Droxford Watersplash

Developing an evidence‑based approach to manage the historic Droxford Watersplash while protecting the sensitive River Meon and its wildlife.

Last update: November 2026

Scheme background

The River Meon is a rare and highly sensitive chalk stream. These rivers are internationally important and support a wide range of wildlife, including salmon which are now in serious decline and at risk of disappearing from some areas.

At Droxford, the Watersplash at Mill Lane crosses the River Meon. This historic route (linked to the former activities at Droxford Corn Mill) is legally designated as a publicly maintained highway, meaning there is a long-standing right of access. Recently motor vehicle use of the watersplash has raised concerns about its potential impact on the sensitive river environment.

The River Meon has recently been recognised as a Compensatory Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its valuable chalk stream habitat and its population of Atlantic salmon. This highlights its importance not just locally, but at a national and international level.

Hampshire County Council recognises the significance of its chalk rivers and is committed to protecting and managing them carefully for the future.

Any changes to how the Watersplash route is used would need to follow a formal legal process. This would require the County Council to use its statutory traffic regulation powers, which would need to be supported by robust evidence, and require public consultation before any decision is made.

Work undertaken so far

Initial ecological surveys have been completed, and the County Council has sought legal advice on its responsibilities as the highway and traffic management authority in relation to the Watersplash.

Latest update (November 2026)

The County Council is working closely with the South Downs National Park Authority, Environment Agency, Natural England and others to ensure that decisions are informed by the best available evidence and reflect the interests of the environment, local communities and legitimate users of the route.

This will help identify the most appropriate way to manage this location and protect the river. One option being considered is a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

Further work is needed, including traffic surveys and ongoing ecological monitoring, to make sure any future decision is based on clear and robust evidence. Ecological monitoring will help establish a clearer understanding of habitat conditions at the Watersplash, including any potential effects on protected and notable species and the wider river environment. The County Council recognises that there are differing views on the environmental impacts of vehicle use at this location and the most appropriate long-term solution.

The careful approach being followed will help ensure that any measures introduced are effective, appropriate, and can stand up to public and legal scrutiny.

Taking the time to gather this information now will help avoid ineffective solutions and support long-term protection of the River Meon.

Traffic surveys at the Watersplash began in July 2026. These surveys will provide up-to-date information on how often the crossing is used, including the type and frequency of vehicles.

New signage 

Following a site inspection, new ford-related signage was installed at the Watersplash in October 2026 to meet national guidance and improve safety. Following vandalism of the signs the County Council removed them and is making arrangements for them to be reinstalled. The new signage does not change the County Council’s commitment to working with others to identify the most appropriate way to manage the route and protect the River Meon. 

Ecological monitoring

A team of specialist aquatic ecologists and hydromorphologists (experts in river and watercourse conditions) have been commissioned to undertake a two-stage programme of assessment and monitoring with site surveys starting in early November 2026.   

Stage 1 will establish a detailed baseline of the river between autumn 2026 and summer 2027. Surveys will examine approximately 600 metres of the River Meon, including the Watersplash section of the river and comparable sections approximately 200 metres upstream and downstream.

The work will consider the physical form and condition of the river, including the riverbed, natural river processes and evidence of modification. Ecological surveys will also examine habitats, aquatic plants and invertebrates. This will help identify any differences between the Watersplash section and the river immediately upstream and downstream, and whether these may be linked with vehicle use or other local factors.

The findings will be reported in autumn 2027. They will help determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) and whether restricting vehicle access could lead to improvements to the physical or ecological condition of the river.

If supported by Stage 1 findings and a decision to proceed with an ETRO, Stage 2 would monitor the river during and after the period in which vehicles are excluded. This would allow changes in the riverbed, habitats and ecology to be assessed and provide evidence of whether the river is recovering in response to the restriction. Monitoring would be expected to continue for the duration of the ETRO (see below for more information).

Next steps and timescales
Once the information from the surveys has been gathered, the County Council will work with its partners to review the findings and decide on the most appropriate next steps. The decision is currently expected to be made in autumn / winter 2027. If supported by the evidence, one potential option is the introduction of an ETRO.

Alongside ecological and traffic surveys, partners are exploring whether there are opportunities to improve the river environment, flows and habitats, subject to evidence, feasibility and funding considerations.
What is the process for an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO)?

An ETRO allows changes to be introduced on a trial basis so their impact can be assessed before a final decision is made.

The process typically includes:

  • Preparing the legal documents, including plans, and a Statement of Reasons providing justification for the proposal and a monitoring plan
  • Informal consultation with the Police and the local County Councillor
  • A formal decision by the County Council to proceed with the trial subject to the above
  • Installing any necessary signs or physical measures
  • A public consultation period of six months, during which feedback can be submitted
  • A further review period (up to 12 months) to consider feedback and decide whether to make the changes permanent
The process before starting the trial usually takes around four to eight weeks. An ETRO can remain in place for a maximum of 18 months and cannot be extended.
Funding Arrangements

Funding for the transport capital delivery schemes is separate from the County Council’s revenue budget and savings proposals. In the majority of cases funding comes from external grants and / or Section 106 contribution from developers. This funding usually has conditions that strictly control on how, where and when it can be spent.

Roadworks and Travel Advice

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