[caption id="attachment_15782" align="aligncenter" width="800"]<img class="size-full wp-image-15782" src="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pw-jan-knowlson.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /> <em>Jan Knowlson, Biodiversity Officer for the South Downs National Park, next to one of the dew ponds.</em>[/caption]
<h2>Portsmouth Water supports six environmental projects in 2025</h2>
Portsmouth Water has supported six environmental projects across its supply area in 2025, contributing <strong>£63,000 through its Biodiversity Grant Scheme</strong> to help enhance habitat connectivity between its sites.

Improving chalk grassland, restoring ponds and planting new hedgerows are among the initiatives to benefit from the scheme this year.

The Biodiversity Grant Scheme was established in recognition of the rich variety of wildlife found on many of Portsmouth Water’s sites, including rare and protected species. To help strengthen the resilience of these environments, the scheme provides support to local organisations working to create ‘stepping stones’ that enable wildlife to move safely between habitats.
<h3>Supporting biodiversity and habitat connectivity</h3>
<strong>Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer for Portsmouth Water, said:</strong>

“As 2025 draws to a close, we’re really pleased to highlight some of the important work taking place across our supply area. Improvements to chalk grassland, pond restoration and new hedgerow planting are just a few examples of the projects we’ve been fortunate to contribute to through our Biodiversity Grant Scheme this year.

“Many of our sites are home to diverse and sensitive habitats, and we have a responsibility to help safeguard them. Biodiversity relies on connectivity, so we’re committed to supporting local groups whose projects enhance habitats around our land and strengthen that natural network.

“It’s also important to recognise that these achievements are made possible by the organisations leading the work and the volunteers who give their time and expertise. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved – thank you.”
<h3>Restoring ponds across the South Downs</h3>
<strong>Jan Knowlson, Biodiversity Officer for the South Downs National Park, said:</strong>

“None of this inspiring work to restore dew ponds would be possible without donations from businesses and organisations such as Portsmouth Water, so I’d like to say a big thank you.

“We think a century ago there may have been more than 1,000 ponds across the South Downs region, but this number has drastically reduced, so you can only imagine the impact this has had on wildlife.

“These bodies of water are vital for all manner of flora and fauna, supporting 70 per cent of all freshwater species. With climate change bringing warmer summers, having this network of ponds across the South Downs landscape is more important than ever.

“It’s been wonderful to see the ponds come to fruition and wildlife returning. Given half a chance, it proves nature can thrive anywhere!”
<h3>Local authority support</h3>
<strong>Cllr Kimberley Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment at Portsmouth City Council, said:</strong>

“Protecting and enhancing biodiversity is vital for the health of our local environment and the species that depend on it. Initiatives like Portsmouth Water’s Biodiversity Grant Scheme make a real difference by supporting projects that restore habitats and improve connectivity across our region.

“We’re delighted to see this level of investment and collaboration, which helps create a more resilient natural landscape for future generations.”
<h3>Biodiversity Grant Scheme highlights</h3>
Since launching in 2020, Portsmouth Water’s Biodiversity Grant Scheme has supported 49 projects across Hampshire and West Sussex. These initiatives, delivered by non-profit groups and local authorities, focus on enhancing habitats around company land and across the wider supply area.
<ul>
 	<li>Restoration of six ponds in the South Downs National Park</li>
 	<li>Four projects at Farlington Marshes with the Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, a highly species-rich habitat and important site for nesting birds</li>
 	<li>Ecological surveys along the River Lavant and River Ems</li>
 	<li>Removal and management of invasive non-native species, including Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and mink</li>
 	<li>Installation of water troughs at multiple RSPB sites to reintroduce conservation grazing</li>
</ul>
The scheme will continue to offer funding to local organisations aiming to protect and enhance wildlife habitats, working to strengthen the connectivity and resilience of the natural environment across Hampshire and West Sussex.

<strong>For more information:</strong> <a href="https://www.cleanwaterpartnership.co.uk/about-1-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biodiversity Grant Scheme | cleanwater</a>