SIR: I made a lovely discovery this morning. I’ve known it was there for 50 years but never found the time to explore it . Some of you will know it well, but now I have found it I am almost reluctant to share in case too many people over run it.
It gives you a chalk downland meadow with a generous range of native flowers and grasses which are only cut twice a year consequently the range of butterflies and other insects is the best I have seen around Winchester. To complement this there are plenty of trees and bushes which encourage rich birdlife.
Despite its location within a few minutes of the city centre it gives tranquillity and a fine view of the hills if you fancy a period of contemplation from a memorial bench.
The bonus is a succession of clues to 200 years of military history and family life contained on hundreds of memorials scattered amongst the undergrowth. My favourite is a human-sized angel remembering a child who lived for less than three months in 1888.
Have you guessed yet? If not, the answer is the West Hill Cemetery; it is a hidden gem.
Roger Farrall,
Buriton Road,
Harestock
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