Itchen Abbas residents to lose access to river, says Jackie Porter

For decades Cow Down near Itchen Abbas has been an area for villagers to use at their leisure.

But now the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust will be fencing it off for restoration work – meaning the locals will be shut out of their only access to the river. Diseased ash trees have already been lopped and branches placed in the river.

This has sparked anger and there is now a movement to register the area as a village green to win it back.

City councillor Jackie Porter told the Chronicle: “It is really disappointing that the landowners are fencing off the land which may result in muddy paths and as a result it is understood that we are all losing access to the river.

“People have enjoyed the countryside and in particular this spot for decades.

“Local residents have different views, but the vast majority are wanting to preserve the area so that the simple pleasures of the river and riverside are not lost: the squeal of delight as young children paddle with or without wellies, enjoying a picnic alongside the beautiful river and view, allowing the dog to go for a drink, flying kites, running races bat and birdwatching and watching cows in the water when they are grazed here.”

Nicholas Owen owns some of the land that is being fenced off, but said the work is out of his control.

“I do not own or have any rights over the river,” he said. “It would therefore be more sensible and useful for you to talk to someone directly involved with the river.”

He has been asked for his opinion on the controversial scheme, but no response has been received.

Richard Hunt and Andrew Impey are also registered as landowners.

Cllr Porter is continuing to ask residents for their views to see if they constitute enough evidence to register as a village green.

“I have been asking residents for their views and many have been offering to help in any way they can to save the landscape for the public to enjoy,” she said.

“Hopefully the owners will think again. This summer was unusual so many people took advantage of this unique spot. It felt like a little holiday if only for a few ministers or hours.”

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, which has recently applied for funding for more public access to the River Itchen, is in favour of fencing off the area.

A local doctor told Cllr Porter: “We all know how important green spaces are for our health – this spot has always been used, but it was so important for so many during lockdown.”

One dog walker, who asked not to be named, said: “It seems overkill to fence it off.”

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "This stretch of river is being improved by the Environment Agency as part of the Test and Itchen River Restoration Strategy. This is a long term project which aims to work collaboratively with land owners to improve their stretch of river for the benefit of wildlife.

Trees on the riverbank are being managed so that they are leaning in to the river. They will continue to grow, creating new and improved habitats for the benefit of many chalk stream species.

"This work has been approved by Natural England and involved consultation with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.”