Knowle Park
In 2006 the Parish Council was gifted a 35-acre site consisting of 6 large agricultural fields by John Gosney, a local farmer. The site is now being developed into a public open space so local residents and its wildlife can enjoy it.
The site is bordered by ancient woodland to the northeast, has a high ridge running across it giving extensive views towards the Isle of Wight to the south and the Itchen valley to the west. This area is a haven for wildlife. Deer and birds of prey are a common sight and there is also evidence of badger activity.
The main access to the park is from White Tree Close, where a car park is open from 8am to 4.30pm (Nov-April) and closing at 9.30 in the summer. There are 5 other pedestrian access points including kissing gates at ‘The Beeches’ and at Knowle Lane.
Once the park is fully developed the two communities will have a green space to be proud of and it will provide a rural buffer between the villages. We have already planted over 300 trees, a skate park has been installed and a playground has recently opened. A new allotment site at Knowle Lane has been open for over a year now and we have reserved a piece of land next to it to build a new cemetery, but this won’t be required for some time yet. We have planted extensive hedging around both these areas to screen them.
The Council has just received a grant, so we can now plant hundreds more native trees and shrubs, lay a path to allow access to most areas all year round, build a viewing mound, install seating & bins, and we will also create wildflower meadows. We have already commissioned a wrought iron fence with 3D flowers and two sculptured stone acorns. A hand made carved wooden circular seat is now in place under one of the majestic oak trees. The Council has already started the work, one field has been ploughed, levelled and seeded for recreational use. The path construction should be starting in June, so there may be some disruption as certain areas may have to be closed off for this work. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused, but as this will enhance the area even more, it will be worth it in the end.
Download the development plan