We had a lively discussion at our last meeting in March for planning activities for this year. Following on from this meeting and building on the lessons from the Lanham Lane appeal we will be having bi-monthly informal meetings for anyone interested in nature on Teg Down.
The next one will be on 12th May from 18.30hrs at the Fulflood Arms, Cheriton Road.
Winchester City Council are conducting a review to find out if local residents would support the creation of a parish council for the Winchester town area, and if so, which area it should cover. The focus is on the unparished areas of the city, which are not currently represented by a parish council.
To find out more about the consultation process and the public engagement sessions the City Council is running over the coming weeks visit https://bit.ly/4qRWHM5
Our verges team made the most of the November autumn sunshine to give the grass verge on the corner of Teg Down Meads one final cut for the season.
By keeping the grass growth in check, we’re helping promote biodiversity, giving a wider variety of wild plants the chance to thrive.
We also reseeded a few bare patches with a wildflower mix, and we’re looking forward to seeing what appears next spring, like this Toadflax which is still in bloom!
A big thank you to everyone who’s helping keep Teg Down green and buzzing with life!
The Planning Inquiry which considered the application by Kler to build 188 house on the field adjacent to Lanham Lane was concluded in early November. We expect the Inspector to report early in the New Year.
The TDNG was part of the local team representing residents’ views at the Inquiry. We gave evidence on the impact of development on the local ecology and the harm that would be done to a valued landscape. Others from our team set out the consequences of development for drainage of the field and the local impact of greater road traffic from the scheme. The evidence also drew attention to the difficulties residents would face if they wanted to walk or cycle to local facilities, as well as the impact of the loss of the No.4 bus.
The City Council also put up a good case on both landscape and whether there was a need for development at this site, as well as challenging the applicant on many other aspects of their proposals. The Inspector has certainly heard the strong views of local residents on these proposals, backed by robust evidence on several fronts. Let us hope she gives that due weight in reaching her decision.
We are maintaining this corner, to let it grow with more biodiversity. We did a survey at the end of the growing season, and found a surprising variety of wild plants on this little plot on the corner of Teg Down Meads; over 40 different species were identified! Some of the most common were Ribwort Plantain, Common Knotgrass, and Dandelions, all of which are great for pollinators and hardy enough to thrive in tough roadside conditions.
We also spotted some more unusual plants like Jersey Cudweed, Wild Carrot, and Coltsfoot, exciting finds that suggest the verge is supporting a wide range of wildlife. Creeping Saltbush and Saltbush were also interesting, these salt-tolerant plants often grow in places affected by road grit or runoff.
Letting these areas grow wild boosts biodiversity, helps bees and butterflies, and creates little pockets of nature right on our doorsteps.
Planning Application Reference: 24/02737/OUT
Appeal Reference: APP/L1765/W/25/3367467
In July 2025, the Teg Down Nature Group submitted a formal response to the Planning Inspector in relation to the appeal concerning land west of Lanham Lane. While we had already submitted an objection earlier this year, this updated submission focuses on new evidence – particularly the implications of Hampshire’s draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
We maintain our strong objection to the proposed development, which threatens an area of grassland and valuable habitat identified in the LNRS as important for restoring Hampshire’s biodiversity.
Our response is supported by the findings of a trained ecological consultant and draws on local plant surveys carried out by TDNG volunteers. These found over 50 species of grasses and wildflowers in the site’s south-west corner, demonstrating the area’s natural regeneration into species-rich calcareous grassland – a priority habitat in the LNRS.
We support the conclusion of Winchester City Council’s assessment that this proposal would result in the loss of priority habitat and would be harmful to protected species.
The Teg Down Nature Group urges the Planning Inspector to reject this appeal. The proposed development conflicts with Hampshire’s own nature recovery goals and risks destroying a rare example of successful natural regeneration.
For more information or to get involved in our work, please contact us or join our mailing list.
Simon Eden
Chair, Teg Down Nature Group
simoneden@btinternet.com
16 July 2025
Teg Down Nature Group held its second Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5 June at Wesley Church Hall. Members and neighbours came together to reflect on a successful first year, elect the new committee, and share plans for the year ahead.
We warmly thanked the outgoing team and are pleased to announce the new officers:
Our first year saw a wide range of activities, from fungi forays and bat walks to a popular Gardening for Wildlife talk. The verges project on Teg Down is now underway, supported by a grant from Winchester Rotary. Our newsletters reach over 100 households and we are building links with other local groups through Team Wilder.
The group has developed a business plan to guide future activities and support funding bids. Communications remain key, and a new website is due to launch in the next few months. We’re also looking for someone local to help manage our social media.
Ideas for the coming year include more walks, surveys, and nature gardening. A discussion about Weeke Pond highlighted the potential for collaborative stewardship. We’ll also stay informed on local planning and how changes to city governance may affect our area.
Thank you to all who took part and continue to support the group. If you’d like to get involved or join our mailing list, we’d love to hear from you (info@tegdownnature.org)
Teg Down Nature Group 