IVEL WILDLIFE GROUP REPORT ON THE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATIONAL IMPORTANCE OF SAXON GATE, BIGGLESWADE
AND PROPOSALS FOR FUTURE MANAGEMENT
(Issue 2: June '99)

The following report is an interim statement prepared for the Biggleswade Town Council to highlight the importance of  'Saxon Gate' as an
educational and conservation area.

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Description of site
1. Site comprises an indoor swimming pool, car park, approach road and balancing pond. (See Figure 1)
2. Surrounded by areas of naturally regenerated scrub, rough grassland, and hedge.
3. Area of mown grass approx. 85m x 88m to north of swimming bath.

Balancing pond
1. Built to take surface run off.
2. Has developed into an attractive wildflower rich area with breeding moorhens, mallard, visiting heron etc.
3. Major amphibian breeding site especially for common toad.

Toad Lift
1. In March 1998 volunteers from Ivel Wildlife Group noted amphibians attempting to reach pond were getting trapped in drains and squashed on road.
2. Impromptu toad lift rescued nearly 1000 animals.
3. This year toad lift organised March 8 - April 6.
4. 26 volunteers (17 adults, 9 children).
5. 150+ volunteer hours recorded.
6. Publicity in local paper (Biggleswade Chronicle), Three Counties Radio and Anglia TV News.
7. 2211 amphibians rescued. Made possible a far more comprehensive mapping of migration routes and localisation of main areas of habitat.
8. Core group has continued work to present time, mostly rescuing animals from drains in new road.
9. Additional number of animals rescued to date (6 April-16 June): 804
l0. Additional volunteer hours recorded to date (6 April-18 June): 120

Continued:-