Seagrass has returned to the River Hamble for the first time in decades, thanks to a major restoration effort by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, as part of the Solent Seascape Project.
On 10 April 2025, 2,000 seeds were planted directly into the seabed by the Trust’s marine conservation team. This is the first time seagrass has been sown in the Hamble since its once-abundant underwater meadows were lost to disease and degradation nearly a century ago.
“This is a huge moment for the River Hamble and for local marine recovery,” said Ellie Parker, Marine Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
“In 2011, we didn’t find a blade of seagrass in the Hamble. To return now with our team to plant thousands of seeds in that same water is a powerful turning point – and a hopeful step towards recovery.”
The Trust used an innovative Dispenser Injection Seeding technique, which plants seed directly into the seabed. This technique increases the chances of germination success and reduces disturbance to the marine environment, making it a valuable tool in habitat restoration.
The Zostera seeds used were collected, with the help of dedicated local volunteers, in October 2024 from intertidal beds at Farlington, Portsmouth. After collection, the seeds were safely stored in a cold, dark, high-salinity storage aquarium at our partner University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Marine Science, which put them in a state of dormancy over the winter months.
Ellie adds: “Restoring seagrass to this historic site for the first time in decades, where it was once abundant, feels incredibly hopeful. By using innovative techniques, and with strong community support, we’re bringing these vital habitats back – not just for nature, but for the future health of our seas. We’re so excited to see what flourishes here in the months and years ahead.”
