Why do we need a Strategic Plan?

For centuries residents and visitors enjoyed walking on St. Giles Hill to take the fresh air and enjoy the magnificent views of the Cathedral, College and City below. With the arrival of the railways and the Victoria expansion of Winchester land once grazed by sheep became prime real estate and housing development threatened. To prevent development and preserve access the west flank of St. Giles Hill land was purchased by the City on condition it be used as a place of recreation “in perpetuity”.

The Victorians designed the park with a mix of open grass areas and careful planting of trees, many of which were planted on the slopes so as to frame picturesque views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

The trees now enclose the grass on the summit and the view of St. Catherine’s Hill is hidden by trees.

Historic paintings and photographs testify that today many of the views have been lost. Self-sown trees restrict the main viewpoint so the sunsets in mid-summer and mid-winter can no longer be seen. New planted trees hide the original carefully framed landscape views. The large open grassy space at the summit has become totally enclosed and in the summer loses all sight of the City and surrounding downland.

Time has also taken its toll. In the mid 1990s there was an effort to repair and improve key features. The main viewpoint was given an extended pier, an information board and a raised platform for seating. Paths and steps were repaired. Tree works opened a view of the Cathedral from the top flight of steps.

A generation later the need for repairs and re-investment is even greater. Mature self-sown trees and invasive ground cover have seen most of the natural chalk meadow flora disappear. The action of rain and tree roots over time has undermined much of the hard landscaping which is increasingly in need of replacement and the steep slope of the escarpment needs further works to secure the paths and steps from erosion.

Modern day needs require more wheel friendly paths for children’s buggies and mobility aids. There is a greater interest in nature and concern about bio-diversity. Visitors need better signage and more information.

In spite of all the above, the main viewpoint is often listed in “Top 10 Best” lists of places to visit in Winchester. The views which remain are still stunning. Yet the park could offer so much more. Instead of swathes of unsightly invasives we can nurture wild flowers. The park is home to bats, birds, bugs and butterflies. We can give our children the opportunity to meet them and learn about the natural world. They can enjoy wild play and yet be encouraged to respect this wonderful space.

Re-opening views and letting the sunshine in will encourage people to sit on the grass and picnic on a summers day or a warm evening. More seating will encourage visitors to linger.

The 5-Year Management Plan sets out the day to day management of the park and some minor improvements but admits there are not the resources to tackle all the jobs. More importantly, it does not provide a vision of what the City Council and local residents would like the park to be. Instead it seeks to mitigate the worst consequences of the relentless force of time.

Before (left) and after (right) shots showing our work to patch up some the parks's steps.

Much of the hard landscaping is reaching its end of life; steps and walls and the viewing platform will all need extensive works before long. Patching will only go so far. Significant investment is needed to remedy these issues.

This story is one that has been repeated across the country. However, in recent years this trend has been reversed in many places. First volunteer groups campaigned for change and became actively involved in care and restoration, then the National Lottery and finally central Government began to realise the importance of parks and open spaces for people and nature and started to fund the investment needed for regeneration.

To reverse the decline, to re-open the views, to secure safe modern access, to meet the present day demand for attractive open spaces we need a plan.

A Strategic Framework Plan will aid short term decision making by officers and guide our volunteers’ efforts to help. Most importantly it will provide a vision of what is wanted and is the key to unlocking the financial resources required to regenerate the park and make it “Fit for the 21st Century”.