CAMPAIGNERS have completed the first phase of a scheme to restore a historic monument built to honour one of Hampshire’s greatest naval heroes.

The Lymington Society has improved part of the Solent Way footpath by removing a huge amount of vegetation surrounding an obelisk in the Monument Lane, Walhampton.

Members gathered to watch Lymington’s new mayor, Cllr Barry Dunning, open a newly-restored path through the previously inaccessible site.

The 174-year-old monument was built in memory of Admiral Sir Harry Burrard Neale, who lived in a nearby house overlooking the Lymington River. Sir Harry rose to become Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet.

He also captured or destroyed 20 enemy vessels during his career as well as helping to defeat a mutiny.

Donald Mackenzie, chairman of the Burrard Neale Project, said vegetation near the monument had been removed and replaced by 1,250 trees and 7,500 bulbs.

He added: “Due to many years of minimal maintenance laurel bushes had got completely out of control, making access to the monument difficult.

“The main path – an important part of the Solent Way – was extremely muddy.”

Dr Mackenzie said the Lymington Society transformed the site after joining forces with the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) and Hampshire Gardens Trust. He added that the society was very proud of what had been achieved and that attention was now turning to the second phase of the project.

Dr Mackenzie added: “A programme of selective thinning and clearance was agreed and new drainage installed.

“A wonderful new path has been created with attractive use of gravel that really complements the site and also allows wheelchair access to the monument for the first time.

“New fencing removes the previous risk of people falling into a former quarry created by clay workings for the local brickworks.

“The Lymington Society is very proud of what has been achieved on the site.

“We can now turn our attention to the second phase of this project, which is cleaning and repairing the monument and hopefully replacing some of the railings lost in the Second World War.”

The first part of the restoration scheme was funded with the help of the NPA and Hampshire County Council.

Paul Walton, head of environment and rural economy at the NPA, said the public could now enjoy a previously inaccessible area.“The hard work and commitment of local volunteers has transformed the grounds around the monument," he said.

"They have helped protect part of the Forest’s history and created a great space for people to enjoy.”