Stoke Park Farm
Located in the vibrant Borough of Eastleigh, Stoke Park Farm is set within 103 hectares on the outskirts of the parish of Bishopstoke and borders Stoke Park Woods to the south.
Stoke Park Farm includes:
- 17 acres of woodland,
- Former pasture fields,
- Varied trees and hedge lines,
- A fishery farm,
- Various farming buildings,
- And an abundance of walking trails and routes.
The site is owned and operated by Eastleigh Borough Council.
Address: Stoke Park Farm, Stoke Common Road, Bishopstoke, Eastleigh SO50 6DW
Sustainable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG)
Works have begun to create a suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANG) within Stoke Park.
The SANG site is part of the former Stoke Park Farm and was previously used for cattle grazing to support dairy operations at the farm.
Planning permission was obtained in January 2021 to develop the site into a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace with associated access, footpaths, landscaping, ecological features, and street furniture to mitigate against the impact of increased visits to the New Forest.
Once complete access to the SANG can be found walking or cycling via Stoke Park Woods, Sewall Drive, Upperbarn Copse and Crowdhill Copse. Should residents wish to visit by Car, parking will be available at Bishopstoke Cemetery extension & SANG car park.
Works have begun on site with a view to opening the SANG to the public in the summer. Hedgerow and Tree planting will be taking place separate to this in the late Autumn to coincide with planting seasons. The scheme includes a recreational space with a circular walking route, rich grassland planting as well as additional sections of hedgerow and tree planting. There is a centralised focal point with seating and a range of ecological enhancements across site including log piles, hibernaculum’s, bird and bat boxes.
Features of the proposed design:
- New native planted hedgerows and a welcoming seating space
- New walking and access routes
- Habitat wet grassland for bird and invertebrate species
Anyone interested in finding out more about the proposed SANG can view all the relevant planning documents via the online planning portal using reference: F/23/95844