Exceptional wild trout and grayling fishing on the Itchen Navigation

Description

Access
Access to the west bank is by padlock-controlled gates at the top and bottom of the beat. There is also a right of vehicular access across the fields.

The Fishing
Though not currently used, planning permission has been granted for parking in the copse on the east bank land, at the top of the beat.

Lot 1
Consists of approximately 714 yards and about 2.78 acres, the top 200 metres is fast water and as well as being interesting trout fishing, offers what a member of the English Fly Fishing Team described as 'possibly the best Grayling fishing in Hampshire'. The first sluice down to the old lock gates provides classic dry fly fishing and the 'turning pool' below provides gravel spawning grounds with an abundance of smaller trout, grayling and salmon parr.

Below this stretch is a calmer, more traditional flow with open banks, offering fishing for all skill levels.

Lot 2
This starts with a slower flowing length where the larger fish abound and may still be caught when fish are proving challenging elsewhere. In this section the current owners and keepers enjoy occasionally spinning for pike over the winter.

The beautiful wild water downstream to the weir is challenging, but holds a surprising number of fish, suiting the more experienced.

Consists of approximately 894 yards and about 6.15 acres, the bottom section is shallower and faster flowing, providing more varied fishing. Bankside tree cover offers a test of skill for the determined, yielding a surprising number of good fish.

All stretches hold a good head of wild trout in addition to stock fish. Salmon, sea trout and trout redds can be found over the breeding season and both salmon and sea trout, as well as trout, have been caught on the fly later in the year.

The Land
The Navigation and adjacent land is designated as SAC and SSSI.

The original towpath runs along the left bank, now designated by HCC as part of 'The Itchen Way' as a result this side is rarely fished and over the last decade a plan has been put in place to improve bank side protection which includes floating berms for better young fish protection.

The left bank woodland of approx. 1 acre (Two Bridges copse ) lies between the Navigation and river at Kiln Lane. This has been left unmanaged to allow for natural seasonal flooding, this being said, the higher ground has not flooded in the current owners’ tenure.

The land to the South and West of the beat is as indicated on the accompanying map in the brochure. It is managed, leaving about a metre of wild bankside vegetation, then a few metres of mown grass for easy access, with a backdrop of wild woodland up to the railway boundary. This land and banks total about 9 acres.

The Wildlife
The woodland between the right bank and railway has been wild for over 30 years and provides good habitat for a variety of wildlife. There are several water vole families in residence and an otter is a regular visitor. A field camera initially set up to monitor for mink detected the otter, deer, foxes, rabbits squirrel and pheasants. Swans nest there plus several types of migrating duck, coots and grebes. There is at least one family of kingfishers nesting nearby and these are regularly spotted. The wetland opposite provides a breeding area for the rare Southern Damselfly.

Location

The fishing at Brambridge is located within easy reach of Winchester (6 miles) and Southampton (8 miles). It is very well situated to take full advantage of good road and rail communications, with junction 12 of the M3 located just 1.5 miles to the west of the property and mainline train services to London Waterloo from Shawford, 3 miles north of the property, in just 70 minutes. Southampton Airport at Eastleigh is also well placed, being approximately 4.5 miles to the south.




Acreage: 8.93 Acres

Directions

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Additional Info

General Remarks and Stipulations

Method of Sale
The property is available for sale by private treaty.

Directions
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Tenure and Possession
The property is freehold and sold subject to a lease with the Portsmouth Services Fly Fishing Association, who under terms of the lease are responsible for keeping, stocking and maintenance. This expires on 31 March 2023.

Minerals, Sporting Rights and Timber
The mineral, sporting and timber rights, in so far as they are owned, are included in the sale subject to the lease expiring 31 March 2023.

Easements, Wayleaves and Rights of Way
The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all existing rights of way whether public or private, including drainage, water, electricity supplies and other rights, covenants, restrictions and obligations and wayleaves whether referred to or not.

VAT
In the event that the sale of the property, or part of it or any right attached to it, becomes chargeable for the purposes of VAT, such tax will be payable by the purchaser in addition to the purchase price.

Local Authority
Hampshire County Council -[use Contact Agent Button]
Winchester City Council -[use Contact Agent Button]

Viewing and Further Information
Strictly by appointment with Savills -[use Contact Agent Button]

Planning
The property is offered subject to any development plans, tree preservation orders, ancient orders, public rights of way, town planning schedules or resolutions and planning charges which may be or come into force. The purchaser will be deemed to have full knowledge of these and satisfied themselves as to the effects that such matters have on the
property.

Designations
The property is designated as a SSSI (Sit of Special Scientific Interest) and SAC (Special Areas of Conservation). It falls within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.