Challenging steps work on landmark hill nears end

Timber for the steps was carried up St Catherine's Hill by hand

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."

Workers were faced with a 220ft (67m) climb

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.