Project delivered before 2023/24
Since the strategy was adopted we have delivered a number of 'off-site' mitigation schemes.
The following projects have recently been completed:
Hythe
Depedene walking routes
Completed May 2023
This Green Way recreational mitigation scheme comprises footpath surface and access improvements to the section of PRoW between Claypits Lane and Challenger Way (Hythe and Dibden Footpath 7). The scheme includes new access gates, widened footpath, boardwalk section and signage, to provide an enhanced walking route.
Stretching southwards from Claypits Lane (near its junction with Southampton Road) to Challenger Way (near its junction with Upper Mullin's Lane) the footpath provides a pleasant walking route through open countryside with occasional views to Southampton. The path has been resurfaced and widened to make it accessible all year around and a spectacular oak boardwalk has been constructed to ensure that even in wet-weather walkers don't get muddy.
The entrance points at both ends of the footpath comprise bi-directional radar swing gates, which are suitable for wheelchair users. The walking route can be joined at either end, or through connections with other narrower footpaths from Widecombe Drive and Lower Mullins Lane to form circular walks of varying lengths.
Future Green Way recreational schemes may seek to provide a potential permissible path to Lower Mullins Lane.
SO45 5XE Grid ref: 440636,107180
Ringwood
Poulner Lakes
Completed May 2023
This Green Way recreational mitigation scheme comprises footpath improvements to this much-valued Public Open Space and includes replacement footpaths and additional drainage works to ensure the paths remain usable by everyone all year-round. Future planned works will include new signage and improved pedestrian access from North Poulner Road. The site is relatively flat and is ideal for walks and/or picnics, providing a natural habitat of wildlife and meadow flowers. A visit to Poulner Lakes can form a self-contained circular walk or part of a longer route via links to footpaths along Lin Brook, to Blashford, and into the New Forest.
BH24 1SW, Grid ref: 415787,106798
Milford-on-sea
Pleasure Ground walking routes
Completed July 2023
The Pleasure Grounds were given to the parish in 1890 and contain small water meadows with mixed woodland of alder and willow along the valley of the Danes Stream. This Green Way recreational mitigation scheme includes for the replacement of three existing narrow footbridges that cross the Danes Stream with new, wider, accessible ones crafted from oak, and a new 80m oak boardwalk with improved step access south of Sharvells Road, to provide greater access to the Pleasure Grounds.
These improvement works will provide routes through the Pleasure Grounds to and from Mill Meadow and Barnes Lane, and Sharvells Road to the north. Two of the replacement bridges were installed to the east of New Valley Road, and the third replacement bridge, new boardwalk and improved step access to the west of New Valley Road.
New signage will aid navigation through the tranquil Pleasure Grounds and illustrate links to the wider network of paths and roads to enable a variety of circular walks to be undertaken.
SO41 0PE Grid ref: 427897,921800
Also since 2014, the following projects have been delivered:
Totton
King George's Recreation Ground, Totton
Completed December 2017
Provision of an off-lead dog exercise area within recreation ground.
Hythe
Buttsash Wood Circular Walk, Hythe
Completed in March 2019
Improvements to public accessibility and walking routes through and around Buttsash Wood. Installation of interpretation boards and signage to promote the walking routes and features of interest. Clearance of overhanging vegetation.
Fawley
Fawley - Dark Lane/Saxon Road walking route
Completed in June 2022
Improvements to local walking route including improved path surfacing, signing and provision of dog bins / benches along the walk. Improved walking links to the recreation ground will also be included.
Lymington
Yaldhurst walking routes, Lymington
Completed in July 2018
Creation of a circular walking route by improvements to linkages, accessibility and signing of the public rights of way network in the Yaldhurst area.
Pennington walking routes, Lymington and Pennington
Completed in July 2018
Improved links and signing of circular walking route using the public rights of way network in the Pennington area.
Milford on Sea
Milford-on-Sea - Lymington Road / School Lane to village centre - walking routes
Completed in May 2022
Improvements to rights of way network to link MoS1 site to village centre. Improved signage.
New Milton
Ballard Lake Park and Walkford Walks
Completed in January 2019
Improve recreational walking routes within the park and around the lake and along green routes through residential areas to the west linking to Walkford Lane (Byway 503)
North Milton estate
Completed in July 2018
Enhancements landscaping and biodiversity of existing open spaces and creation of pleasant walking routes connecting with wider footpath network.
Ringwood
Avon Valley/ Blashford Lakes walking routes Ringwood
Completed in June 2021
Improve links from the town centre to walks at Blashford Lakes and in the Avon Valley.
Castleman Trail/Crow Lane walking routes Ringwood
Completed in March 2021
Improvements to linkages and signing of the public rights of way network in south east Ringwood, and in particular with the Castleman Trail (the long distance footpath from Dorset to the New Forest utilising the former railway line).
Fordingbridge
Sweatford Meadows Fordingbridge
Completed in March 2021
Extension of boardwalks to enhance biodiversity and increase numbers to the site by creating a safer pedestrian route.
Alderholt Road/Station Road/Old Brickyard Road
Completed Autumn 2017
Promote existing circular walks in proximity to the site. Improved signage to raise public awareness of this route. Installation of benches to provide rest places. Clearance of overhanging vegetation at certain points along walk.