The Avenue
The Avenue was gifted to the town of Alresford by the Bishop of Winchester in 1869 and has been in the care of the Town Trust since 1890 'to be used for recreation by the inhabitants of the town'. The trees, mostly a mix of common, small-leaved and large-leaved limes, create a dramatic formal entrance to the town when coming from Winchester.
Our responsibilities
It is our aim, as far as is possible, to keep The Avenue as it was when it was originally gifted to the town. We fund and manage the maintenance of the land on either side of the road up to but not including the flint wall on the north side and up to but not including the fences and walls on the south side. We are not responsible for maintaining the road itself - that is down to National Highways.
Our responsibility involves mowing the grass, planting the bulbs, maintaining the benches and removing the litter. But most of all it involves managing the magnificent trees. There are over 130 trees along The Avenue and each of them is individually numbered. If a tree dies or is diseased, it is replaced. If a branch is judged dangerous, it is removed. The crowns of the trees periodically need to be lifted and the feathers that grow at the base of the trunks have to be removed.
Wayleaves or easements to cross the land have to be granted by the Town Trust to allow underground pipes for water, gas or electricity to be laid. Occasionally a new access point may be required to and from a neighbouring property, such as the footpath to the new car park at Perins' School - this also requires the permission of the Town Trustees. For all enquiries, email clerk@towntrust.org.uk.
Become a 'Friend of the Avenue'
For £25 per year, you are invited to become a Friend of the Avenue. As a Friend, you will receive updates and information about the Avenue flora and fauna, and how we hope to enhance its value for both people and wildlife. In future we aim to have special events for Friends, and to provide opportunities to sponsor trees, bird boxes and benches.
To become a member and pay via direct debit, click here: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/30177
For more information, email clerk@towntrust.org.uk
