The four-kilometre stretch of the Hermitage Stream became the source of a three-year project – Go With the Flow – run by Groundwork Solent.

The waterway runs through one of the UK's largest post-war housing estates. During its history the watercourse had connections with prehistoric settlements, a Roman road, a country house estate, Second World War military camps and temporary accommodation for refugees forced to leave nearby Portsmouth due to wartime bombing.

Health activities are now being delivered to help encourage local people use the green space around the stream for fitness...

Kevin Dewitt, Community Project Officer

The stream links the area directly with the coast at Langstone Harbour and is an important wildlife corridor for fish, birdlife and a wide range of plants.

Local people worked to improve access to the stream and enhance biodiversity. Some 3,500 local schoolchildren benefited from natural heritage sessions and a Friends group was set up to coordinate ongoing maintenance.

Kevin Dewitt, Community Project Officer, said: "The summer holiday was very busy with lots of family and children's sessions delivered which were very well attended. Health activities are now being delivered to help encourage local people use the green space around the stream for fitness including pram push fitness, boot camp and cycling."