More than 2,000 seagrass seeds were planted in the river by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's marine team in April. Only fragments of vast seagrass meadows that once thrived across the UK now remain - up to 92 per cent of seagrass has been lost over the past century, and recovery is limited due to pollution, dredging, boat anchoring and coastal development. Tim Ferrero, Senior Specialist, Marine Conservation, at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “Standing in the Hamble and seeing seagrass growing again was a truly emotional moment for me. This river hasn’t seen seagrass for almost a century - but now, for the first time in living memory, it’s back. “Seagrass restoration is not straightforward - it’s slow, difficult work, and there are no guarantees.