Cove Brook Greenway

Cove Brook Greenway makes a two mile wildlife-rich greenway through the middle of a built-up area, with paths along most of its course.

Cove Brook rises in Farnborough airfield and runs north before joining the River Blackwater near the M3.

In the mid-1990s the Cove Brook Greenway environmental initiative began as a partnership between the Environment Agency, Rushmoor Borough Council and Hampshire Wildlife Trust. The Environment Agency did major works to renaturalize the southern section of the brook, which was then running in an artificial concrete channel. Paths, a new bridge and dipping areas with safe access were installed, and Cove Brook Greenway Group was formed. Water voles, herons, kingfishers and several sorts of fish now frequent the brook.

Cove Brook Greenway Group 

Cove Brook Greenway Group is run by and for local residents to enhance the brook and its environs, and increase local awareness of the brook. It was set up in 1996 with support from Rushmoor Borough Council, Hampshire Wildlife Trust and Hampshire County Council. Among other tasks, group work parties have planted hedges, cleared rubbish, carried out surveys, set up a nature reserve and constructed bat boxes.  Everyone who is interested in the brook is welcome. The group can also provide equipment, learning materials and ideas for teachers and groups such as Cubs and Brownies.

Work parties
Work parties are on the second Saturday of the month starting at 10am. You don't need any special expertise - just turn up. The group provides tools and equipment.

Open Meetings
Open meetings are four times a year at Blunden Hall in Farnborough, and include a talk by an invited speaker.

Newsletter
Cove Brook Greenway Group publishes a newsletter quarterly. As well as informing you about upcoming work parties, meetings and guest speakers, the newsletter contains a wealth of information about conservation issues. A copy of the latest newsletter can be found on this page in the 'documents/downloads' section.

Reaching the brook

You can reach the brook from Hazel Avenue, Cove Road, West Heath Road, Glebe Road, Blunden Road, Houseman Road, Birchett Road, Mayfield Road, Anglesey Avenue, Cheyne Way, Moor Road playing field and Hawley Lane.

Education

Schools and groups can arrange to use group equipment such as dipping nets, grass nets, magnifiers and identification charts. Our field centre at Blunden Hall is also available by arrangement. Exploring Rivers and Streams is a cross curricular study pack for key stages 2 & 3, based on Cove Brook and produced by Hampshire County Council. All local schools should have a copy, Birchbrook Education Pack, which has projects based on Birchbrook Reserve,  is supplied free to teachers and leaders by the group. Alternately, you can download a copy from this page.

Contacts

Information and newsletters
Chairman, Cove Brook Greenway Group email to: hebbert.genis@btinternet.com

Rushmoor Borough Council
Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hants GU14 7JU
Tel: (01252) 398731

Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership
Please see the link to the right of this page

Environment Agency General
Please see link on the right of this page