3 per walk. For more information visit: lymnats. org Lymington and District Naturalist Society Field Walks

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