Alver Valley to be a Country Park

Alver Valleyto be a Country Park

The Environment Agency is today kicking off the first stage of on-site work to the Alver Valley to realise Gosport Borough Council’s aims of turning it into a country park.

Working in partnership, the Environment Agency and Gosport Borough Council with support from land owners are working together to bring the Alver Valley back into beneficial use and provide a better place for the local community and native wildlife.

The Environment Agency is doing groundwater flow, land use, water quality and habitat studies on the 220 hectare site to ensure that the development work that is done enhances and protects the environment. These studies will enable Gosport Borough Council to prepare the land so it is ready for a range of public activities including walking, fishing, horse riding, cycling and other recreational use.

The first phase of the development starts today. The Environment Agency has commissioned consultants that will be working on-site to install groundwater monitoring boreholes. These will be used to examine ground and surface water. Once the monitoring is complete the Environment Agency will make recommendations to Gosport Borough Council to facilitate a phased development of the site as an amenity for residents of Gosport and its surrounding areas.

Suzanne Fewings, Environment Management Team Leader for Hampshire and The Isle of Wight, said:

“This is one of our key projects designed to deliver real environmental benefits to people and the environment.”

“The habitat and wildlife of this site is rich and diverse and there are real opportunities to improve it. We want to create a space for all local people to enjoy which will provide recreational and educational experiences in the natural environment.”

Councillor Dennis Wright, Chairman of the Community & Environment Board at Gosport Borough Council, said:

“We aim to make the Alver Valley a green lung between Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent where both local people and visitors can enjoy a range of countryside activities within an urban setting,