Queen Elizabeth Country Park celebrates 50 years with summer festivities

Special anniversary activities include a children's woodland trail featuring puzzles to solve and medals to win, a volunteer project with the park's rangers to create a new flowerbed near the courtyard, and an exhibition showcasing the park's history through photographs and archive material in the visitor centre. A new natural woodland play area is also due to open this month with burrow tunnels, balance beams, a slide, swings and a nature kitchen table for younger visitors to use their imagination to play, enjoy and explore.

The celebrations build on a landmark year for the park, which was officially opened in 1976 when the areas of Butser Hill and Queen Elizabeth Forest were brought together to create Hampshire's largest country park, covering more than 1,400 acres.

The park's visitor centre was officially opened by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in April 1976. The building was designed by renowned British architect Sir Hugh Casson, who also designed London Zoo's famous Elephant House and served as coordinating designer for Westminster's street decorations during The Queen's Coronation.

Over the years, the park has added more attractions and features, working in close partnership with its joint landowners, Forestry England, the South Downs National Park Authority and other partners.

Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council's Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, who recently planted a ceremonial Copper Beech tree at a special event to mark the anniversary, said: "Celebrating 50 years since Queen Elizabeth Country Park was established is a great opportunity to appreciate not only its remarkable natural beauty, but also the special care and commitment that has helped it flourish.

“Hampshire County Council has proudly managed and invested in the park over many decades, continually improving facilities and experiences for visitors while protecting the landscape and wildlife for future generations. We've been supported by amazing staff, fantastic volunteers and dedicated partners whose care and commitment have helped ensure the park remains in excellent health and is well placed to continue thriving for the next 50 years and beyond."

Elaina Whittaker-Slark, Lead Ranger for the Hampshire area of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “Queen Elizabeth Country Park is a key gateway to the National Park, providing a stepping stone from urban areas into some of the most amazing landscapes and wildlife in England.

“It’s wonderful to be celebrating its 50th anniversary and we look forward to many more years working with our partners to keep this a special place for nature and people.”

Craig Harrison, South District Director from Forestry England, said: “Queen Elizabeth Country Park is historically significant for Forestry England and it’s a huge privilege to manage the trees here. Our local team is building on the work of previous generations of foresters, whose woodland management began when we first planted trees in this location. The future of this woodland lies in balancing resilience and adaptation with a respect for its past. I hope everyone who enjoys the 50th anniversary celebrations has a sense of just how special this woodland is, and the important role trees continue to play today.”

The park's on-site café, Beechwood Kitchen, is also serving a special 50th anniversary treat - rhubarb and custard cake - throughout August.

For more information and to plan your visit, visit: Queen Elizabeth Country Park