Lyndhurst: Campaigners step up fight to save Foxlease

Sarah Hodge is appalled at the prospect of Foxlease being sold off as part of a national cost-cutting drive by Girlguiding UK.

The 36-year-old Totton resident is urging the organisation to make more use of the site instead of closing it down.

Sarah Hodge and her daughter Emma are backing the campaign to save Foxlease (Image: Newsquest.)

Foxlease is a Georgian manor house surrounded by 65 acres of land at Clay Hill, Lyndhurst.

READ MORE: Petition launched in bid to stop Girlguiding UK selling Foxlease activity centre at Lyndhurst

Sarah said her daughter Emma, a member of the 2nd Totton Brownies, attended an evening activities session at the centre last month and came back "buzzing". 

"It's a wonderful site that looks as if it's just going to be sold off and possibly used for housing," she said.

"It would be such a waste if that were to happen.

"Foxlease hosts activities such as archery, rock climbing, and kayaking. It's also got a massive camping field - a wonderful place where people can have a barbecue and get together.

"It's a great site - they just need to use it more for the benefit of children and the wider community.

"Foxlease has a lot of things that people don't normally have access to.

"I would be very sad if Girlguiding UK closed something that's readily available and has so much potential. I just wish they had a bit more fight in them."

Thousands of youngsters have visited Foxlease since it was gifted to the Girl Guide movement in 1922 (Image: Newsquest.)

Several people have taken to social media to describe the extensive facilities at Foxlease.

A recent visitor said she had forgotten how big the campsite was, adding: "I was also surprised at the number of activities on offer. Plus, the infrastructure is like no other site."

Another person posted: "I think they need a publicity officer.

"Although I went there as a Guide about 50+ years ago, and loved it, I have no idea what is going on there now."

READ MORE: New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis hit out at plan to sell Foxlease 

A charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) called Foxie's Future has been set up by supporters of the centre.

Named after the site’s mascot, the CIO aims to explore "all viable options" to find and fund an alternative to the proposed closure and sale.

Its website says: "We want to find a solution that supports activity opportunities for future generations of Girlguiding members and the wider public who love to use and experience that historic site."

A statement on Girlguiding UK's website says Foxlease offers a "huge choice of high-adrenaline activities".

Princess Margaret pictured during a visit to Foxlease in 1969. (Image: Newsquest.)