Havant Thicket Reservoir: More than 3,000 new trees to be planted to make 'special' memorial woodland next to proposed reservoir

The scheme, part of the £100m Havant Thicket Reservoir project, is being pioneered by Portsmouth Water and Havant Borough Council.

Destined for space off Swanmore Road, Warren Park, it will give walkers a place of quiet reflection to remember lost loved ones.

Meanwhile the trees will give creatures at the beauty spot a huge new habitat linking several areas of woodland.

As a result, birds and mammals, including dormice and bats, will be able to travel and feed more easily.

The woodland is the brainchild of Hart Plain councillor and Havant deputy mayor Prad Bains.

‘The planting of the memorial woodland offers a peaceful place, accessible to all, that enhances local biodiversity and wildlife,' he said.

‘Importantly, we want the woodland to be a further way of commemorating those who served in the two World Wars and other conflicts and we are developing a plan around this.

‘This includes an educational aspect – teaching young people about our area’s connection to the armed forces and their service for our country. ‘It’s a real privilege to have seen this project literally grow and I can’t wait for everyone to be able to enjoy this pocket of beauty in Havant.’

A host of different tree species will be planted to make up the woodland, including 100 which are already three metres high.

Each will eventually be protected by deer fencing.

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Tracey Viney, an environment and biodiversity specialist at Portsmouth Water, said the woodland would be a ‘really special place' for residents.

She added: ‘As part of our Havant Thicket Reservoir scheme, the new woodland will provide an improved space in which to enjoy nature and take the time to think and remember loved ones and others.

‘It will also be a real boost for the local environment, with Natural England and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust both supportive of our plans.’

Soil samples are currently being analysed as part of the initial investigations into the reservoir.