A two-mile wildlife-rich greenway through the middle of a built-up area of Farnborough, 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 re-naturalise 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. Herons, kingfishers and several sorts of fish now frequent the brook.
Cove Brook Greenway Group
Cove Brook Greenway Group is run by and for residents to improve the brook and the area around it, and to increase local awareness of it.
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 lend equipment, learning materials and ideas for teachers and groups such as Cubs and Brownies.
You can find more information on the Cove Brook Greenway Group website.
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
The group holds open meetings four times a year at Blunden Hall in Farnborough. These include talks by invited speakers and a quiz night.
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
- Hawley Lane
- Grasmere Road car park
Environment Agency works along Cove Brook
Until September, the Environment Agency will be carrying out maintenance work along Cove Brook. They will be installing temporary fencing around working and access areas.
Southwood Country Park will remain open except for working areas.
No road closures are planned, but contractors' vehicles will be accessing the working areas via Hazel Avenue from north to south only and from Cove Road. Parking on some parts of Hazel Avenue will need to be traffic light controlled at specific times.
The Environment Agency will be doing reinstatement and environmental improvements from October.
For more details of the work please email: enquiries_THM@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Education
Schools and groups can arrange to use the group's equipment, such as dipping nets, grass nets, magnifiers and identification charts. They can also arrange to use the small field centre room by agreement.
Contact us