Solent Protection Society

We are all now aware of the nitrate pollution in our rivers, estuaries and inland seas and the resulting build-up of green algae. Could the ‘green tides’ which plague Brittany’s beaches occur on this side of the Channel?

While we often focus on the quality of water in the Solent, we should not lose sight of impact of pollution upstream in the river basins. This post takes a view.

We’ve written before of the science and assumptions about sea-level rise and flood maps. This post tries to bring it nearer to home with some advice about how worried you should be if you live near the coast.

As one local authority takes the gloves off, we look at what **really** needs to be done by Southern Water **and the regulators** in order to demonstrate the scale of the CSO problem.

Our Autumn newsletter has left the printer and been posted to our members. Take a look here and see how, for a small donation, a copy could be yours.

The first two subjects for an autumn / winter series of SPS Members’ Webinars have been announced, so if you’re interested in the work of the University of Portsmouth ‘Environmental Technology Field Station’ (ETFS), or in the future of the former Fawley Power Station site, take this link for details.

SPS gives its verdict on HM Government’s response to the Environmental Audit Committee report on ‘Water quality in rivers.

SPS takes a dip into the Solent Freeport Tax Site maps and uncovers rather more questions than answers. It’s a long read but you might just find it interesting, no matter which side of the Solent you’re on.

The SPS Pollution Group have looked deep into the spillage data from 300 Solent outfalls to identify the 34 worst offenders that Southern Water **must** fix.

Southampton Harbour Master has issued a temporary Notice to Mariners banning any vessels from manoeuvring within 5 metres of Eling wharf.

The Solent Freeport – Further detail on what’s planned for Southampton Waterside, with the inevitable focus on Dibden Bay

Stop Press! Southern Water drop desalination in favour of Water Recycling at Budds Farm. The SPS Council have been digging into Southern Water’s ‘Water for Life – Hampshire’ consultation brochure and have raised concerns on a number of fronts.

Our ‘one stop’ page for Solent tides, weather, planned shipping movements and live marine traffic.

Is there a housing development near you, if so, what is its **environmental** impact?

Southern Water’s ‘Beachbuoy’ spill monitoring web page is a significant improvement over its predecessor. We’d still like it to go further though.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-9.png — Hurst Castle – understanding the bigger picture. A look at the evolution of Hurst Spit at the Solent’s western gateway.

Solent Protection Society is extremely disappointed at the actions taken by the Government in voting against the House of Lords amendment to the Environment Bill.

The SPS Pollution working group is taking a long, hard look at the growing issue of sewage pollution in Solent waters

Assessing the impact of new Local Authority development on the Solent shores.

£2m major reconfiguration planned for Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.

Seagrass and recreational yachting – an update on the ReMEDIES project

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-3.png — Inevitable coastal erosion takes its toll on Hurst Castle

Volunteers help with a seagrass restoration project targeted at the Solent, stuffing biodegradable pillows with seeds at a volunteers’ event held at Beaulieu.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1a-1.jpg — Pollution in all its many forms. Commentary from the SPS Council.

Southern Water’s Budds Farm waste water treatment works is under the microscope again, and it’s not a pretty sight

The Solent Protection Society is a charitable incorporated organisation intent on safeguarding and preserving the amenities of the Solent environment for the benefit of future generations. The Society was originally set up in 1956 as a joint initiative of CPRE and the RYA in response to proposals to site a nuclear power station on the Isle of Wight and an oil refinery at the mouth of the Hamble river. More than sixty years later, the Solent Protection Society continues to campaign on important issues of planning, conservation and maritime safety affecting the Solent Region.

We welcome issues and concerns raised by our members and apply the breadth of experience of our Council Members, working with our networks within peer organisations and official bodies to secure resolution.

To understand how membership of the Society might help you, or simply to contact us, please explore the options on the main menu. We also welcome applications from existing members who believe they may have relevant experience to offer and a commitment of time to join the Council in our activities. For further details, please email the Secretary.