The garden takes shape
Over time, volunteers helped create and maintain a distinctive wildlife garden, with paths, planting, water features and community-made features.
OUR STORY
Rooted in history.
The Hermitage has layers of local history, community effort and stories that deserve to be preserved carefully.
A place shaped by people.
The garden's story stretches beyond its present-day role as a wildlife space. Local accounts connect the wider area with religious history and St Ann's Well, while the garden itself has been developed and cared for by dedicated local volunteers.
Some older stories about the site are difficult to verify. As the archive is rebuilt, we will distinguish documented history from local tradition rather than turn a good story into a false fact.
FROM THE ARCHIVE · “1990 NEW GATE”
Preserving the story
Pat Edwards and local stewardship
Pat Edwards is closely associated with the care and development of The Hermitage. Her contribution forms an important part of the history we want to document properly.
Community events
The garden has hosted activities including Apple Day and has featured in local heritage events, helping more people discover this hidden corner of Gosport.
A new chapter
Today, work is under way to rebuild volunteer support and establish a Friends group to help care for the garden's future.
Can you help fill the gaps?
If you have photographs, documents, memories or information about The Hermitage, we'd love to hear from you. Email the archive project.