Communities and Local Government
A selection of images representing communities.
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- Thames Gateway and the Olympics
- Thames Gateway: Area overview and development
- Thames Gateway: South Essex
- Basildon
- Case study: Dunton Ponds Nature Reserve
Case study: Dunton Ponds Nature Reserve
Dunton Ponds is situated to the south west of Basildon New Town, between A13 and A127. The 16 hectares site provides an open space for communities at Great Berry, Southfields and Langdon Hills and adjoins the Essex Wildlife Trust's Langdon Nature Reserve. 
The site has suffered from a lack of investment in the past which has led to a decline in the environment. Lack of site management has allowed anti social behaviour such as vandalism, motor bike scrambling, littering and illegal fishing to blight the area. This has created a hostile and unwelcoming environment and as a result the site is failing to meet its potential as a recreation and greenspace resource for people and wildlife.
Over £1m of Communities and Local Government funding is being used by the Land Restoration Trust (with partners) to create, improve and enhance new and existing greenspace. The Trust will be responsible for:
- habitat management and restoration
- improved access network of paths and bridleway
- enhancements to balancing pond and the creation of a recreational fishery education activities and school visits
- opportunity to establish volunteer and user groups
