Shrine Restoration 2008-9 Exploring the Park Conservation

Local people worked with a professional archaeologist to expose the footprint of the former Winchester Lodge and trace the route of the carriage drive.

Conservation Project

Introduction

Avenue Park 2000-1

Shrine Restoration 2008-9

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Avenue Park 2000-1

In 1996, the south portion (61 acres) of the Avenue Park area was placed in public ownership, and in 2000 a restoration project with the Itchen Hamble Countryside Project took place to the whole of Avenue Park, including Eastleigh Borough Council's north portion.

Project activities included:

Extensive scrub clearance, and opening up of distant views. Installed traditional estate fencing and gates. Motorcycle scrambling prevented.

Sought specialist advice from leading expert on eighteenth century landscape design, John Phibbs, who found during his visit a number of pronounced earthworks which suggested the presence of a possible water meadow, ha-ha, and other features. He made recommendations for further research and indicated priority areas for restoration.

A community archaeology event revealed the footprint of the former Winchester Lodge, bringing to life the history of the site for passers-by. Local people worked with a professional archaeologist to expose the site of the Lodge, and trace the route of the entrance drive to North Stoneham House. The project took place over two separate weekends, and the excavations were left exposed for several weeks to allow visitors to view the results. The grass cutting regime was changed to reflect the precise route of the original drive. A detailed archaeological report was compiled.

Better protection was sought for Avenue Park by participating in the Local Plan process and obtaining inclusion of the park within the Hampshire Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

Provided many volunteering opportunities for local people to become involved at a practical level. All materials and equipment were provided, together with appropriate training and safety clothing. Refreshments were provided, and also barbecues. The volunteering opportunities inlcuded installation of traditional estate fencing and entrance gates at the Winchester Lodge entrance; scrub clearance, opening up views across Avenue Pond; revival of the traditional skill of hedgelaying under expert tuition.

Carried out habitat management work, including the cutting of a traditional late summer crop of hay, and hedge-laying.

The discovery of a large population of adders at Avenue Park presented the project with some challenges. Advice was sought from English Nature to achieve the best balance between restoring the open character of the original landscape, and retaining a suitable habitat for the adders.

Participated in annual Heritage Weekend held at St Nicolas Church, organised in conjunction with the City of Southampton Society. This included a history walk in Avenue Park.

Three interpretation panels were installed, giving an introduction to the history of the site.

Using a large tractor-mounted tree spade, young lime trees were removed from inappropriate positions within the park to new positions as indicated on historic maps, realigning them with the remains of the lime avenue and route of the original approach drive.

A section of the carriage drive was restored, and new fencing and gates put in to improve the footpath.

Worked closely with Eastleigh & District Angling Club to undertake clearance at Avenue Pond, preparing the site for excavation. Clearance of scrub and young trees revealed the distinctive dog-bone shape of the pond, suggesting that it might have originally comprised two separate basins. The silt was removed, a new island constructed, and a silt trap created. Barbed wire fences were replaced with traditional estate fencing. The Club created access for disabled people.