Woodland Trust voices concerns over proposed Havant Thicket reservoir site

Portsmouth Water is proposing to build a new reservoir near Havant Thicket to help ‘develop new water supplies in the water-stressed south east’.

The water company said 70 possible locations were initially considered but were not deemed suitable due to an unreliable water supply and that they ‘couldn’t be used without creating further environmental harm’.

However, while accepting the need for a reliable water supply, the Woodland Trust has strongly objected to the selected site.

Lead campaigner Jack Taylor said: ‘We understand the need for a reservoir and are not against the plans in principle, but such projects should not come at the expense of irreplaceable ancient habitat.

‘The Woodland Trust is the voice for trees and woods and we want our supporters to add their voice to ours and call on Portsmouth Water to find an alternative site for this reservoir.’

The Trust said the site, which includes part of Havant Thicket, Round Wood and Middle Clearing, is home to the Forest of Bere, an ancient woodland which dates back almost a thousand years to 1086.

Jack added: ‘It’s one of our rarest habitats and has lain undisturbed for centuries, evolving into a delicate eco-system capable of supporting thousands of species of birds, mammals, invertebrates, lichens, mosses, flowers and plants.

‘Some species rely on ancient woodland survival for their very existence. At this time of climate and nature emergency we should be protecting this habitat, not destroying it.’

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After narrowing the choice down to five potential locations, Portsmouth Water said it identified the Havant Thicket site as the best location after considering environmental, social, economic, and engineering criteria.

Environmental lead on the project, Simon Hughes, said: ‘The reservoir will allow a reduction in the amount of water taken from the Test and Itchen, which are special, rare and unique habitats and home to many species.

‘The reservoir will deliver considerable benefits to the environment and for local communities, as well as a much-needed new water source for the South East, most of which is under serious water stress and faces increasing pressure from climate change.’

While the development would involve the removal of the woodland, Simon stressed the new reservoir would also create new wetland habitat.

Portsmouth Water have also pledged to ‘replanting and improving at least 110 hectares of woodland over the next 15 years’.

The proposed site is currently under public consultation until June 8. Click here to voice your opinion.

The Woodland Trust is also hosting its own public campaign page and has already received 358 objections.

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