Site map and LNR boundary

Download a pdf map (300kb) (opens in a new window, and shows pedestrian access points)

The Council ran a public consultation on the proposal to declare Hocombe Mead in Chandler's Ford as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949. The 4 week consultation period took place during November/December 2007.

Reasons for LNR status
Because many local people visit Hocombe Mead to enjoy its unique open space and special wildlife, Hocombe Mead is an ideal ‘Local Nature Reserve’ (LNR).  

Local Nature Reserve status is a statutory designation which recognises the wildlife importance of a site to the local community and shows a commitment by the Council to manage its land to conserve and enhance its special wildlife quality.

More about Hocombe Mead and LNR status:

Will the management of Hocombe Mead change now it is designated an LNR?
Eastleigh Borough Council will continue to manage the site to benefit its special wildlife features and facilitate public access. A site management plan is being followed by the Countryside Service and we are already seeing the wildlife benefits of reinstating coppicing in the woodland and cattle grazing in the ancient wet meadow. Cattle supplied by a local grazier were re-introduced to the Reserve in 2006 and have been working hard during summer months eating scrub that would otherwise smother the flowers in the meadow.

Will any visitor facilities improve as a result of the LNR designation?
Eastleigh Borough Council is working in partnership with The Grasslands Trust to investigate funding opportunities to improve visitor access to the Reserve. We would like to upgrade the interpretation boards at the site entrances, improve some of the older boardwalk areas, and introduce trail marker posts to the Reserve to help guide people around the site.

If you have any comments about visitor facilities on the Reserve please contact Dave Payne, Countryside Officer, Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. Tel: 023 8047 5086 or e-mail dave.payne@eastleigh.gov.uk.

There is also a dedicated website for Hocombe Mead run by the Community Grasslands Officer (Hocombe Mead), Martin Reeves www.hocombe-mead.org

How can I get involved with Hocombe Mead?
The Countryside Service is always looking for people to help with practical management tasks on the Reserve. We are also keen to be sent sightings or photographs of the wildlife spotted on the Reserve.

To find out more about how you can get involved, and if you have any ideas on how you can help, please contact Dave Payne, Countryside Officer, Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. Tel: 023 8047 5086 or e-mail dave.payne@eastleigh.gov.uk