Knowle Haven Nature Reserve

A flourishing community nature reserve and a valuable natural refuge for wildlife and local communities alike

Since 2014 this former grazing paddock has been transformed into a lovely thriving community nature reserve.

The reserve is managed in partnership with The Friends of Knowle Haven a dedicated group of volunteers working to ensure the conservation, protection and improvement of the reserve for all to enjoy.

The reserve is used by a wide range of community groups, local residents and visitors and is a great place for wildlife spotting. 

Visitor information

Opening hours

Open access

Cafe

The nearby Miner's Arms is open daily

Footpaths

Maintained footpaths

Dogs

Well-behaved dogs welcome

Managed in partnership with

The Friends of Knowle Haven

How to get there

Address

Knowle Haven Nature Reserve

Mayles Lane,
Knowle,
Fareham,
Hampshire,
PO15 6DT

The land was formerly part of the estate of the Hampshire County Lunatic Asylum which opened in 1852 and then went through several extensions to cover a 100-acre site known as Knowle Farm. 

The asylum, later Knowle Mental Hospital (1923) and then Knowle Hospital (1948), reached its peak in the 1950s with almost 2,000 patients housed before finally closing in 1996. 

Berkeley Homes purchased a large part of the hospital site and started development of Knowle Village in 2000, securing approval to deliver 500 homes within 53 acres of the former hospital site. The nature reserve is a former grazing paddock, which has now been transformed into a flourishing haven for wildlife.  

The park is managed in partnership with the Friends of Knowle Haven, a dedicated group of volunteers working to ensure the conservation, protection and improvement of the site, which welcomes a wide range of local residents, community groups and wildlife enthusiasts. 

The Friends of Knowle Haven  

Email: knowlehaven.cp2016@gmail.com 

Tel: 07867 757214