Locks Heath

Locks Heath is a large residential area which extends from Warsash to Titchfield. Over recent years this area has seen substantial new building taking place and there are now many modern housing estates, some of which are set behind the former straight roads of older houses and bungalows. There are some attractive local parks and shops, including the Locks Heath Centre which provides library and community facilities.

History

In the past, the most important local activity here was strawberry growing. The industry developed largely as a result of the Enclosure Acts in the 19th century under which common land was split into plots. New plot owners needed a crop to give them a fast income from a small outlay and strawberries were ideal. The industry developed quickly and train loads of strawberries were soon being sent to all parts of the country from Swanwick station. Schoolchildren helped pick strawberries and gypsy families came into the area to supplement local labour to harvest the crop. After the First World War the industry stated to decline as growers turned to other crops and many strawberry fields were lost to building. Although in a much diminished form, the industry still survives. On reminder of its heyday is a local pub, the 'Sir Joseph Paxton'. This is named not just after the designer of the Crystal Palace, but after one of the finest local varieties of strawberry.

Holly Hill Woodland Park

Holly Hill Woodland Park has some lovely woodland walks alongside ornamental lakes.