QUEEN ELIZABETH COUNTRY PARK, HAMPSHIRE.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park is Hampshires largest country park, sited on 1,400 acres of open access
woodland and downland within the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty.
In 1928 the forestry commision purchased the land at Holt and War Down, when grazing
stopped, and used the area to plant trees for timber production.
In 1966 Hampshire County Council purchased Butser Hill, in 1976 a
new partnership was formed and the Country Park was formally opened
by Her Majesty the Queen.
Most of Butser Hill is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI) and since 1998 as a National Nature Reserve and is the second largest
area of calcareous grassland in Hampshire.
The forest blocks on Holt Down and War Down are extensive, covering over
500 hectares. Within this area are a variety of habitats ranging from
ancient woodland and hazel coppice to beech and conifer plantations.
The beech and conifer plantations, remain a commercial
enterprise producing timber for the paper pulp and fencing markets.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park has 20 miles of trails for walkers,
cyclists and horse riders.
There are three walking trails, which are clearly marked and signposted.
Short woodland trail 3km (1.9 miles)
Long woodland trail 8km (5 miles)
Downland trail 2.7km (1.7 miles)
There is a horse riding trail of 9.7 km (6 miles) through the forest.
There are two bike trails which are clearly marked.
Novice mountain - bike trail 6 km (3.7 miles)
Advanced mountain - bike trail 5 km (3.1 miles)
Opening hours:
Visitor Centre, Shop and Cafe
10am - 5.30pm, 1 Mar to 31 Oct
10am - 4.30pm, 1 Nov to 22 Dec
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