A CHARITY has been set up by a group of volunteers to help raise money for the maintenance and future improvements of a park in Winchester.

Friends of St Giles Hill Park got the approval just over a month after Winchester City Council approved a new five-year plan for the park at St Giles Hill.

The volunteers, led by horticulturist Dr Harry Mycock, will organise workdays in the park as well as litter picks and historical guided walks.

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Dr Mycock, who was the head of garden design and horticulture at Sparsholt College for 10 years, said: “The city council has produced a plan to halt the decline of this extraordinary park but lacks the resources to do everything needed without support. That’s where the park Friends come in: we hope to mobilise local people from across Winchester. There are lots of ways to help – from clearing scrub to planting trees and picking up litter. We also want to research the history of the park and need help with fund-raising and organising events.”

Outgoing city councillor Charles Radcliffe initiated the park proposal and has been involved in setting up the charity. He said: “This park is a unique asset for Winchester. It’s a slice of nature in the city with one of the best views of any park in Britain. It’s also the backdrop to the rest of the city, looming as it does over the High Street, cathedral and college.

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“Sadly, over the course of 20 years, parts of the park have become overgrown and dilapidated. It’s terrific the council has committed itself to changing that. We want to work with them to help deliver improvements – and give the park some much-needed TLC.”

Secretary of the Friends, Mike Biden is appealing to people of all ages from across the city to get involved. He said: “Lots of people use the park coming to watch the sunsets, enjoy the views and walk their dogs. Many have fond memories of playing with their children or loved ones who regularly visited. We’d like everyone who cares to support us by becoming a Friend. There will be lots of ways to help and signing up as a friend or following us on Facebook is the best way to stay in touch.”

The group’s first event is a litter pick on Monday, May 8 as part of the Big Help Out for the Coronation of King Charles III. For more information on the Friends of St Giles Hill Park or to sign up go to friendsofstgileshillpark.org.