Aldermaston Road Open Space - A New Neighbourhood Park for Popley!
The Borough Council is committed to a new Neighbourhood Park at Aldermaston Road Open Space to serve both existing residents in Popley and new residents from the new housing to the North. We are looking at an exciting new play area for a wide age range of children and planning new path networks and tree planting to provide spaces for all age groups.
We want to know what you would like to see at Aldermaston Road Open Space, Popley Way…..
Come and see the displays and comment on our ideas at Melrose Community Hall on Wednesday 18 June 1pm to 6pm and Thursday 19 June 1pm to 8pm.
For more information contact Margaret McGrath, Parks and Open Spaces Development Officer on (01256)845407.
Basing Lime Pits
Once part of a private estate, the Lime Pits now provide an opportunity for walking, playing and picnicking in a rural location. The site forms part of the Basingstoke Canal Heritage Footpath Trail, which runs across basingstoke common and finishes at Basing House. It follows a route rich in wildlife and cultural heritage.
Black Dam Ponds
The ponds provide a haven for wildlife, particularly waterfowl including tufted ducks, coots and kingfishers. The site offers picnic facilities and links via an underpass to Crabtree Open Space and Black Dam Ponds Nature Reserve. A self guided walk leaflet is available to download from the walking section on this site.
Also follow this link for information on conservation work in this park.
Beggarwood Park
Beggarwood Park is situated to the south west of Basingstoke, and mainly serves the communities of Hatch Warren and Beggarwood. It was originally identified and developed as public open space to support new housing development in the area, and is around 26 ha in size. Developments to the Woodland Park to date include structure planting and footpath provision, with additional features including a maze and amphitheatre and that work is due to continue with consultation regarding further faculties soon. For information about this consultation please go to Beggarwood Park
Brighton Hill Playing Fields
This site provides a range of sporting facilities including six football pitches, and changing rooms.
Carpenters Down Open Space
Lying next to Carpenters Down Wood which is managed by the Forestry Commission this open space offers sporting facilities for basketball and bowls. Nature trails and walks lead through the woodland to Sherborne St John. The site also boasts an excellent community centre, which provides a number of events and activities for local people.
Chineham Park
Once part of the Chineham Park Estate, Chineham Park retains many mature trees from the original parkland. The site also provides a play area, paddling pool and skate park.
Crabtree Plantation
Originally part of the Hackwood Estate, evidence of the historical significance of this site can still be seen in the Bolton Arch, through which lies the main entrance to Crabtree. The woodland is a mixture of oak, horse chestnut, sycamore and ash, with many informal footpaths. The grassland is managed for flowering plants.
Crabtree is a hugely important 
site for butterflies due to its south facing position, woodland and grassland habitat which attracts many different varieties. The elms are of particular importance as they are the favoured resting and breeding place for the beautiful and rare White Letter Hairstreak. Each summer a local resident and member of Butterfly Conservation carries out a regular survey of the site and last year recorded three in one day. This rare sighting was mentioned in the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Butterfly & Moth Report 2007 (p. 48).
A self guided walk leaflet is available to download from the walking section on this site. Also follow this link for information on conservation work in this park.
Hatch Warren Park
This is an informal park with a children’s play area. It is ideal for walking, informal exercise and play.
Hatch Warren Playing Fields
This site has facilities for football and tennis, as well as changing rooms. The site also boasts an excellent community centre, which provides a number of events and activities for local people.
Oakridge V Playing Fields
With a children’s play area, skate ramp, football pitches with changing rooms, and ample space for walking, these playing fields are ideal for formal and informal recreation.
Russell Howard Park
This park offers a wide range of sports facilities, including netball courts, three football pitches, a cricket pitch, two bowling greens and changing rooms. There is also a play area.
Sherborne Road Playing Fields
This site provides sports pitches, changing rooms and a children’s play area.
Stratton Park
The park has three football pitches, a cricket pitch, six tennis courts and changing facilities with toilets (including disabled). There is a play area for children and space for informal recreation and a community centre on the site.
West Ham Park
Home to Basingstoke Golf Centre, the site has a Par 3 Golf Course with a 24 bay floodlit driving range and putting green. There is a play area nearby.
Whiteditch Playing Fields
Football pitches with changing facilities, and a children’s play area are located on the site.
Winklebury Playing Fields
This large linear park has football pitches, cycle and skateboard ramps, basketball courts, changing rooms and a play area. A cycleway and footpath run through the park and link the Leisure Park to the Town Centre.