Last week a work party made up of rangers from Staunton Country Park, Queen Elizabeth Country Park and volunteer helpers, spent the day working in Johnston’s Coppice.
This 25 acre block of woodland which is owned by Hampshire County Council has been somewhat neglected in recent years and due to a reorganisation it is now the responsibility of the Staunton team.
There was much to achieve in the first day with site signs to be ordered, large amounts of rubbish to be removed and all the main trails to be cleared back.
Future work parties are planned and new volunteers are very welcome to get involved in the regular work days.
The site has some excellent coppice which will be cut in rotation to provide wood products and used as a base for teaching woodland crafts.
At the south-eastern corner of the site there is currently a deep hole surrounded by safety fencing. The cause is a leak in the gas main which runs 4m below the surface and passes directly beneath the A3.
Work to fix the problem will probably continue until Christmas when the contractors will start their clear up programme.
The site can be found at the junction of Purbrook Way and the A3 in Havant Borough, grid reference SU 689 077
johnstonscoppice 
This is an amazing bit of woodland, and it was great to have such an enthusiastic work party for a whole day. Lots was achieved and hopefully we will see some local residents join us in the woodland soon too. Looking forward to the next day of activity.