Countryside 2025 highlights: nature, access and community

As we step into a new year, it’s time to reflect on the Countryside Service’s achievements that helped protect our countryside, allowing nature to thrive. Our country parks, nature reserves, and access projects have ensured that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the beauty and heritage of Hampshire.

Hampshire’s five country parks proudly retained their Green Flag Awards, a testament to their outstanding quality and visitor experience. Staunton Country Park, Royal Victoria Country Park, and Lepe Country Park went even further by maintaining their Green Heritage Site Accreditation, celebrating their historical significance. Families flocked to new attractions such as the Frisbee Golf course at River Hamble Country Park, while Manor Farm delighted visitors with its brand-new outdoor play area. Summer brought communities together, including 20 weeks of Park Yoga and a record-breaking Summer Solstice climb at Butser Hill, where hundreds gathered to watch the sunrise from one of Hampshire’s most iconic viewpoints.

Nature recovery projects also saw fantastic results. The rare red helleborine returned to one of our site’s in East Hampshire after two decades, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Birdlife flourished, with 527 sandwich tern pairs recorded at Lymington, the largest colony in Hampshire, and marsh harriers successfully breeding at Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve for the first time, producing five fledged chicks. New habitats for turtle doves at Martin Down and nightjars at Netley Common highlight the county’s commitment to biodiversity. Across Hampshire, more than 123,000 trees and hedges have been planted since 2022, creating vibrant community orchards, mini forests, and pollinator-friendly spaces that will benefit generations to come.

Red Helleborine

Male Marsh Harrier: Photo credit: Steve Payce

Access improvements made exploring Hampshire easier and more inclusive. The Miles Without Stiles project replaced barriers with gates across South Downs parishes, while new boardwalks at East Woodhay and Shortheath Common opened up previously challenging routes. The Hayling Billy Trail also received £600,000 in funding through the Active Travel Fund to upgrade the northern section of the Hayling Billy Trail upgrade, creating a safer cycleway for walkers and cyclists.

Another new gate installed as part of the Miles without Stiles Project

Path improvements on Hayling Billy Line Trail

Community spirit shone throughout the year. The Big Spring Clean at Yateley Common saw 179 volunteers remove tonnes of litter, while volunteer thank-you events celebrated the people who make Hampshire’s countryside thrive. A huge thank you goes to all of our Countryside Service volunteers, who together contributed an incredible 141,231 hours of volunteering in 2025. With 1,860 active volunteers supporting conservation work, visitor services, and administration roles, their support is the backbone of our success. Partnerships with local councils, conservation groups, and passionate residents continue to drive these successes forward.

Volunteers at Staunton Country Park

As we look ahead to 2026, Hampshire Countryside Service continues to strive for our countryside to be the first choice for people to connect with nature. Whether you’re planning a winter walk, a summer adventure, or simply want to reconnect with nature, there’s never been a better time to explore Hampshire’s countryside.

Feeling inspired to volunteer? Visit our website for more information and to get involved. There are lots of opportunities throughout the county to suit lots of different interests. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what’s going on in the countryside and subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest updates.