Moat improvement work
– a love story in the making ❤️
Our long‑term work to improve water quality in the adjacent Hilsea Lines moat is almost complete, and our wonderful floating excavator is now hard at work in the most western moat near London Road – you might even have spotted it gliding around like a very dedicated (and slightly muddy) Valentine.
Early results are already showing promise: recent salinity measurements have started to drop, a sign that the system is responding to the improvements. While it may take a few years before we see a real transformation in water clarity, the early indicators are encouraging. A slow‑burn love story between engineering and nature.
The carefully relocated reedbeds are also beginning to settle, beautifully shaping the moat to echo the historic outline of Hilsea Lines. These reedbeds will play a key role in supporting cleaner water, healthier habitats, and a more vibrant ecosystem for years to come.
Find out more about the restoration and why this hidden gem deserves all our love:
Love at first site… ❤️
Anchorage Park path refresh
After ten years of wear (and some very soggy recent weather…), the gravel path at our previously completed Phase 1 at Anchorage Park is getting a little well‑deserved TLC. As we link up the final sections of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme, this refresh will match the new surface being built along Ports Creek, creating a smoother, more seamless route for everyone to enjoy.
What’s happening?
- the site compound is now in place
- from next week, path sections will be fenced off
- the path will be closed 23 February – 28 April 2026 (diversion see map)
- temporary parking suspensions on Althorpe Drive will support material deliveries.
- two teams will work from opposite ends, reopening sections as soon as they’re ready
- a short curing period will follow before the full path reopens and the site compound will be removed from 1 May 2026
And coming later on in spring: the next phase of path upgrades at Milton Common and Tipner, continuing our mission to link the whole coastline with a continuous, high‑quality route.
Love is an open… bridge!
Peronne Rd footbridge now reopened
The temporary bridge at Peronne Road has been fully dismantled, and the main bridge is open. It will remain open until the scheme is completed in summer 2026, with only very short closures from May to allow occasional site vehicles to cross safely.
London Road temporary bridge (Portsbridge roundabout car park)
- Closing for dismantling from 24 April 2026
- The adjacent footpath along the car park will reopen at the same time, providing a shorter, more direct route
Small footbridge near the railway bridge
The small footbridge over the creek, close to the railway bridge, remains closed. The work required to complete the southern side of the creek is extremely weather dependent, as the new path surface must be fully cured and safe before reopening. We currently estimate that this will be ready within the next few weeks, depending on conditions. Like everyone, we are hoping for a stretch of drier weather to allow us to complete this final section as quickly as possible. We will provide an update as soon as we can.
We ❤️ wildlife!
Love is in the air and on land and in the water
Recent wildlife sightings around North Portsea have included a buzzard soaring above the coastline, a brightly coloured kingfisher at the water’s edge, and a seal surfacing in the creek. These sightings are more than just moments of excitement for us, they are a reminder of how special this landscape is, and why caring for it matters.
Our work across the North Portsea Coastal Scheme is driven by a genuine love for nature. Protecting and enhancing habitats for local wildlife remains one of our core priorities, whether through improved water quality, new planting, or creating spaces where species can feed, rest and thrive. Each improvement helps to strengthen the ecological richness of the area and supports a healthier, more resilient coastline for the future.
Learn more about our environmental enhancements here:
