HILSEA LINES - Sumary
 |
| Diagram of a Bastion |
Hilsea Lines stretch for 2.5km along the north Shore of Portsea Island and covers an area of over 43 hectares. The site of the Hilsea lines was recognized early on as being of great strategic importance to the defence of the Portsmouth Royal Dockyards from landward attack. In 1544 Henry VIII erected the first bulwark on the northern side of Portscreek to command the only crossing point onto Portsea Island. It was in the 1750's with the renewal of war with France which led to the construction of entrenchments along the southern side of Portscreek. These are the forerunner of the Lines we see today.
Having fallen into disuse towards the end of the last century the ramparts, moats and land in front of them up to Portscreek has developed into a tremendously varied habitat for wildlife. These habitats include damp and dry grassland, hedgerows, fresh and brackish water areas, coastal mudflats, reedbeds and the only area of woodland on Portsea Island.
 |
| Woodland walks |
The Hilsea Lines Conservation area was acquired by Portsmouth City Council in 1974 and is now managed like an informal country park for conservation and quite recreation. Hilsea Lines was scheduled as an ancient monument in 1964 (Hampshire County Monuments No. 330) and a Conservation area in 1994. Sections of the site were designated as a SINC in 2003 with the whole of the site being classified as Public Open Space.
 |
| Flower Meadow |
The Management aims for the site therefore encompasses the needs of the users, the wildlife and the ancient monument itself.
They are :
· To manage Hilsea Lines as a high quality destination for quiet informal recreation.
· To maintain and enhance its biodiversity.
· To promote awareness and interest of the natural world
· To protect, enhance and promote the ancient monument.
