AD6605 Alney Island & Castlemeads Masterplan

Site Apprasial

Castlemeads and Alney island is an area of rural land that acts as a floodplain, roughly 56 

hectares in size, located on the north west boundary of Gloucester. It is comprised of a mixture of wetlands, floodplains, grassland and broad leaf woodland, with a series of pathways which snake across these different habitat’s. The site is surrounded by the River Severn, which parts at the north and rejoins at the south of the island. The river also splits off into the Sharpness Canal in Gloucester Docks at the southeast of the site. Along the eastern side of the site, the A4301 is the boundary between the site and urbanised Gloucester. The Docks, Gloucester Prison, Blackfriars student halls of residents and Blackfriars priory are significant landmarks adjacent to the island. The Cathedral can be seen from the northern end of the site; although, this view is blocked by the police station at the southern and central parts of the site. 

Along the west border of the site are mainly unmaintained fields and agricultural land. The widest part of the river Severn prevents further access westwards from the site location. The A430 is the only major road which crosses the site and bridges across the river on the south of the island. This road snakes from the north of the site along the east edge and down to the south. There are two main car parks within Alney Island, which are located just off the A417, Westgate bridge into Gloucester (north side of the island - the reserve car park) and on the south side of the site coming off from the A470 (Castlemeads car park). (Gloucester.gov.uk. 2018) 

Around 198 acres of Alney Island is currently designated for a nature reserve (since 1993), which is managed by Gloucester City council and the NGO, ‘The Friends of Alney Island.’ The Site contains broad leaf tree species, wet grassland and other watery habitats. In the summer the site is filled with over 60 species of wild flowers, such as Orchids, Gypsywort, Willowherb, Tall Melilot and Figwort to name a few. Due to the frequent occurrence of flooding on the site its mostly used for farmland. Its mostly maintained as pasture which is then used for a hardy, rare breed cattle known as Old Gloucesters, which graze around Alney island. These cattle are tolerant to people due to their close proximity to the city and regular human encounters. The southwest of Alney island, where the two sections of river converge, is known as a great spot to view the Severn bore. (Friendsofalneyisland.btck.co.uk. 2019)

Current Site Usage

Alney Island and Castle meads is the only location of significant open, natural Landscape close to Gloucester City centre. It is currently used predominately by dog walkers and the Gloucester Rugby club team (as their training pitch is located there). Alney island becomes an attraction during the yearly Severn bore wave, which occurs during the largest spring tides of the year (15m), creating a rebounding wave funnelled down the narrow channel of the River Severn. The Severn Bore can be viewed either from the Telford Bridge at Over or the Lower Parting. Specific features on the island that are still in use are the Llanthony weir, The Lock cottage, The Transformer station, Castlemeads Car park and the Reserve Car park. The Cattle are the main occupiers of the central fields and the remains of the island become out of use after flooding due to increased water levels.