Park Plans
Strategic Framework Plan - A plan to Regenerate St. Giles Hill Park​
“It’s all about the views” Kim Wilkie
The park’s land was purchased by the City in 1878 in order to protect it from development and preserve it “in perpetuity” as a place of recreation for the people of the City. It was laid out in part by the notable Victorian landscape designer, H.E.Milner. Trees were planted to capture and enhance picturesque views with paved walks and steps providing clean access.
Since then time has taken its toll and the park is in need of significant investment. The park needs a vision for the future and a plan to achieve that vision. To read more about “Why we need a Strategic plan” see blog.
The Friends are commissioning a Strategic Framework Plan to meet that need. We invite local residents and all those who care about Winchester’s landscape to help us. We invite you to send us your thoughts and ideas to plan@fosghp.org.
We have selected Ed and Abi Gant of Lichen Studios, a landscape architecture practice to prepare the plan.
We are being supported by Winchester City Council and our sponsors Savills, but we have to raise more from our Friends and Supporters.
Please help us regenerate the park and make it “Fit for the 21st century”.
Donate to our fund-raising appeal or become a Supporter by giving a regular donation.
St Giles Hill Park Park Management Plan 2023-2028
In March 2023, Winchester City Council published a 5-year Management Plan for St Giles Hill Park. The plan set out planned maintenance and improvement work scheduled for the period 2023-2028.
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In June 2025 the Council and Friends completed a 2-year review. This reported progress had exceeded expectations with several items actioned that had been identified but not resourced in the plan. The Council received an unexpected Government grant and used part to stabilise the slope in the area worst affected.
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Volunteers from the Friends have tackled many routine tasks such as removing graffiti, clearing paths and epicormic growth. They have also planted and nurtured new trees and wild flowers, cleared invasive ground cover in both the Milner Extension and the Glade and opened up some views. The Community Service have also helped by painting the railings.
The review also highlighted the need for a tree plan and bio-diversity plans for each compartment and noted the good working relationship between officers and the Friends. The inadequacy of the financial resources available to WCC for the challenges the park faces is the limiting factor on progress.