Meon Valley Partnership
The Meon Valley Partnership was formed to provide a coordinated approach to conservation along the River Meon and its valley. Current partners are South Downs National park Authority, Environment Agency, Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust , Natural England, Winchester City Council, and Portsmouth Water.
The partnership works with local people and businesses, other organisations and specialist groups to maintain and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of this nationally important chalk river. This is schieved by providing advice on land and river management, undertaking research, education, influencing others and supporting sustainable activities within the river valley.
Click for more information on the Partnership and its Activites, or read about the work of the Partnership in the Meon Valley News - ‘The local newspaper for the heart of the Meon Valley and surrounding areas'
Read the latest Meon Valley Partnership newsletter 
Dragonflies and damselflies including Beautiful Demoiselle were spotted along the river this summer. If you have your own photos of the Meon Valley which you would like to share, please email them to feedback@hwt.org.uk and they may be used in the next newsletter or on the website.
Where is the Meon Valley?
The Meon Valley is situated in east Hampshire (click on map to enlarge). The River Meon rises 2.5 miles south of East Meon, flows west to West Meon and then south through Warnford, Meonstoke, Droxford, Wickham and down to Titchfield. From here it flows south to the Solent at Hill Head. The river is designated at a county level as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
River Meon
The River Meon is a chalk river and its valley supports a mosaic of valuable wildlife habitats including an extensive reedbed system at Titchfield Haven, semi-natural ancient beech woodland at Chappetts Copse and the river itself which supports important species such as water crowfoot, brown trout, kingfishers and otters.
The river has been identified by the Chalk Stream BAP Steering Group as a ‘Cinderella Chalk Stream'. This recognises that it is potentially as valuable for wildlife as the neighbouring Test and Itchen Rivers yet is much less well known and does not have the same statutory protection afforded by SSSI status.
Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve has international recognition for its value for wildlife through its designation as a Ramsar site. The whole of the river has received protection as a SINC and as a chalk river; it is a priority habitat under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. There are also a number of sites within the valley designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under national nature conservation legislation. All of these protected sites and the land between them form an important network of habitats which are vital for many species.
Unfortunately, over time, some habitats have become fragmented and degraded by pressures such as housing and road development, intensive agriculture, land drainage, abstraction, pollution and the impact of non-native species such as the American mink. Some species such as the nationally endangered water vole and native crayfish are thought to have completely disappeared from the valley.
How you can help
We need your knowledge! There is limited information about the wildlife which lives in the Meon Valley and we would love to hear about the animals and plants which you see when you are out and about. You can send your records to feedback@hwt.org.uk.
Things to do
If you are looking for something to do in south Hampshire, the Meon Valley offers a wide range of activities. If you are interested in walking, cycling or horse riding, the network of footpaths, bridleways and lanes will take you through some of south Hampshire's most beautiful countryside. There is a length of the South Downs Way which picks its' way through the north of the valley, over open chalk downland and through historic villages. The OS Leisure Map 119 can help you find your way around the valley. For more details of attractions and walks in the Meon Valley click here.
If you would like to find out more about the partnership, or get involved, please contact Jonathan Bills on 02392 598216 or jonathan.bills@southdowns.gov.uk
