Wichelsowe includes acres of open space which provide opportunities for residents to enjoy the local environment and habitats for the local wildlife.
As Middle and West Wichel develops the surrounding open spaces will be improved with new footpaths, cycleways and habitats to encourage wildlife. As work in these areas is completed the Estate Management Company will take responsibility for maintaining the areas. In East Wichel areas will generally be handed over to the local Parish Council for maintenance.
Estate Management Company
The management of open spaces and communal areas in Middle and West Wichel will be overseen by an Estate Management Company.
As development progresses areas of land will be handed over to the Management Company who have appointed FirstPort to manage the land on its behalf.
An introduction from Firstport:
“FirstPort are delighted to be the managing agents appointed to manage the shared spaces and communal facilities in Middle and West Wichel.
As part of the UK’s largest property management firm with more than four decades of experience, FirstPort understand what it takes to manage developments, including Wichelstowe, successfully.
Happy customers, in a well-maintained, attractive and compliant development with a residential property management programme that clearly demonstrates value for money is the foundation of what FirstPort do, alongside delivering thriving vibrant communities where you love to live.
FirstPort are committed to the highest property management and customer service standards.
You can find out more about FirstPort here:
We look forward to meeting with you soon.”
For more information on FirstPort’s role at Wichelstowe, please click here.
More information on electric vehicle charging points can be found here.
The open space areas will include:
Footways and Cycleways
A network of trails will be developed providing routes which are perfect for walking and running throughout the year. The towpath along the canal will form a key route linking the areas of development together and a boardwalk will provide a link through the central green spine.
Within the developed area, two Green Street will provide footpath links east/west through the area of West Wichel known as The Orchards and many streets will include formal tree planting providing attractive routes throughout the site.
Tree Planting
Thousands of new trees and shrubs will be planted within the open spaces providing homes for birds and bats and replacing hedgerows which have been impacted by development. Where possible existing areas of trees and hedgerow have also been retained and brought into management. Our dashboard on the Discover page keeps track of how many trees have been planted in Middle and West Wichel to date.
Attenuation Ponds
A key feature of the open spaces are the large attenuation ponds, lakes and swales which form part of the developments drainage strategy. This sustainable approach to drainage improves water quality and ensures water is managed in high rainfall events. They also provide great habitats for local wildlife.
Wildlife Ponds & Hibernacula
In addition to the attenuation ponds a number of ponds designed specifically for wildife have also been enhanced or created. These provide critical habitat for the sites population of Great Crested Newts as well as other newts, toad and water loving animals. When a new pond is created it is accompanied by a hibernacula which is created with piles of logs and soil providing opportunities for all sorts of creatures to hide away.
Grassland and Wildflower Meadow
Much of the green space around Wichelstowe has been designated as wildlife habitat and you will therefore see a mix of wildflowers and longer grasses which are cut on an infrequent basis. This natural approach may look a little less tidy but we think the benefits to wildlife are worth it!
Allotments
Two sites have been allocated for the provision of allotments and these will become available as development progresses
Play Areas
A number of equipped play spaces will be constructed around the site and these will be complemented by informal areas of play alongside the trails through the open space areas.
