Open space in Winchester in finals for award following transformation
Hillier’s Haven has been announced as one of the finalists in the Making Places category, in the 2018 Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Countryside Awards.
The site in Abbots Barton was previously inaccessible, but its transformation was made possible by funding becoming available due to the affordable homes development at Hillier Way built by Winchester City Council.
The site had been shortlisted for the awards, which are sponsored by the Hastoe Group earlier this month and judges who visited the site recently were impressed with its transformation.
Hillier’s Haven features paths through the woodland, a meadow area with stone fire pits, bird and bat boxes, benches and a sculpture trail. It also benefits from interpretation boards showing a map of the area and details of the animals and plants that may be seen during a visit.
Cllr Jan Warwick, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said:
“This is wonderful news, my thanks go to the open spaces team at the Council who have worked so hard transforming Hillier’s Haven into an idyllic place where families, and people of all ages can enjoy nature in Winchester.
“This administration is working hard to ensure that our open spaces are protected and enhanced throughout the District, and Hillier’s Haven is a great example of how we can achieve this.”
The final awards ceremony will take place on September 18 in Littleton and the public can vote for Hillier’s Haven by visiting http://www.cprehampshire.org.uk/awards/hampshire-s-choice-2018