Press Release

8 June 2026

Residents invited to explore Holly Hill Woodland Park

Residents are invited to take part in a series of free guided walks at Holly Hill Woodland Park this summer, offering a unique opportunity to explore the site’s rich heritage and learn about plans for its future.

The walks, led by the council’s countryside team, form part of ongoing engagement work supporting the Holly Hill Rediscovered project. Participants will enjoy a relaxed ramble through the woodland park while learning about its wildlife, historic features and the challenges it faces.

The Holly Hill Rediscovered project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, Arkwood Ltd is working with Fareham Borough Council to restore Holly Hill Woodland Park, revitalising this much-loved green space for people and nature. The 35-hectare site is made up of Victorian landscaped garden and parkland, set around a series of interconnecting ponds, lakes and water features made of Pulhamite stone, which need repair.

During each ramble, attendees will be able to hear about proposed restoration works and a programme of outreach and community activities that could be delivered if funding is secured. There will also be opportunities to ask questions and discover more about why the project needs to take place.

Walks will take place on the following dates:

• 11 June
• 16 July (accessible route available)
• 13 August
• 10 September

Due to the park’s natural landscape, some walks include relatively steep slopes. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. A simplified, more accessible route will be available on 16 July 2026.

Places are limited to 12 participants per walk, and advance booking is required by calling 01329 236100. All walks take place from 10am until 12.30pm and will start from the main entrance off Barnes Lane (What3Words: ///maker.adjusting.reprints).

Executive Member for Streetscene, Councillor Ian Bastable, said:

“Holly Hill Woodland Park is a treasured green space with a rich history and has great potential to enhance wildlife through the planned biodiversity improvements. These guided walks are a fantastic opportunity for residents to discover more about the park and find out how they can get involved through volunteering opportunities and discovery events. We encourage anyone with an interest in nature, heritage or the local community to take part.”

Find out more about the Holly Hill Rediscovered project at the Council’s website: www.fareham.gov.uk/hollyhillrediscovered. 

Delivering these improvements is a key project in Fareham Borough Council’s Corporate Strategy: Leisure opportunities for wellbeing and fun.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

“Grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. ‘Holly Hill Rediscovered’ has initially been granted round one development funding of £111,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by the Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £856,569.

“Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

“Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.”

www.heritagefund.org.uk 
 
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund.

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

Keep in touch on the go