A fencing company is tackling a spike in rural wildlife crime seen during the pandemic.
UK-based Jacksons Fencing is to install rising arm barrier to provide pay-on-foot access control at Farmoor Reservoir in Oxfordshire.
It is a crucial component of the water system, a special habitat for wildlife, and a well-used fishing and sailing location.
The reservoir, the largest body of open water in the county, is owned and managed by a long-standing customer of Jacksons Fencing.
Like most of the reservoirs in the Thames Valley, it was not created by damming a valley.
There are three nature reserves on this site, together creating a popular destination for visitors who like taking excursions through the countryside.
It offers a variety of activities including sailing, fishing, and birdwatching. Visitors can also enjoy the waterside café, which offers amazing views.
Parking facilities are available on-site, and in order to prevent unauthorised vehicles and campers from staying at the nature reserve, a barrier was required.
Installing a barrier also enforced a parking charge, so that contributions can help maintain the reservoir and support the upkeep of the area.
Unfortunately, during the pandemic, there was a disturbing rise in reports of crime against wildlife and nature reserves.
Wildlife and Countryside Organisation report that these forms of crimes rose by between 35-90% in 2020.
The report found that more nature reserves are witnessing an increase in people attempting to break into sites on motorbikes, picking locks, climbing gates, and cutting fences, for example.
Read the Wildlife and Countryside Organisation report at www.wcl.org.uk
Nature experts and conservationists are calling for more action to prevent these incidents occurring. One way is by increasing security and installing barriers to prevent and control access.
After visiting, guests can pay at the provided machine which is user-friendly and can be used for cash and card payments, catering to all visitors.
If needed, there is the option to call a remote help centre if any assistance is required. The machine dispenses a card once paid which is used to exit the car park.
The barrier-controlled system has been installed for over a year and the customer is very pleased with its reliability and the fact that several problems of risk and security have been addressed.
Being able to provide safe, secure solutions that are reliable and sustainable is really important, and in doing so this installation has helped to protect and preserve the nature reserve.
Peter Jackson, Jacksons Fencing Managing Director, comments: “It was an honour to be specified for this vital project which aimed to secure and protect the popular nature reserve. Providing them with a robust access control solution allows the site to continue to be enjoyed by everyone for years to come.
“We hope the solutions we’ve installed will ensure that it continues to be a popular destination, and it can carry on being a crucial component of the water system for the area. Investing in long-lasting, high-quality products ensures these critical services are fit for purpose now and for years to come.”
Jacksons Fencing is a family business founded in 1947 in Kent.
It operates from Ashford, Bath and Chester and employs over 240 people in the design, manufacture and installation of timber and steel fencing, gates, environmental noise barriers, bollards, automation and access control systems.
According to its webiste, Jacksons states: “Jacksons believes that by designing and manufacturing products for a long service life and backing them with industry-leading guarantees not only offers customers lowest lifetime costs but also benefits the environment in which we live.
“Our experience and expertise in delivering large and complex perimeter security and access control projects has allowed us to develop bespoke solutions for our clients supported by our passion for delivering outstanding service and support.”