Naishes Lane SANGS is a large area of former MOD land that has been converted back into recreational use for the local community of Church Crookham and surrounding area. The site covers over 200 acres so there is plenty of space for everyone to explore and enjoy. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to get involved in all that this enormous natural space has to offer.
A lasting and enduring, natural, recreational space which will be welcomed and fully enjoyed by the community now and for generations to come.
We aim to encourage walkers to designated areas by thinning and clearing the thickets and removing the barbed wire fencing left over from the days of MOD ownership. As part of our ongoing work we have laid a 2 kilometre mixed surface bridle path for the many riders in the area to enjoy. We are also focusing on land drainage so that more of the very wet areas are accessible to everyone. However, we are leaving selected areas as wetlands to allow parts of this unique landscape to develop naturally and encourage wildlife diversity.
The area of the former barracks has been integrated into a much needed housing development by Taylor Wimpey, one of the UK’s leading housing developers.
The Countryside Code has been updated
Please click on the button below to download a PDF and be sure to adhere to the code.
Thank you
“We will be back very soon. Such a lovely peaceful place to walk.”
A significant military history
The Gurkhas
In 1971 the 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Gurkha Rifles moved to Queen Elizabeth Barracks. From here they became the first Gurkhas to mount the Queen’s Guard.
In 1977 the 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles took up residence finally amalgamating with the 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Regiment in 1994 to form the 1st Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles.
World War II Pillboxes.
Unique to the area is a line of World War II pillboxes running across the width of the site and beyond. These formed part of the Southern Command Defense Line which ran from Hook to Salisbury.
Interestingly these particular fortified structures are hexagonal and they were specifically made for defense with light machine guns and rifles.
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Very peaceful walk and lovely countryside views.”
Picture taken by a visitor to Naishes Lane SANGS