"Capability Brown was possibly the most significant landscape designer of all time. His achievements read like a list of our finest stately homes, and to have some of his work on our doorstep is indeed a great privilege. However, to local people, the North Stoneham Estate offers much more than a prime example of eighteenth century landscape design. To them, Stoneham is important for different reasons. The overwhelming response to a recent request for information in the Borough News, is indicative of great importance that local people attach to this land."
-Cllr. W Luffman and Cllr P Wall, joint chairs, Eastleigh Area Committee, 1999
 
trees.jpgAvenue Park, 2005
 
 

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Uprooted trees fit with the past

Published by FONSP on December 4, 2001
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From the Southern Daily Echo:

"Thirty lime trees standing in the way of an ambitious two year project to restore the remains of historic parkland at North Stoneham to its former glory have been uprooted. 

Research showed that the trees at Avenue Park would not have featured in the original plans of the site by famous 18th century landscape garden designer Capability Brown. 

But instead of axing them, The Itchen Hamble Countryside Project merely moved the limes to a new location and realigned them with the remains of a lime avenue believed to fit in with Brown's original design. Countryside projects officer Nick Webb explained:

"With the help of an ingenious piece of machinery known as a tree spade. the trees were moved quickly and efficiently to provide an instant impact upon the landscape." 

The countryside project, based in Eastleigh council's countryside and recreation services department, has also restored a section of old carriage drive, complete with a traditional metal kissing gate.

The drive originally connected Chestnut Avenue to the former North Stoneham House. Other recent works include the planting of several specimen oaks with practical and financial assistance from the Hampshire branch of the International Tree Foundation. 

The huge restoration project of the vital green lung on Eastleigh's southern boundary with Southampton has been made possible through a partnership of Eastleigh council with local people, Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh and District Angling Club and other local landowners.

Cash for the scheme has primarily come from developers' contributions following redevelopment of the Stoneham Rectory site several years ago with further financial, design and practical assistance from the county council."