Our Open Spaces


Our open spaces include such areas as Itchen Valley Country Park, West End Copse to the south and Hatch Grange and Megan Green, plus many other smaller pieces of land around West End, such as Moorgreen Recreation Park and Barnsland.  They form a vital part of our lives, whether it is somewhere to kick a ball about, walk the dog or cycle, away from polluting traffic, or simply somewhere to have a quite picnic and forget about the stresses of daily life, everyone appreciates breathing that fresh air.

Below are a few reminders of how lucky we are to have those fresh open spaces.


Itchen Valley Country Park

Itchen Valley Country Park is the jewel in Eastleigh’s crown.  Having a country park in an urban area such as West End is a benefit to all those who love to spend a little time getting back to nature.  Whether you want to spend some tranquil time walking trails, or perhaps doing a bit of bird spotting or simply taking your dog for a walk, the park is there to cater for all.  Recently, Go-Ape, a high wire adventure course opened for the more energetic and a special course for 6 to 12 year olds, Treetop Junior opened, Easter 2016.

A Management Plan was published in 2011. It is well worth a read to discover more about the country park that you may not have previously known.  Change is continual and therefore you will not be surprised to learn that a firm of consultants has been engaged by the council to see what improvements can be made for the future, supported by funding of £34,600. Results of this feasibility study will be known early 2016.

Little Owls Woodland Pre-school is our new OFSTED registered outdoor facility for three and four year olds based at Itchen Valley Country Park. It gives children the opportunity to learn about trees, animals, building dens and cooking over fires in a wonderful woodland setting.  The Hedge End, West End & Botley (HEWEB) Local Area Committee provided funding of over £20,000 in 2014/15 to get this facility off the ground.