ESSENTIAL multi-millionpound works to safeguard the Itchen Navigation for future generations have begun.

Over the next two years, engineering and maintenance work will take place between Winchester and Southampton to restore the riverbanks and footpath of the historic trading route.

Tonnes of chalk will be brought in to reinforce the banks where they have eroded over many years.

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is coordinating the project, which will also create a heritage trail celebrating the wildlife and history of the internationally-renowned chalk river system.

The navigation’s unique ecology – including water voles, otters, southern damselfly and a variety of fish including brown trout – are expected to flourish thanks to the conservation.

Key to the project is to also preserve an important part of local history. For more than 150 years the navigation was a busy waterway, until it fell into disuse with the advent of the road and rail by 1869.

The Itchen Way walking path follows the route of the old towpath from which horses towed barges carrying cargo along the canal.

The water itself was used to power mills in the area and was also channelled onto the adjacent water meadows.

Remnants of some of the industrial structures used in the past, such as the locks, mills and bridges, can still be seen today.

The Environment Agency (EA) this week asked for patience from local residents and walkers as work began in Allbrook, Eastleigh.

The footpath in the Allbrook area has been closed while the work is being done. Alternative routes from Bishopstoke via Eastleigh or Stoke Common will allow visitors to continue their walk along the Itchen Way.

It is expected that the work will be completed in December.

EA area teamleader RodMurchie said the towpath will be much improved for public use and help prevent future overtopping and leaks.

The project has similar plans to improve the banks, footpath and habitat at Winchester, Shawford, Otterbourne, Brambridge, Bishopstoke, Itchen Valley Country Park, and Mansbridge.

The five-year, £2m project is funded by a £1.6m Heritage Lottery Fund grant and £400,000 contribution from the Environment Agency.

Debbie Tann, chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, (HIWWT) said: “We are delighted to have received so much support from our partners and landowners along the navigation for what is a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve this fantastic waterway.”

Heritage Lottery Fund spokeswoman Michelle Davies said: “This is a terrific 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.

Through the preservation the public will be able to enjoy and learn about the history they have right on their doorstep.”