Hamble Estuary Partnership

Hamble Estuary Partnership was formed in 2003, but until 2006 was known as the River Hamble Estuary Management Plan Implementation Forum. The River Hamble Harbour Authority administers the Partnership through a sub-role of the Assistant Harbour Master (Environment), and meetings are chaired by Dr. Steve Fletcher of Bournemouth University.

The Hamble Estuary Partnership meets twice a year to discuss issues affecting the River Hamble and to monitor and facilitate progress of the actions outlined in the Estuary Management Plan 2003-2008 which was produced by the Partnership.
Estuary Management Plan 2.7mb pdf

Examples of recent work of the Partnership include:

Selected initiatives
These are issues that the Partnership have identified as likely to benefit from the co-ordinated approach of it’s members.

• Addressing runoff from the M27 road bridge
  The M27 motorway bridge, when constructed in the 1970s, was not fitted with runoff interceptors, therefore any surface liquids on the motorway drain directly into the river rather than being diverted into an alternative drainage or storage system. The ongoing impact of the M27 runoff on the river is somewhat uncertain; but elevated heavy metal concentrations have been noted in the mudflats under and adjacent to the bridge. However, it is the threat of a large-scale spill that most concerns the members of the partnership. On behalf of the Hamble Estuary Partnership, this issue was taken forward by the Environment Agency with the Highways Agency
• The future management of Bunny Meadows
  Bunny Meadows is an area of saltmarsh separated from the main river channel by a raised bank. Water is allowed to flow through the bank via culverts (locally known as ‘‘bunnies’’) on top of which runs a public footpath. The management challenge arises from erosion and overtopping of the raised bank and the potential changes to the ecology of the meadows and the viability (and safety) of the public footpath. Members of the partnership considered that a collective approach to the management of that area was needed. It was also recognised that limited information on the physical processes and management options was available. The partnership will contribute to the work being undertaken by the site’s owners to establish future management approaches to the site

Education Sub-Group

This has been established to coordinate the development of educational materials relating to the Hamble. Most recognisable are the interpretation boards that are now displayed at various points around the estuary. A website also is being developed with Southampton Solent University www.hamblevalley.org.uk which will bring together all the links for educational material relating to the River Hamble.

Student Research Fund
The programme for 2008 is open for applications.

Other Partnerships

The Solent Forum is a larger partnership of stakeholders across the wider Solent Area and has a very useful website with lots of information relating to the Solent at www.solentforum.org

For further details of the River Hamble Estuary Management Plan, information on specific research priorities, queries regarding application or anything else regarding the Fund please contact us.