Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions about the Itchen Navigation: the wildlife, the history and the heritage trail project.
1. What is a ‘Navigation’?
A Navigation is a modified river (a canal is made completely from artificial cuts).
2. Why does the Itchen Navigation exist?
The Navigation was built to allow transport of cargo on barges between Winchester and Southampton and was also economically important for irrigating the extensive water meadow system along the valley floor. The Navigation was completed in 1710 and was used until 1869 when the London to Southampton railway was constructed. The Navigation is no longer used for boating, except for canoeing at Woodmill in Southampton and rowing at Winchester College.
3. Why is the project needed?
Since use of the Navigation ceased in 1869, it has fallen into disrepair and both the physical structures and wildlife habitats are in need of sympathetic conservation works to restore them to favourable condition. The project will ensure that the Navigation survives for the benefit of future generations.
4. Will trees be cut down?
Some of the banks of the Navigation have become overgrown, destabilising them and over shading parts of the channel. Some trees will be removed to allow engineering works to be carried out to repair banks and to encourage channel vegetation growth which is an important feature of the habitat.
5. Are there otters on the Navigation?
Otters have been recorded in our surveys of the Navigation. They can have territories spreading over 40km of waterways and it is likely that they use the entire length of the Navigation.
6. Will I see a water vole on the Navigation?
There are water voles living on the Navigation. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of one swimming in the water or nibbling vegetation on the bank. Listen out for the ‘plop’ of a water vole entering the water.
7. What other wildlife will I see?
Look out for wildlife on the wing such as butterflies, dragonflies and bats. A variety of birds are found living around and in the water including, kingfisher, little grebe, coot, moorhen, mute swan, grey wagtail, pied wagtail, warblers and reed bunting. Where the water is clear you may spot fish such as brown trout, Atlantic salmon, grayling and pike. If you would like to learn more about wildlife, the Trust runs various courses throughout the year.
Download a pdf of the FAQ's here.
