Where is Thornhill Park?

The Thornhill Park area is a triangular area of woodland, situated between Masefield Green, Byron Road, Browning Avenue and Thornhill Park Road.

Why Did Something Need To Be Done?

The woodland contains many valuable species, but these had been smothered by more common trees and the area was overgrown. Paths, lighting and the play area had fallen into disrepair and the area had been perceived as unsafe due to the poor lighting and reduced visibility. There were also regular reports of anti-social behaviour, including large quantities of litter discovered on a regular basis and motorbikes using the paths.

How Did The Project Progress?

A steering group made up of local people has been supported by a wide range of agency representatives. The process has been co-ordinated by Groundwork Solent, who undertook the consultation into issues in the area, submitted applications to bring in additional funding and created design options, that following further consultation, were put into one design that obtained planning permission.

How Did Consultation Take Place?

• Meeting for residents directly around the park, held at Thornhill Primary School early in 2006.
• Visits to local schools to get their views and ideas.
• A consultation event took place on the green area in the park, with people walking through giving their thoughts on the designs.
• Leaflets and letters were periodically distributed to residents around the park, including invitations to steering group meetings and giving updates on progress.

What Work Has Taken Place?

Work on the clearing the overgrown trees and bushes and improving the paths and lighting was completed in July 2007. The play area on Thornhill Park is also getting a facelift. Work began to improve the play facility in November 2008 and should be completed by February 2010.

Before
Before Clearance work	After Clearance and Planting
After Clearance	Work begins on the play area

How Do I Find Out More?

Please contact us using the online form, or if you would like to speak to us contact Michael Nightingale on freephone 0800 169 5561 for more information about the project.

A Friends of Thornhill Park Group is also working to preserve the park and surrounding woodlands. The group hopes through its hard work they can one day apply for a Green Pennant Award which recognises quality sites that are managed by voluntary and community groups. If you are interested in joining the group please contact Mike Allott, Community Project Assistant at Groupndwork Solent on 023 8033 8550 or 07947 833371 or email mike.allott@groundwork.org.uk

Who Is Paying For This?

The work has been funded by Thornhill Plus You, supported by additional funding from Southampton City Council and Veolia (formerly ONYX).