ONE of Hampshire's most important waterways is getting a major makeover thanks to a payout from the National Lottery Heritage fund.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust will use the £1.6m grant to restore and preserve the Itchen Navigation, which runs through Eastleigh, Southampton and Winchester.

The five-year project is a joint effort between the Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, local councils, Natural England and the Inland Waterways Association.

It will include the construction of a heritage trail to celebrate the wildlife and industrial history of the chalk river system - once an important trading link between Winchester and the sea.

Work will be carried out to stabilise the riverbanks, improve access along the ten-mile towpath, restore historic locks and install information boards, helping visitors identify wildlife and historic buildings.

The Navigation is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and species such as water voles, otters, brown trout and southern damselfly are expected to flourish due to the conservation work. Members of the public using the new trail will also be encouraged to look out for birds and bats using special nesting boxes along the riverbanks.

Leah Mathias of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: "We are delighted to have received this grant for what is a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve the Itchen Navigation.

"The Navigation has the highest form of protection for wildlife in the UK because it is part of a European Special Area of Conservation. It is also a fantastic example of Hampshire's industrial heritage. We are looking forward to working with the project partners and local residents to ensure wildlife will continue to thrive here and that we celebrate our industrial heritage."

Sheena Vick, Heritage Lottery Fund manager for the south east, said: "This is a great project which will benefit people across the whole Itchen Navigation area.

"The Navigation is a unique piece of heritage with both natural and industrial elements side by side. Today's news will enable the general public to explore the history they have on right their doorstep."

A series of activities and events are being planned along the Navigation to celebrate the successful funding application. For more information visit www.hwt.org.uk.

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