PEOPLE are being invited to return wildflowers to Headley Down this weekend.

The Headley Down Nature Reserve Trust is hosting a wildflower seed-sowing day from 11am tomorrow. Guests should meet by the bench at the end of the main nature-reserve path and can park at Woodlands Hall, on Larch Road.

Angela Jackson, chairman of the Reserve Trust, explained how the land had developed over the years. “The two-acre site of the nature reserve lies between the recreation ground on the Heatherlands Estate and the Land of Nod (stately home),” she said.

“The land, owned by East Hampshire District Council, had become overgrown and largely inaccessible since it ceased to be used as a landfill site in the 1970s. By 2015, it was being increasingly used for fly-tipping, and littering was an ongoing problem.

“A grassroots movement began among residents to create a nature reserve, taking advantage of the mature trees and valuable wildlife habitat in existence, while also improving accessibility for the benefit of the public.

“The aim was to encourage local ownership of the project to reduce the level of anti-social behaviour and offer a pleasant location for walking and use by children’s groups and others.

“At first we worked with the district council and the Headley Down Community Association charity to apply for funding. We were awarded a grant by Radian (housing group) to have a development-and-management plan drawn up by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

“This plan enabled us to secure a large grant from the SITA Landfill Trust to begin phase one of the project. This work has been completed - a new main path suitable for wheelchairs and baby buggies has been installed; new fencing and native hedging planted and certain areas cleared.

“When the Headley Down Community Association ceased to function, our group decided to become officially constituted as a charity in our own right (happened in 2016).

“A lease agreement was set up between the district council and the trustees of the Reserve Trust so that we could take over the further development and management of the nature reserve. Various projects have been undertaken since then.”