Fifteen people walked about 4 miles over the Dongas, St Catherine's Hill and Cowslip Field with CPRE Hampshire, hearing the history of Bushfield Camp.

Fifteen people spent Saturday 12 September walking the southern edge of Winchester with the countryside charity CPRE Hampshire. The free guided walk was about 4 miles long.

It was led by Chris Gilham, whom the charity describes as a local campaigner and heritage expert. The route took in:

  • the Dongas trackways
  • Deacon’s Hill
  • St Catherine’s Hill
  • Cowslip Field

The walkers were aged between 30 and 75, CPRE Hampshire says.

Old photographs along the route

Chris Gilham brought historical photographs with him and shared them as the group went. The charity says they showed walkers how the landscape had changed over time.

A group of walkers standing on a grassy hillside, with trees and houses across the valley behind them
Walkers stop on a grassy hillside during the walk. Photo: supplied by CPRE Hampshire

Bushfield Camp

Part of the walk turned to Bushfield Camp, the large former military site on the city’s southern edge. The charity says the site is being considered for redevelopment.

Christopher Napier from CPRE and Chris Gilham both spoke about the camp. They covered its history and its place within the wider landscape. Our Local Plan report sets out how the adopted plan treats the site.

Butterflies and a councillor

Dan Hoare from Butterfly Conservation explained the ecology of the Dongas trackways. Cllr Keslie Learney also came along and joined the discussion. The charity says that discussion connected the landscape’s environmental, historic and civic importance.

Walkers heading uphill in single file along a grassy path under a blue sky
Walkers heading uphill along a grassy path. Photo: supplied by CPRE Hampshire

What the walkers said

CPRE Hampshire says the walk was well received. One participant told the charity:

“This has been so interesting to come to an area we have known for so long, but to see it in a new light with new eyes.”

Alison Talbot, Operations Manager at CPRE Hampshire, said:

“This ‘On the Edge’ walk was a great opportunity to bring people together to explore and appreciate the beautiful countryside around Winchester, discover more about its fascinating past and consider the importance of protecting these special landscapes for the future.”

What it means for you

The walk has already happened, but CPRE Hampshire runs other events. Upcoming dates are on the CPRE Hampshire website.

The charity says it campaigns to protect local landscapes and wildlife and to help communities have their say on development in Hampshire. It is part of CPRE, which was founded in 1926 and is marking 100 years.

CPRE Hampshire can be contacted by email at opsmanager@cprehampshire.org.uk or on 01962 797312.