With its rich history and thriving local businesses, the bustling town of Alresford welcomes visitors from far and wide. A major attraction is the chance to walk along the River Arle - a beautiful chalk stream that feeds into the famous River Itchen. From a streamside footpath, walkers can get a close look at this peaceful habitat and its charismatic wildlife species.

Until recently, the streamside walk hosted seven information boards along its length. Installed in 2000, these boards were dilapidated and contained some outdated details. They also focused primarily on the stream's built heritage, rather than exploring the natural world. But this was about to change, thanks to the efforts of several community members.

The Alresford Society is civic society that serves Alresford and the surrounding villages. It creates opportunities for local people to help protect their heritage and countryside, and to shape the future of their community. Knowing the popularity of the streamside walk, the Society wanted to highlight the history, heritage, and ecology that can be encountered along the way.

Seeking funding from several sources, the Alresford Society applied for a Community Grant from the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme, which has previously repaired part of the streamside footpath and helped to restore the town's Eel House. The scheme, and its Community Grants, are made possible by support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Alresford Society's grant application was successful, securing them £5,000 in funding for their project, which was titled 'The River Arle: History, Heritage, and Future'. The project concluded with the installation of eight new information boards in autumn 2023.

The boards begin in the town centre and run along the chalk stream, but they can be read in any order. They explain the purpose of built heritage gems like the Eel House and the Fulling Mill, and their significance to the town's history. They also show some of the stream's vibrant wildlife, and explain the value of overlooked habitats like wet woodland.

The result is a greatly enhanced walk that is both inspiring and educational. Visitors are able to discover the stream's unique qualities, learn about its amazing ecology, and appreciate its fascinating history. Perhaps most importantly, the boards urge locals and visitors alike to consider their own role in the future of this rare, precious, and threatened habitat.

Cherishing our chalk streams

Do you live near one of the Test or Itchen headwaters? Our Watercress and Winterbournes Community Grants could be the boost you need to get a project going! With up to £5,000 available, eligible parties include schools, charities, parish councils, and certain volunteer groups. The grant scheme closes permanently this November, so now is the perfect time to take action.

Learn about Community Grants

Learn about Watercress and Winterbournes