Creech Wood is a remnant of the old Forest of Bere that stretched from Rowlands Castle in the east to the outskirts of Winchester in the west. The north and south extremities being the South Downs and Portsdown hill respectively.

The wood is a mixture of heathland and trees. The trees were much sought after to support ship-building at Portsmouth. In the 20th Century, the demand for fast growing conifers meant that they outnumbered the traditional trees.

Today, the wood is managed by the Forestry Commission and the timber is harvested for furniture, chip and pulp. The wood contains a variety of trees from hardwoods to conifers. Replanting of traditional trees such as Oak, Beech etc is taking place to preserve and support the natural flora and fauna of the area.

The woods had another important attribute during the second world war. They were used to provide cover for allied troops massing for the D Day invasion of Europe. Also the headquarters for the Allied Forces were located here. After D Day, a Prisoner of War Camp was built in the woods to the south of Bunkers Hill. The footings for the huts can still be seen today.

Sources and further reading

History of Denmead - Wikipedia aricle

Eye witness memories of military use of Creech Wood - BBC WW2 People at War article