Good news afoot…
Footbridge next to railway now reopened
We are pleased to share that the footbridge next to the railway bridge at Ports Creek is now open, giving everyone their first look at the completed works in this area.
As you explore the new route, please bear in mind that it is not fully complete. Some of the hand railings are temporary and will be replaced with permanent installations soon.
A quick reminder: the surrounding planted areas have been freshly seeded, so please help the new wildflowers establish by staying on the designated paths.
We hope you enjoy this early glimpse of the improved access – although it is currently looking a little bare, it will soon spring to life once the planting and seeding establishes.
All’s wall that ends wall…
Green growth success on FlexMSE walls
Remember the FlexMSE walls, those geotextile sand‑and‑organics-filled bags we installed around the railway bridge area? We hydroseeded them a little while ago, and we are excited to show you how they are transforming.
The walls are now covered in first green growth, and over the coming months the vegetation will continue to fill out until the structural layers beneath are almost completely hidden. This living system not only blends beautifully into the landscape but also helps stabilise and strengthen the surrounding ground.
It is great to see this sustainable design doing exactly what it was built to do: grow, green, and support the area naturally.
Bench-marking our progress
First furniture now ready to use
The newly installed furniture is now ready to enjoy! With the foundations fully cured and the fencing removed, residents can finally sit, rest, and take in the views while we add the finishing touches along the trail.
This is just the beginning – there are many more seating areas and picnic benches planned along the stretch. Keep an eye out as they start to appear… one by one!
Calling all local artists!
Wood you believe it?
A new woodland sculpture trail is coming to Foxes Forest and Portsmouth City Council is inviting local artists to help shape it.
Creatives are encouraged to submit character design ideas that will be carved into wooden sculptures and featured along the 1.5km route through the historic Hilsea Lines.
The trail will offer families a fun way to explore local wildlife, heritage and green space.
Applications are now open and will close on Thursday 9 April at 5pm, with installation planned for later in the summer to coincide with the completion of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme.
