Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s (HIWWT) proposal to manage Titchfield Haven is set to be rejected by Hampshire County Council.

Following the closure of the shop and café at Titchfield Haven in December 2022, the future of the facility and the nature reserve has been up in the air. 

Hampshire County Council (HCC) wants to sell off buildings at the site, prompting HIWWT to submit plans to manage the reserve, while Titchfield Haven Community Hub (THCH) wanted to take over the now-closed visitors centre. However, a council report said both proposals were not “viable or fully costed”.

Titchfield Haven NNR covers 150 ha of the Meon Valley, encompassing a mosaic of natural habitats including fen, pools, reedbed and meadow (Amy Robjohns).

Following a campaign, the centre’s reception, café and shop, as well as Haven Cottage, an empty Grade II-listed residential building, were all listed as an asset of community value, giving residents six months come up with a proposal. THCH suggested using the buildings for community facilities alongside holiday accommodation.

But a council report said: “The business plan relies on ambitious income targets to meet revenue costs with no guarantee of a contribution to the running of the National Nature Reserve.”

Pamela Charlwood, chair of THCH, called for the council to enter into “constructive dialogue”, adding: “We really believe there are ways of finding solutions which are good for HCC and equally good for all who love the Haven Centre.”

HIWWT had separately proposed a three-year partnership with the council to explore options for the ownership and future management of the 123-ha reserve.

The council said the plan “does not provide any financial details”, but added that the local authority should “develop a stronger working relationship” with the trust.

HIWWT chief executive Debbie Tann said its idea had “strong support” from the local community and environmental sector. She said: “[It] would offer the best possible outcomes for nature and local communities as well as helping to combat wider environmental challenges like pollution in the Solent, while also adapting to climate change.”

Leader of Fareham Borough Council Sean Woodward said a letter in support from himself and local MPs had been “ignored”.