Stoke Common Park - a new community greenspace is now open
Magnificent views, diverse wildlife, and miles of new trails
Magnificent views, diverse wildlife, and miles of new trails await Eastleigh Borough residents this summer as the new Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace, Stoke Common Park opened to the public on Friday (18 July).
Located northeast of Bishopstoke, this 21-hectare site has been transformed into a tranquil parkland designed to offer residents a natural retreat while helping to protect sensitive habitats and take pressure off designated conservation sites such as the New Forest.
Deputy Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Cllr Ian Corben, who performed the opening ceremony said: "This wonderful facility, which will benefit both Eastleigh residents and visitors, is the result of extremely hard work by Eastleigh Borough Council, contractors and volunteers.
“I extend my thanks to all of them and look forward to people enjoying Stoke Common Park for many years to come.”
Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Cllr Keith House, who also attended the opening ceremony, added: “This is a truly magnificent new park with great views, kilometres of walking trails accessible to all, and will help to protect sensitive habitats and local wildlife.”
Features of Stoke Common Park include:
• 2.5km of newly created accessible pathways
• Central seating and picnic areas
• Dog-friendly routes
• Interpretation boards and signage
• Bird and bat boxes, log piles, and new habitat for wildlife
• Native hedgerow and tree planting (scheduled for autumn 2025)
• Links to extensive public rights of way through Stoke Park Woods and the surrounding area
Access and Parking:
Parking is available at the Stoke Common Cemetery extension car park, (access off Sewall Drive) with easy walking routes leading into the park. Please note, there is no parking directly available on Sewall Drive or vehicular access to the SANG or within Stoke Park Common.
Visitors can access the park via several pedestrian routes including:
• Stoke Park Woods
• Sewall Drive (via public bridleway)
• Hardings Lane
• Savernake Way
• The rear of the Fox and Hounds pub
• Upperbarn Copse and Crowdhill Copse