case studies
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport – Barratt Homes
Priddy's Hard is a 650-unit development with a 7-hectare nature reserve created beside the Gosport foreshore within a former MoD base. Greenbelt's role has been extensive due to the presence of several protected species including crested newts, badgers and slow worms, and also regionally important salt meadows. It is considered a site of historical importance
militarily and the key structures, including armaments magazines, moats and earth blast walls around which the reserve has been established, have been retained.
Greenbelt supervised the initial formation of the nature reserve, and monitored the extensive capital works needed to create the new and varied wetlands within the reserve.
The nature reserve has been managed by Greenbelt since2001 and ownership to Greenbelt was transferred in 2004 with management funded by Greenbelt's Fee Only Arrangement.
Greenbelt has successfully managed the difficult balance between conservation and public enjoyment by integrating an urban farm and the involvement of volunteer groups (including a bird-watching club) under the supervision of Greenbelt's part- time ranger. Already many new species of flora and fauna have colonised resulting in an important nature reserve with
Achievements since site completion:
82 different bird species
26 types of butterfly
35 different plants have colonised the reserve
guided walks for school children have been introduced