Residents have been urged to have their say on £150,000 plans by Petersfield Town council to breathe new life into an “unloved” part of the heath.

The area between Heath Road West and the pond is the most visited part of the beauty spot, with attractions including the Plump Duck, play area and boating concession.

But it’s got a bit dusty and bare in recent years, with the Heath Amenity Area Restoration Project being launched with the aims of increasing vegetation, reducing erosion and improving accessibility in the area.

A public consultation has been launched with feedback shaping the final proposals, expected to cost in the region of £150,000. Early plans include hedge and tree planting, re-established grass areas and footpath resurfacing.

Town ranger, Jacob Gibson, is keen for residents to play their part as he believes aerial pictures from 1999 and 2025 show the area has been in “terminal decline”.

“We’ve been working with landscape architects and various people, getting their insight and putting these plans together,” said Mr Gibson, who said the proposals were originally brought to PTC by the Petersfield Society.

“We want to restore the stretch of Heath Pond and I’m hoping that will start off a greater process of resurfacing.”

“There is now very little grass left in some places and its appearance is, in many places, akin to a desert.”

The proposals include resurfacing the path that circles the pond and installing new hard surfaces around the café and play equipment.

Areas of hardy grass will be established while native hedges and shrubs will be planted to increase biodiversity and prevent erosion.

Residents can take part in the consultation by searching for ‘restoration’ at https://www.petersfield-tc.gov.uk/ and following the link. A form can be downloaded and sent to [email protected]

The council is also holding drop-in sessions in the Festival Hall Rose Room from 10am to 2pm today (Wednesday, July 15). The consultation will run until August 16.