Natural habitats to be protected after Portsmouth and Hampshire councils receive funding boost

By Toby Paine
Published 8th Aug 2024, 13:21 BST
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A group of councils in South Hampshire has received funding to buy land to protect natural habitats and reduce harmful farming practices.

Plans to cut down on damaging farming activities and protect natural areas in south Hampshire are moving forward with a £9.6m grant from the government. This money will help create new wetlands and nature reserves to support sustainable development.

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The Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH), which includes local councils and partners focused on sustainable growth, approved the proposals. Cllr Keith House, chair of PfSH, said: “The plans build on our previous work to address serious environmental issues without preventing opportunities for sustainable development. I’m delighted we’re moving forward, there is a clear focus on projects that will give a real benefit to our local environment, create wonderful natural spaces and enable the growth our area needs.”

Natural habitats are expected to receive more protection after south Hampshire councils receive a funding boost. Pictured is Bramshill Park, a series of early 17th to early 18th century formal walled gardens, terraces and avenues set in a park surrounding a Jacobean House that was used as a Police Training College until 2015, Bramshill, Hampshire, 2018.Natural habitats are expected to receive more protection after south Hampshire councils receive a funding boost. Pictured is Bramshill Park, a series of early 17th to early 18th century formal walled gardens, terraces and avenues set in a park surrounding a Jacobean House that was used as a Police Training College until 2015, Bramshill, Hampshire, 2018.
Natural habitats are expected to receive more protection after south Hampshire councils receive a funding boost. Pictured is Bramshill Park, a series of early 17th to early 18th century formal walled gardens, terraces and avenues set in a park surrounding a Jacobean House that was used as a Police Training College until 2015, Bramshill, Hampshire, 2018. | Heritage Images via Getty Images

The funding was awarded in spring 2024 by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund to help protect the local environment. Nutrient mitigation means keeping nitrate and phosphate levels in water balanced, so human activities don’t add more than nature can handle, preventing water pollution and protecting ecosystems.

The specific sites will be announced after the land purchases are completed, and local councils will carry out individual projects. When the funding was granted, former housing minister Lee Rowley said: “In areas affected by nutrient neutrality we have seen too many homes stuck in the planning system. Our Local Nutrient Mitigation Funding will help unlock new housing and development in catchment areas like South Hampshire, supporting councils to build more homes that local communities want and need.”

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PfSH partners include Eastleigh Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council, Fareham Borough Council, Gosport Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Havant Borough Council, New Forest District Council, New Forest National Park, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Winchester City Council and the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

Related topics:Hampshire County CouncilHavant Borough CouncilPortsmouth City CouncilNature reservesNatureFarming

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