Volunteers Carry 1,000 Boards Up Historic Winchester Hill to Rebuild Steps

A major restoration project to rebuild the steps on St Catherine's Hill near Winchester, Hampshire is set to wrap up in the coming days. Over the past month, a team of dedicated workers has manually carried an impressive 1,000 boards and 120 sleepers up the 67-meter (220-foot) climb to the top of the historic landmark.

Due to the fragile nature of the chalk downland habitat, only limited machinery was allowed for the task, requiring the materials to be transported entirely by hand. The new steps, designed to last at least 30 years, are constructed from sturdy oak and larch with an anti-slip coating. This replaces the old steps that had deteriorated significantly, causing walkers to stray off the designated paths.

The project, managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, was funded by the South Downs National Park Authority and a gift from a wildlife supporter. St Catherine's Hill, which is owned by Winchester College, is a popular destination drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually to enjoy its impressive views and diverse natural habitats, including butterflies, orchids, and an Iron Age hillfort.