Browndown Beach + The River Alver 08/12/13

As Part of a Geographic study I visited Browndown beach and the lower stage of the River Alver.
The weather Correctly forecasted Strong South Westerly winds and sunny intervals, Deciding not to miss an opportunity I arrived at The location just after midday. This Trip comes days after a violent storm surge swept through from the north sea sparking mass evacuations on the East coast near London and localised flooding here on the south*.

Browndown beach + Park Is a Rarely used Military Training ground owned by the MOD and used by the territorial army and Marine's For occasional Training exercises and Training. On the other hand its a great haven for migrant birds arriving late in the winter.

The River Alver originates from a very small catchment in the Gosport Borough with its source In Speedfields Park, Collingwood (10m high). As it heads south an leaves its upper course it is joined by several Tributary's Near the settlement of Rowner, Here the wildlife is said to flourish with sea trout and various other species of fish living here.



The Mouth of The river Alver Was removed to prevent Tidal flooding and replaced by a tunnel.

 The tunnel remerges again 20 yards north, The digger in the background was reinforcing the embankment flood defences here in preparation for The North_Sea_flood_of_2013*.

Looking upstream, Its here were the first tributary Branches off.

That Tributary soon eases into a small Mudlake, Note: strong erosion in the background.



Two Partnered Resident Mute swans search the River Alver for sustainable food, despite the tall embankments Fauna and Flora Continue to grow here steadily. 

The view north as the River Alver heads into its middle course (5 meters above sea level) 

I then decide to explore the rest of Browndown Park

 The Military fortifications in the distance

Among the Birdlife was Rooks, greenfinches, great tits and reports say a locally Rare Dartford Warbler (Dartford_Warbler) was also on site at the time.

Rosehips, Gorse and Thistles were Just some of the Diverse plant life living in Browndown reserve 

 The Main shingle beach on site doesn't share as much life as the reserve, seen here looking 'abandoned'

I Conclude my trip at the Main Military Compound (Former Gun battery).

 First built here in 1842 the gun batteries were designed to protect Southampton from attack by enemy warships, it was highly criticised by Sir James Fergusson And over the years kept needing upgrading until 1905 when it was disarmed.