History & Heritage
Forest of Eversley
Trails Project
Hidden Villages
The Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area is steeped in history and contains a varied landscape shaped by natural processes and centuries of man’s influence. It is the legacy of ancient farming practices and a traditional way of life.
Queen Elizabeth I was a visitor to Elvetham near Hartley Wintney and King John regularly travelled through en route from Winchester to Runnymede. Monuments and archaeological sites abound in the Heritage Area, whilst old and traditional buildings add character and interest. The 17th century Pest House in Odiham, one of only 5 remaining in the country, used to house people suffering from the plague, smallpox or other infectious diseases. Village greens found across the area are another valued legacy from times gone by.
The Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area gets its name as it encompasses not only the Hampshire section of the Loddon river catchment but also the historic Forest of Eversley, once part of the great hunting forest of Windsor.
Take a village tour around the hidden villages of the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area.
The wildlife of the area is intrinsically linked to its history. The habitats we recognise today have come about from past use of the land. Woodland coppiced for fuel and products now supports butterflies and dormice whilst grazing and common rights produced the heathland that now supports a wealth of wildlife including internationally important bird species. The Basingstoke Canal is not only an example of eighteenth century engineering but also the site of Second World War defence structures as well as now being a site of special scientific interest for its aquatic flora and the site of an internationally important Natterer’s bat roost at Greywell tunnel.
Understanding the history of the area is essential to fully appreciate what we have today.
Wildlife and Heritage TrailsThanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund we have been able to begin a new project in May 2008 to produce a booklet of walks in and around the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area that link the wildlife found here with the history of the area. The project aims to encourage more people to explore the countryside around the Loddon and Eversley heritage area and learn about the heritage and wildlife on our doorstop.
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