Whitehill Bordon was awarded Eco-town status in July 2009 – along with three other towns. These are Rackheath, Norfolk; north-west Bicester, Oxfordshire; and the China Clay Community near St Austell, Cornwall.
East Hampshire District Council made a bid for Eco-town status because it brought the funding to help deliver the Green Town Vision. The Green Town Vision is a community-led vision to provide more jobs, a mix of housing, better facilities and infrastructure for the town – while protecting the environment.
The Ministry of Defence has announced that it will be leaving Whitehill Bordon and relocating its training to RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire. This provides the town with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for regeneration.
The town’s eco credentials
Wooded area: In Whitehill Bordon Eco-town
Whitehill Bordon is on the doorstep on the new South Downs National Park and surrounded by beautiful countryside – the regeneration of the town could make it an ideal place for tourists to stay or visit when exploring the national park.
It is next to the protected European habitats of Woolmer Forest, Shortheath Common, Kingsley Common and Broxhead Common.
The parish of Whitehill is the only location in Britain to have all 12 native species of reptiles and amphibians.
The regeneration of the town will ensure that the environment is protected and enhanced.
