Challenging steps work on landmark hill nears end.
A project to rebuild steps on a landmark hill with a 67m 220ft climb is nearing an end.
Over the past month workers have carried 1 000 boards and 120 sleepers up St Catherine's Hill a nature reserve with scheduled ancient monuments near Winchester Hampshire.
Only limited machinery was allowed for the task to protect the chalk downland habitat.
Contractor Peter Faithfull said he had enjoyed the stunning views but finishing the challenging project would be a massive relief.
The timber-work firm owner from the Isle of Wight said My first team talk was a bit rough for all of them because they didn't realise the scale of it.
It should all be done by end of the week I might do a little dance or something.
The old steps had deteriorated significantly according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust which manages the site.
Walkers had even begun to stray off-piste to avoid them the trust added.
Project manager Tom Hilder from the trust said The original planning for steps went in in 1997 and they were supposed to last 20 years.
We secured funding to replace all of them.
Because of how fragile the site is they're not allowed diggers they've had to carry it all by hand.
Every single stanchion has been dug in through chalk so it's not been an easy project.
The new steps designed to last at least 30 years are built from oak and larch with an anti-slip coating.
Funding was provided by South Downs Natural Park Authority along with a gift in the will of a wildlife supporter.
St Catherine's Hill which is owned by Winchester College has impressive views of Winchester and the Itchen Valley drawing tens of thousands of annual visitors.
The hill is a haven for butterflies orchids and other species.
It is topped by historical remains including an Iron Age hillfort which is on Historic England's At Risk Register due to erosion.
This restoration ensures continued access while protecting the environment.
A project to rebuild steps on a landmark hill with a 67m 220ft climb is nearing an end.
Over the past month workers have carried 1 000 boards and 120 sleepers up St Catherine's Hill a nature reserve with scheduled ancient monuments near Winchester Hampshire.
Only limited machinery was allowed for the task to protect the chalk downland habitat.
Contractor Peter Faithfull said he had enjoyed the stunning views but finishing the challenging project would be a massive relief.
The timber-work firm owner from the Isle of Wight said My first team talk was a bit rough for all of them because they didn't realise the scale of it.
It should all be done by end of the week I might do a little dance or something.
The old steps had deteriorated significantly according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust which manages the site.
Walkers had even begun to stray off-piste to avoid them the trust added.
Project manager Tom Hilder from the trust said The original planning for steps went in in 1997 and they were supposed to last 20 years.
We secured funding to replace all of them.
Because of how fragile the site is they're not allowed diggers they've had to carry it all by hand.
Every single stanchion has been dug in through chalk so it's not been an easy project.
The new steps designed to last at least 30 years are built from oak and larch with an anti-slip coating.
Funding was provided by South Downs Natural Park Authority along with a gift in the will of a wildlife supporter.
St Catherine's Hill which is owned by Winchester College has impressive views of Winchester and the Itchen Valley drawing tens of thousands of annual visitors.
The hill is a haven for butterflies orchids and other species.
It is topped by historical remains including an Iron Age hillfort which is on Historic England's At Risk Register due to erosion.
This restoration ensures continued access while protecting the environment.