Tweet, tweet – watch out for birds
Have you seen the new Cockleshell Island information lectern sign near the recently reopened footpath at Eastern Road yet? We worked with Bird Aware Solent to create this sign, which tells you all about the birds we’re trying to attract with our purpose-built roost island for overwintering birds. Scan the QR codes near the bird illustrations to listen to the bird calls and learn more.
Every year Bird Aware Solent celebrates the arrival of the migratory birds which spend the winter on our coastlines with the “Great Coastal Birdwatch” – starting tomorrow, 19 October. Hopefully, you’ll be able to spot some of these birds on Cockleshell Island and enjoy some bird watching – and listening!
take part in the Great Coastal Birdwatch
Chop, chop…
Clearing the way
We’re getting ready to start working on the new sea defences at Phase 5 – Ports Creek. The vegetation clearance is now completed and work continues on installing a haul route. In the picture, you can see that we’re sticking closely to the outline of the new defences, only getting rid of vegetation where absolutely necessary. If we have to take out any trees, we’re replanting an equal or greater number once the work is done. We’ve also moved around 750 m² of species-rich turf to other parts of the project, particularly to the completed phase 2 at Milton Common, to protect and preserve these existing areas of native grasses.
Divert!
Upcoming footbridge closures
The footbridge leading over the M27 from Peronne Road will be closed for a short period (up to 3 weeks) in November, to allow a temporary overpass for pedestrians to be constructed. This overpass will remain in place for the duration of the work, allowing site traffic to move east to west, whilst maintaining pedestrian access to the footbridge.
The footbridge adjacent to the railway line, further east along the creek, will be closed in November 2024 for a period of approximately 12 months. (after the work at Peronne bridge is completed)
Whilst we are not able to confirm an exact date for the upcoming footbridge closures yet, we will give at least 2 weeks notice before any closures. We will update you via signage, these information boards, social media and our bulletin once the dates are confirmed.
We’re moving in!
The Portsbridge Roundabout car park has now been prepared with foundations for our temporary site offices to be installed from next week (wc 21 October) Further work includes building a haul route so excavators and machinery to build the defences can easily and safely access site during the work.
