Verges and Open Space Grassland
Various verges and open space grassland are cut and maintained by the hardworking Parish Maintenance Team. Spring bulbs with swathes of daffodils are supplemented annually, whilst village centres and footways/roundabouts showcase summer bedding displays with a riot of colour.
Beechwood Way & Pond / Oaklands Way & Pond
Although natural in their original habitats, both ponds were enhanced as part of major housing developments and support the flood reduction scheme with water flowing downstream via a series of streams serving the two large ponds. The Parish Council manages these sites to be naturalistic with the encouragement of much local wildlife. Woodland borders the ponds, with volunteer groups managing bird nesting activities. A very active duck house resides at Oaklands Pond. Many walks intertwine in the vicinity of these ponds and woodlands – it is easy to lose yourself in the picturesque beauty of these woodlands and streams.
The Grove Gardens
Located towards the rear of the Parish Council offices and offering bench seating from which to enjoy the waterfront views.
Prospect Place
An amenity space used for sitting on the grass and watching the pier and ferry activities, crossing the water towards Southampton. The is a popular spot in the summer located between the ferry terminal and the marina, providing excellent photographic opportunities.
Forest Front Nature Reserve
Although owned by the Crown, the Parish Council is licensed to manage the area by the District Council and Forestry England until 2027. For the last 40 years the Parish Council has worked in partnership with a volunteer group the Friends of Forest Front (FoFF) whose focus has been towards the management of the habitats on site. The site was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1996, and incorporates a couple of ponds with wild open heathland and gorse. It is popular for walking, although is now cut off from the adjacent New Forest due to the busy A326. The Reserve has become a valuable recreational/greenspace resource locally since it was set up and an important asset for the Parish Council. With FOFF having been disbanded at the end of 2023, the Parish Council is considering how to manage this site. Over the years and due to a number of contributing factors, the Reserve has largely become inaccessible to those with disabilities and requires investment in footpaths, fencing and signage.
The original vision for the future remains which is to encourage a thriving and vibrant Nature Reserve which continues to be a valuable resource for wildlife and the local community, and to manage it appropriately so that its future is secured in the long-term.
