Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust can confirm it has submitted a proposal for the future management of Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve.
Over the past six months, the Trust has invested considerable time and resources conducting thorough due diligence before finalising our new vision for the site ahead of the Hampshire County Council deadline on June 13, 2023.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many people who have supported and contributed towards this work to date – including our members, project donors, survey respondents, Titchfield Haven Community Hub and the wider local community.
Debbie Tann, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “We are pleased to have submitted a proposal which is progressive, visionary, and meets the County Council’s key criteria of long-term financial and environmental sustainability at Titchfield Haven – as well as improving outcomes for both wildlife and people.
“Our vision creates an exciting opportunity to develop an innovative partnership between the Trust and the County Council, together with the local community and other key stakeholders.”
After carrying out in-depth financial forecasting and modelling, the Trust concluded that the initial options we had explored were not viable. The Trust does not wish to take over Haven House but having worked closely with the newly-formed Titchfield Haven Community Hub, we could support their plans to take over the building as part of our new proposal.
Debbie Tann added: “We have a duty to our members and supporters to ensure sound long-term financial planning and after much evaluation, we concluded that the initial options we had explored were not viable for the Trust, both from a financial and environmental perspective.
“Our alternative proposal is based on developing a new vision for Titchfield Haven and the lower Meon Valley with a view to achieving environmental sustainability, climate resilience and positive wildlife outcomes.
“The proposal maximises opportunities against the County Council’s original assessment criteria and meets the long-term necessity to adapt to climate change.
“Our proposal requires further work, consultation and consideration so we are very keen to work in partnership with the County Council and all other stakeholders to realise what we see as a positive, exciting and bold vision for the future of this much-loved area.”
