Countryside - Hampshire County Council

01/06/2026

🌟 Volunteer Week: Thank you to our Countryside Service volunteers

As we mark Volunteers' Week, we’re taking a moment to recognise the incredible people who give their time to support Hampshire Countryside Service. Last year over 142,000 hours were logged by our 2000 hard working volunteers.

Every day, our volunteers help care for habitats, welcome visitors, maintain access, and protect nature. Their passion and dedication make a real difference to the places we look after and the communities we serve.

👏 To all our volunteers – thank you. We couldn’t do this without you.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering with Hampshire’s Countryside Service, please visit our website.

Whether you can spare a few hours or are looking for a regular role, there are many ways to get involved and make a real difference.

01/06/2026

The sheep at Manor Farm - Hampshire County Council are busy getting a glow up ready for the BIG SHEEP WEEKEND on 6 and 7 June.🐏

Are ewe going to be there? 🐑

29/05/2026

Spring and early summer are sensitive times for wildlife, and with hot weather drawing people to lakes and rivers we’re keen to remind everyone how they can help protect nesting waterfowl this season:

✅ Keep a safe distance from nests and wildlife
🐕 Keep dogs under close control or on a lead near water and nesting areas
📢 Report any deliberate disturbance or harm to the RSPB, the landowner, or the Police (non-emergency 101)

Disturbing nesting birds can be illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so it’s important we all play our part.

Let’s work together to protect our local wildlife during the breeding season 💚

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

A lovely trail by the coast to catch a breeze. ☀️

27/05/2026

However you end up in the water this summer, knowing how to float could save your life.

Cold water shock can affect anyone – even strong swimmers.
If you get into trouble, remember Float to Live:
🏊🏻‍♀️ Tilt your head back and put your ears under the water
🏊🏻 Relax and focus on controlling your breathing
🏊🏻‍♂️ Use your hands to help you stay afloat
🏊🏻‍♀️ It’s OK if your legs sink – everyone floats differently.
Once you’ve regained control, call for help or swim to safety. In it's coastal emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

26/05/2026

Public Notice: Burghclere BOAT 40 Temporary Closure

From May 20, 2026 to June 10, 2026, a section of Burghclere BOAT 40 will be closed for essential resurfacing works. These improvements aim to enhance access and maintain the safety and quality of the route for all users. Please note an alternative route is signed . We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.

For further information, please contact the Countryside Access Team.
Email: [email protected].

26/05/2026

Heatwave incoming 👀 Read our blog ⬇

https://coastandcountrycanines.org/2025/05/30/hot-dogs-keeping-your-best-friend-safe-in-the-heat/

With temperatures reaching 30 degrees this week, it's important we keep a eye out for our canine companions - and look for ways of helping them stay comfy in this heat 🌞

Even the smallest little tweaks to your walks, like going out at cooler times of the day, will make all the difference for a happy pooch 🐕

But, if you do notice your dog panting heavily and looking lethargic out in the sun, it could be a sign of overheating - and an important time to find them some shade to rest and some cool water to drink 😴

More urgently, dogs can even suffer the same as humans through heatstroke and sunburn 😮 If you want to learn more about keeping dogs cool in hot weather, have a read of our blog.

Enjoy the sunshine everyone 😎

26/05/2026

Public Notice: Twyford Footpath 4 Closure

From June 1 to the end of July 2026, part of Twyford Footpath 4 along the Itchen Navigation will be closed Monday to Friday, between 8:00 and 16:00, to allow essential path restoration works to take place.

These works are being carefully delivered to protect and enhance this environmentally sensitive area, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The project will stabilise riverbanks, improve the condition of the path, and support the long-term health of the river ecosystem.

The access team have been working with the Environment Agency and Natural England to ensure the work is carried out as sensitively as possible. The timing of this work is crucial taking into consideration nesting birds and spawning Salmon.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding while these important improvements are carried out.

For further information, please contact the Countryside Access Team. Email: [email protected].