Itchen Way footpath closed at Brambridge for vital bank repairs
26 January 2010
The footpath between Highbridge Road in Eastleigh and Kiln Lane to the north will be closed until spring whilst major repairs are carried out on the riverbank. A diversion route for walkers is signposted on site.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are tackling another stretch of the Itchen Navigation, to carry out long overdue repairs and maintenance to the river bank. Works are part of a five-year partnership project, which recognises the importance of the Itchen Navigation for wildlife and heritage, and will ensure that the waterway survives for many years to come.
In the Brambridge area, the River Itchen and the Itchen Navigation flow side by side, separated by a bank which in places is only a few feet wide. With two rivers there is double the opportunity for river wildlife, including salmon, kingfishers, bats and otters. Unfortunately the bank at Brambridge is also under double the pressure and is being gradually eroded from both sides. If nothing is done, sooner or later the river will breach the bank and the flow from the Navigation will drain into the main river with enormous consequences for wildlife, as well as local walkers and anglers.
Specialist river engineers will be stabilising this part of the Navigation, adding material to the bank to stop it from leaking and flooding, and putting plants along the edge of the bank to provide a better place for wildlife. Whilst the engineers are working on site, the footpath along the riverbank will need to be closed to the public, but an alternative walking route for people who want to continue walking the Itchen Way is sign posted on site. Walkers can check the project website for up-to-date information on footpath closures and maps of diversion routes (http://www.itchennavigation.org.uk/).
Local business Brambridge Garden Centre are helping with the project by allowing their grounds to be used as a base of operations for the works. They were pleased to be able to help out as many of their customers like to walk along the Navigation after a trip to the shop or restaurant.
Ali Morse, Itchen Navigation Project Manager for the Wildlife Trust, says: "This section of the Navigation is well used by the local community, so we apologise for the short-term disruption. Once works are complete, visitors will be able to enjoy walks along the improved footpath, and will see the stabilised riverbank and enhanced habitat which will ensure that wildlife thrives in the area for many years to come".
The project is made possible by support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Environment Agency and the area's Local Authorities. With 95% of the required funds pledged, efforts are underway to raise the remaining 5%, allowing works to improve the area for wildlife such as kingfisher, otter, water vole and Atlantic salmon to go ahead. Find out more about the ‘Kingfisher Appeal' at www.hwt.org.uk
Ends
Photo opportunity
The photo of Brambridge shows the current state of the bank - it is eroding from both sides and the condition of the footpath is very poor.
The Allbrook photo (credit Dennis Bright) shows what the project hopes to achieve - a good standard of footpath, stable bank and green plants along the water margin.
For additional images or to arrange photography, please contact:
Ali Morse, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Itchen Navigation Project Manager, on 01489 774415, email: AliM@hwt.org.uk; website: http://www.hwt.org.uk/
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact:
Ali Morse, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Itchen Navigation Project Manager, on 01489 774415, email: AliM@hwt.org.uk; website: http://www.hwt.org.uk/
Samantha G, Heritage Lottery Fund Press Office, on: 020 7591 6033, email: samanthag@hlf.org.uk; website: http://www.hlf.org.uk/
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust strives to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is the leading wildlife charity in the counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and is part of a nationwide network of 47 local charities. We work together to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in the UK. With the support of our 27, 000 members, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust is taking effective action to protect our natural heritage, helping it to flourish again. Find out more at http://www.hwt.org.uk/
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy. We have supported more than 15,000 projects, allocating over £3 billion across the UK.
