Test and Loddon Rural Tourism Grant

In 2022, Whitchurch Conservation Group (WCG) secured a Test & Loddon LEADER grant (£43k) to enhance Whitchurch’s rural tourism offerings. The resulting rural tourism project delivered five key initiatives:

• Enhanced signage and interpretation boards for the Mill Trail, which connects heritage sites along the River Test, providing improved navigation and storytelling for visitors.
• Construction of an accessible footbridge over the River Test, significantly improving access for families and walkers.
• Creation of the Test and Dever Trail, a 19-mile long-distance route across the open downland south of Whitchurch, introducing a new attraction for rural tourism.
• Development of video and audio content in partnership with experts to promote the Mill Trail and its unique heritage.
• Enhancement of the Whitchurch Children’s Festival, expanding its infrastructure and capacity to support its growing popularity.

The upgraded Mill Trail signage and interpretation boards represent a substantial improvement, offering detailed explanations of the area’s heritage, river ecology, and visitor access information.

The construction of the footbridge addresses a longstanding connectivity issue on an unadopted footpath over the River Test—an area that cannot be addressed by statutory funding as it is not a public right of way.

Whitchurch Mill Trail interpetation boards

Formal opening of the new bridge at Town Mill Lane by the Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP

Mill Trail cast iron fingerposts – these assets have since been transferred to Whitchurch Town Council

Establishment of the NEW Test and Dever long distance trail

To deliver these initiatives, WCG collaborated with expert partners including Whitchurch Silk Mill, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT), and the Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT). These partnerships enabled the creation of engaging, family-friendly trail content and ensured the project’s success in enhancing Whitchurch’s appeal as a rural tourism destination.