Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) is very disappointed to note the recommendation to reject our proposal for the future management of Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve.

Hampshire County Council (HCC) has completed its assessment of our proposal and the recommendation is to decline our plans when HCC holds its Decision Day meeting on July 31.

We still strongly believe that our proposal provides HCC with a great opportunity to work with the Trust to develop an exciting, viable, long-term sustainable vision for this much-loved area.

Our ideas would offer the best possible outcomes for nature and local communities as well as helping to combat wider environmental challenges like pollution in the Solent, while also adapting to climate change.

HIWWT Chief Executive, Debbie Tann, said: “We are naturally disappointed by this decision and also not to have been given the chance to have any further dialogue with HCC to help inform the decision-making process.

“We know that the ideas in our proposal have strong support from the local community and colleagues across the sector, and it is frustrating not to be able to progress with the plans after so much time, hard work and due diligence went into this work.

“The Officers’ report also recommended that HCC develops a stronger working relationship with the Trust for the benefit of future land management and nature recovery. As experts with a proven track record in this area, we would welcome this opportunity and encourage HCC to engage in positive discussions with us as soon as possible.”

Debbie Tann added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate our sincere thanks for the incredible support we received as part of developing the proposal – from Trust members, supporters, survey respondents, donors and the local community. We will continue our work to support nature and wildlife in this much-loved area, and we hope there is still an opportunity to achieve something transformative in the lower Meon Valley in the future.”