With thanks to Chair of the Parish Council – Cllr Chris Cooper for this month’s update.

This month’s update from the Parish Council is all about the improvements to Pudbrook Path.  With some background as to why these are necessary and what the improvements are meant to deliver. 

Pudbrook Path

Pudbrook Path starts in the west in Pudbrook Meadow.  The start of the path is accessible via the kissing gate at the bottom of High Street Recreation Ground (head into the coppice).   The other end of the path is at the junction of Lovers Lane and the public right of way to Pudbrook Farm.   This is a magic ecosystem that used to host grazing cattle and is home to some rare fauna and flora.

Interpretation Boards

Residents and visitors can enjoy some new interpretation boards (due to be installed ready for Spring 2026).  These have been co-funded by Hamble Valley Rotary, Hampshire County Council (via a grant from Cllr Rupert Kyrle) and Eastleigh Borough Council, as well as Botley Parish Council.  Our deputy clerk Matthew Wanstall has been the project lead on this aspect. 

The boards are dotted along the path and follow a common theme and layout.  With each board detailing a particular aspect of Pudbrook.  We will see the same layout for all the new interpretation boards that are due to be placed across the parish in the future, (especially some new ones in Boorley Green). 

The purpose of these new interpretation boards is to improve public awareness of the special ecosystems we have in Botley.    With the bonus of bringing to the public’s attention where they are and how Pudbrook connects with the rest of Botley. 

New Path

Due to bank erosion and subsidence of the existing path, it is necessary to move the current path a little to the north.   These works are being undertaken by a specialist contractor in September.   

We have only one opportunity a year to complete this work, when the ground is dry enough for machinery access and the disturbance to the rhythms of the wildlife is at its lowest (i.e. not nesting season!). 

The new path project has been led by David Bastable our head groundsmen.  David has explained below why this project is necessary:

“The new path at Pudbrook has been rerouted because the old path and walkways were becoming unsafe for walking on.  The river is taking the bank away after each heavy rain fall.  Therefore, as a safety issue the council have moved the path up the bank away from the water’s edge.

The new path goes through the woodland and gives the walker more to look at then the old path did.  It is also wider and better underfoot as new gravel has been laid.

The council intend to plant bluebells along this path and into the woodland.

We would like to get a volunteer group up and running to help with the planting and upkeep of this lovey area.  Please contact the parish office or click on the link below if you would like to help.

Volunteer Opportunities – Botley Parish Council

David Senior groundsman

Another factor in protecting this ecological area is because of a wildlife survey undertaken by Hampshire & IoW Wildlife Trust. 

This report detailed a series of improvements required. In summary:

• Improved tree management of the area to remove self-seeded sycamores and ashes impacted by die back.
• Protect the riverbank from erosion – especially with access points for dogs to be formalised.
• Nurture the rare grasses in the meadow and reduce the encroachment of other common grasses. 
• Protect the orchids. 

Funding for the path improvements has been via developer contributions.   Which means local taxpayers are benefiting from some of the recent housing developments. 

Overall, the aim of the works is to maintain public access, whilst protecting the local ecosystem.   There are still a few finishing touches to be made for safety reasons but the path should be able to use in about a week, When completed the parish team would welcome your feedback. 

The work in progress

The completed path