Wildlife Trust shows MP plans for key project

2.57.54pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 11th Jul 2006

Trust staff briefed Chris on the current development pressures on Eastleigh

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne was given a tour of the Itchen Navigation - one of Hampshire's showcase heritage projects - this week by project managers the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Trust conservation head Debbie Wicks was among several senior executives to show Chris the plans to conserve the Itchen Navigation, the waterway used to transport freight to and from Winchester before the railways, now in a dangerous state of disrepair.

Some of the remains of the old locks are to be found between Eastleigh and Bishopstoke, and the plan is to ensure that the banks of the Navigation are restored so that they do not collapse, whilst at the same time enhancing wildlife habitats and improving access. Debbie Wicks pointed out where tree root growth was destroying the Navigation's walls.

As Lib Dem Environment Spokesperson, Chris was also briefed on national issues by The Wildlife Trusts.

The Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail project is a £2 ¼ million scheme to preserve the 300 year old waterway for the next century, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and is being managed by the Trust on behalf of a wide partnership including Eastleigh Borough Council and the Environment Agency. It will renovate the Navigation for wildlife and for people to enjoy.

It is one of the many projects the Wildlife Trust is delivering across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, working to create a better future for wildlife and wild places.

Trust staff briefed Chris on local and national environmental issues, including the current development pressures on Eastleigh and the surrounding area.

Chris commented: "The Itchen Navigation project is particularly exciting as it opens up the possibility of a marvellous recreational and leisure resource for Eastleigh and Bishopstoke. The lower Itchen is a jewel among rivers, with lovely clear water that still attracts Atlantic salmon to spawn every year. We need to value and protect it and its heritage far more".

Rob Stoneman, Chief Executive of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust added, "In an era of climate change and housing growth, national government has to take a lead in ensuring places like Eastleigh maintain the quality of life that make them special, and improve conditions for wildlife for us all to enjoy, keeping Eastleigh as an attractive place to live in and invest in. This requires leadership and vision, and we look to our MPs for this."

Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts said: "Given Chris's role as environment spokesperson, we were delighted to brief about national issues and highlight their local relevance. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's excellent work in standing up for wildlife and helping it thrive is replicated by Wildlife Trusts all over the UK."

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Picture: Chris Huhne MP with Debbie Wicks, Head of Conservation (North & Rivers) and Rob Stoneman, Chief Executive of the Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust at the Itchen Navigation