Radford Park has a new jewel in its crown with the official opening of a 70m boardwalk, unveiled on December 2 by Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council Chairman, Cllr Jeanette Kirby.

The ceremony was attended by parish councillors, council staff, and representatives from McCarthy & Stone and contractor Morton Pattison. The £90,000 project, funded by McCarthy & Stone, reached the finish line despite some challenging weather conditions, with Morton Pattison receiving praise for their high-quality work.

The Clerk of the Parish Council, Jane Sawyer, was thanked for her efforts in securing planning permission from East Hampshire District Council and managing the project on behalf of the Council.

The boardwalk, named ‘Bowley’s Boardwalk’ in honour of Rick Bowley’s remarkable 40 years of service to the Council, was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting by Bowley himself.

Cllr Kirby said: “Radford Park was formed by a series of acquisitions by the Parish Council. It is a very special place for visitors and families, enhancing health and wellbeing through gentle exercise and contact with nature. Providing a safe and even walkway means that the Park will be accessible to all abilities, including those with motorised wheelchairs.”

Radford Park, designated a Site of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC), is managed by the Council’s dedicated Grounds Team to balance public enjoyment with wildlife conservation.

“The boardwalk will protect the wetland habitats surrounding it, allowing the springs to seep underneath. In time, it will encourage more flora and fauna to appear in the undisturbed land, enhancing the area’s biodiversity.”