It’s been a golden summer in a beloved corner of East Hampshire as celebrations have taken place to mark 50 years of Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP).

A programme of events is underway at Hampshire’s largest country park with a new children’s play area also being opened to mark the milestone.

The park was created half a century ago when Butser Hill and Queen Elizabeth Forest were brought together.

The move led to a royal visit as the park’s award-winning visitor centre was opened by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on August 2, 1976.

The park – which covers more than 1,400 acres and attracts around 900,000 visitors annually – has added more attractions and features over the years, although thankfully a plan for a monorail was never carried through.

Cyclists pedal through the Butser Cutting following the opening of £1.5m cycleway from Petersfield to Queen Elizabeth Country Park a decade ago.

It is run by Hampshire County Council, which works in close partnership with QECP’s joint landowners, Forestry England, the South Downs National Park Authority and other partners.

A ceremonial Copper Beech tree was recently planted at QECP to mark the milestone with Cllr Kirsty North, HCC Cabinet Lead for Universal services, hailing the work of volunteers and staff.

She said: “Celebrating 50 years since QECP was established is a great opportunity to appreciate not only its remarkable natural beauty, but also the special care and commitment that has helped it flourish.

“We (HCC) have proudly managed and invested in the park over many decades, continually improving facilities and experiences for visitors while protecting the landscape and wildlife for future generations.

PP QECP Visitor Centre A3 1976
Few cars on the A3 ahead of the visitor centre's official opening by the Late HRH Queen Elizabeth in 1976. (Iliffe/Petersfield Post archives)

“We've been supported by amazing staff, fantastic volunteers and dedicated partners whose care and commitment have helped ensure the park remains in excellent health and is well placed to continue thriving for the next 50 years and beyond.”

While the celebrations have felt a little low-key, plenty is taking place to mark the anniversary with special activities including a children’s woodland trail with puzzles to solve and medals to win.

Park rangers and volunteers have joined forces to create a new flowerbed near the courtyard while the visitor centre is hosting an exhibition showcasing QECP’s history through photographs and archive material.

A new natural woodland play area is also due to open this month with burrow tunnels, balance beams, a slide, swings and a nature kitchen table.

PP Queen Elizabeth QECP 1976
The late HRH Queen Elizabeth goes for a walk in the woods while visiting QECP in August 1976. (Iliffe Media/Petersfield Post Archives)

Elaina Whittaker-Slark, Lead Ranger for the Hampshire area of the SDNPA, said: “Queen Elizabeth Country Park is a key gateway to the National Park, providing a stepping stone from urban areas into some of the most amazing landscapes and wildlife in England.

“It’s wonderful to be celebrating its 50th anniversary and we look forward to many more years working with our partners to keep this a special place.”

Craig Harrison, South District Director from Forestry England, added: “The future of this woodland lies in balancing resilience and adaptation with a respect for its past.

“I hope everyone who enjoys the 50th anniversary celebrations has a sense of just how special this woodland is, and the important role trees continue to play today.”