The River Itchen is a classic Chalk stream, rising near Alresford in the Hampshire Downs and flowing through Winchester and Eastleigh before discharging into Southampton Water. The river's natural characteristics are: stable temperature and flow regime, good quality water, base-rich and of high clarity. Its national and European conservation status is recognised by Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and more recently candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) designations. As well as their role in sustaining the nature conservation interests, the water resources of the valley are also used for: public water supply; dilution of treated sewage effluent; fish farms; cress beds; agriculture; fisheries and recreation. There are water company intakes at Otterbourne and Gaters Mill and groundwater abstractions throughout the catchment.

Parts of the Itchen valley floor have been designated as SSSIs for many years but the whole river, including its three headwater tributaries, was confirmed SSSI in 1997 for its Chalk stream habitat, and communities of plants, invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals. Most of this SSSI is also candidate SAC for its water crowfoot (Ranunculus) and southern damselfly populations, although the European interests are subject to review and others may be included soon. The principal nature conservation interests of the river are dependent on reliable flows and velocities of high quality Chalk derived water throughout the year.

The River Itchen sustainability study is therefore important because it has recommended an interim, holistic and integrated management strategy for the candidate Special Area of Conservation. The strategy incorporated target flow proposals, based on best science, for the preservation and protection of favourable status and condition of the target species/communities and habitats found on the river.

Study Outputs

Hardcopy and electronic packages of the River Itchen Sustainability Study's final outputs have been circulated to each of the Steering Group member organisations. Circulation of the final output completes the reporting requirements for the Study's investigation into water company operations on the River Itchen candidate Special Area of Conservation required by the Secretary of State.

The Study has advanced understandings of the ecology and hydrology of the River Itchen SSSIs and the cSAC in relation to ecosystem functioning and water use management. An overview of the Study ouputs is given as follows.

1. Study Summary
2. Final Technical Report
3. Interim Strategy Document
4. Technical Appendices (Ecology and Fisheries, Water Resources and Flow, Water Quality and Land Management)
5. Key Project Records
6. Map Album

Most of the Study outputs can be downloaded from this site.

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Date Last Updated: January 2005