World of Water at Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve

Test Valley Borough Council have granted planning permission for the creation of a ‘nature campus’ development on the old World of Water site near Romsey, adjacent to the Trust’s Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve. The state-of-the-art facilities and landscaping of the 4.2-acre site, will provide visitor, work and hospitality spaces as well as enhanced access to the adjacent 170-acre Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve. 

The Trust has been working with the lead consultants, ep projects, and impact Investors, Azure One, to ensure that the development improves the area for wildlife and offers opportunities for those living, working or visiting Romsey and the Test Valley to enjoy and connect with nature. In addition to managing the nature reserve, the Trust will have a presence on the site and plans to have visitor facilities and office space as well as a spectacular 3-story accessible viewing tower and raised walkway to allow visitors to view the amazing wetlands and wildlife of Fishlake Meadows.  

A magical wetland world 

A wonderful example of ‘rewilding’ at a local level, over the past two years this former arable farm has transformed into a rich wildlife haven. The site was secured as a nature reserve through successful negotiation and partnership working between the Trust, Test Valley Borough Council and the former landowner.  It is an easily accessible location close to a growing town where people can get very close to truly inspiring wildlife, including hunting ospreys, elusive bittern, playful otters and starling murmurations of up to 80,000 birds.   

The Trust is fundraising for an awe-inspiring accessible viewing tower and a raised walkway to bring visitors into the watery, atmospheric heart of the wetland. The tower will provide panoramic views of the reserve’s stunning wildlife, making it the ultimate destination for nature lovers. The 100m timber walkway and 3-storey viewing tower will provide an inspiring, immersive wildlife experience, allowing exceptional access to a magical wetland world. 

Building with Nature 

Expected to bring up to 150 jobs to the area, the site will feature an on-site café, retail space and educational facilities, as well as flexible workspaces. It also aims to be a leading example of how redevelopment can be both sympathetic to the environment and deliver real value for local people. 

The Trust is working with the project team to ensure that the development is built to the highest ‘Building with Nature’ accreditation standards. The buildings will follow Net Zero Carbon status standards and feature extensive use of locally sourced materials. They will also be naturally ventilated and illuminated with minimal energy use. This approach, also known as biophilic design, ensures that the building integrates seamlessly into the natural surroundings and creates a healthy environment. The development seeks to be  the first ‘Building with Nature’ accredited development in Hampshire and will be a fantastic example of what can be achieved and replicated elsewhere if the local and political will is there. We hope that this project will inspire developers and local authorities to take action to create and protect similar places.  

The Trust’s Arcadian consultancy and Winchester-based landscape architects, Strata Design are working with ep projects on the re-wilding of the site to echo the adjacent Nature reserve and encourage biodiversity and to ensure that the site is net-positive for wildlife. Native planting will be complimented with wildflower roofing and living walls to the buildings. Construction is planned to start in Autumn 2021 and the new nature campus plans to open by the end of 2022. 

Gary Wilburn, MD, ep projects: “We would like to thank the community, societies and councillors, as well our partners for their continued support to see the project come to fruition. The scheme aims to set new standards for sustainable construction, and as such it has required everyone to support a vision to do things differently, do things better, a challenge they have risen to fantastically. We look forward to working with the community, our partners and all stakeholders to deliver all-round positive impact and a long-lasting legacy for the site”. 

Debbie Tann, CEO of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust comments: “This disused site sits next to our nature reserve, Fishlake Meadows – a wonderful wildlife haven on the edge of Romsey. There is a real opportunity to bring nature to the fore here and we are happy to be working with the ep projects team to help ensure that the development is sensitive to the special wildlife of our nature reserve and delivers genuine benefits for both wildlife and local people”.