Hersey Nature Reserve

The realignment and stabilisation of a seawall adjacent to the Solent and Southampton Water Special Protection Area (SPA) involved the loss of an area of the SPA. 

ECOSA carried out all the ecology surveys and the Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) for the planning application.  We recommended the improvement of an area of adjacent saltmarsh and saline lagoon, which had been under threat of development into a golf course, and the Hersey Nature Reserve was created as mitigation for the loss of valuable habitat in the SPA.

ECOSA implemented all management of the site including mechanical re-grading of lagoon margins, creation of new ditch systems, the installation of weirs to regulate flow and reed bed management.  In addition, we oversaw the installation of visitor access (including disabled access) and the erection of the very popular public bird hide.

ECOSA also devised a ten year management plan and are currently involved with annual monitoring and management of the site on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council.  The reserve includes ideal habitat for wading birds and wildfowl and now forms part of the Ryde Sands and Wootton Creek SSSI.