v EMAIL: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v 8th January 2026 • The HERALD • Page 49 ANIMAL MAGIC Victoria: 07503 813594 Daniel: 07584 534818 SELF SERVICE DOG WASH Open 7 days a week 189 Long Lane, SO45 2PA Forestsidegrooming.co.uk New Eel Pass Reconnects Vital Habitat In New Forest A new eel pass has been created in the New Forest to help one of the UK’s most enigmatic and endangered species. e work, carried out by Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT), has transformed what was previously an impassable ditch into a vital migration route for eels and other aquatic life. e eel pass, which is on an estate in the east of the Forest, consists of two, six-metre long pipes under an access track, creating a safe pathway for young eels (elvers) to move upstream. It also better supports varying ows of water and is less prone to becoming clogged up with leaves or sediment. e pipes have been modi ed with a resin and shingle lining to provide enough grip to allow elvers to wriggle their way upstream to safer and more suitable habitats. e area where the pass lies previously experienced erosion, leading to water spilling over and sediment entering the stream which caused di culties for sh, invertebrates and aquatic plants. However, the transformation means the site now forms a small but crucial part of the wider habitat network needed to support eels. ese remarkable creatures travel thousands of miles every year from the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean to UK rivers and streams but barriers like weirs, culverts and disconnection from oodplains can make their journey impossible. e track above the pass is also more suitable for vehicles, thus ensuring the site as a whole can be better maintained as and when required. e work carried out by FHT is part of the New Forest National Park Authority-led Species Survival Fund (SSF) project, which is aiming to halt species decline and expand habitats for species across the Forest and beyond its boundary. As well as the eel pass, other FHT projects undertaken under SSF on the site have included restoring wetland and heathland areas to help connect and expand species’ habitats. One of the key aims of the £1.3million SSF project is to restore freshwater connectivity and improve breeding and feeding conditions for priority species around the New Forest. Ponds have been created, streams restored and advice given to landowners by FHT to help protect, improve and expand the freshwater landscape and meet climate change pressures among other measures. FHT is working alongside Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), Wild New Forest, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association for the project to boost nature recovery around the New Forest. e project is funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund. e fund was developed by Defra and Eel pass created by Freshwater Habitats Trust as part of the Species Survival Fund project on a site in the east of the New Forest (Credit: New Forest National Park Authority) its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by e National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. Fresh Start for You and Your Dog: Why January Is The Perfect Time To Swing By Our Self Service Dog Wash from Forestside Grooming January is all about new beginnings - and that includes keeping your four legged friend fresh, clean and comfortable a er those chilly winter adventures. Whether it’s a bracing beach run or a muddy stomp through the forest, nothing beats giving your dog a warm, luxurious bath without the mess at home. Our self-service dog wash is designed to make winter grooming e ortless. Situated in Long Lane, Holbury, there is easy access and plenty of parking allowing you to pull up, pop in and have your dog sparkling in no time. Choose from a range of luxury shampoos to ensure your pup gets the pampering they deserve. No more mud down the hallway, no more back breaking bending over the bath, just a clean happy dog - and a stress free start to the year. Treat your pup (and yourself) to a warm wash this January. ey’ll love it and so will you! Forestside Grooming can be found at 189 Long Lane, Holbury, SO45 2PA, for more information visit: www. forestsidegrooming. co.uk THANK YOU AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BARRY’S FARM A big thank you for all the recent donations to Barry’s Farm, £155 was transferred to the Farm’s Mole Valley account just before Christmas, to go towards food and supplies for the animals. If you would like to make a cash donation to help with the upkeep of the animals, you can pop it in the pot in e Herald o ce. Alternatively online donations can be made via the GoFundMe page: www.gofundme. com/f/barry-the-farmer-frost-lane Cards featuring the animals at Barry’s Farm, past and present, by local artist Christine Jones, are on sale in e Herald o ce, £2 cash, with proceeds from the sales going to the Farm. Introduction to Beekeeping Course Southampton & District Beekeepers Association are running an Introduction to Beekeeping Course, starting on Wednesday 18th February at 7.30pm. e course includes 6 theory sessions conducted via zoom, hands on training at the Association Apiary and support from a bee buddy during your rst year of beekeeping. For further information visit: www. southamptonbeekeepers.co.uk/ beginners-courses
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