Village Voice AUGSEPT 22

MCV
www.milfordconservation.org
The late Sandra Ebbett
A tribute from Keith Metcalf on behalf of MCV
“I was so sad to hear of the passing of Sandra Ebbetts as it seems like only yesterday that the then
Parish Clerk Jimmy Radford contacted Sandra in the 1980s following the devastation of the pine
wood at Sharvells Copse. Mr Radford thanked her for organising the clearance of the hundreds of
trees that had fallen in the 115mph ‘Great Storm’ of October 1997 and asked for help to replant
the woodland. From this Sandra, along with several other residents formed Milford’s first
environment group known as MEG (the Milford Environment Group) and Sandra remained its
chair for nearly two decades
I remember Sandra contacting me a couple of years back
as she was livid that due recognition had not been given to
MEG for the conservation work carried out by volunteers
over the 22 years that they had existed. Sandra was
passionate about making sure that all the people who had
worked so hard over that period were properly thanked for
their services.
Her drive and enthusiasm saw a number of major Milford
projects come to fruition, including the construction of
MEG Bridge and its associated boardwalk off Blackbush
Road and the creation of the village pond in the lower
Pleasure Grounds.
Under Sandra’s leadership MEG won several awards,
including the Hampshire Wildlife Trust’s Dutton prize for
conservation management and also received certificates
from New Forest District Council in recognition of MEG’s
outstanding voluntary contribution to local environment
work.
Sandra leading from the front
Also in recognition of the work that she and her
team masterminded, a tree was planted by the
Parish Council in her honour in her beloved
Sharvells Copse. However, her greatest
achievement and lasting legacy can be seen by
visiting Sharvells Copse which is now once more
wonderful mixed woodland.
Sandra in red on the right
Members of the Milford Conservation Volunteers
(MCV) who have carried on Sandra’s good work
send their heartfelt condolences to her family”.
Please mention The Village Voice when responding to adverts
53