Fareham housebuilder Persimmon Homes is to donate 200 acres of land bordering its Cherque Farm development at Gosport to the Alder Valley Park project.

The public and privately-funded project, designed and managed by Groundwork Solent, will provide over 500 acres of land for recreational use when it opens in two years' time.

It is hoped the centrepiece of the park - a 250-metre lake built by Persimmon homes - will encourage nesting birds to the park and surrounding areas and maximise plant and wildlife.

Stuart Wallace, environmental project officer for Groundwork Solent, said: "It is estimated that over 100,000 people will use the park's facilities each year. Facilities will include conservation areas, bridleways, cycle routes and a children's adventure trail.''

Allen Smith, managing director for Persimmon South Coast, said: "We are delighted to be working with Groundwork Solent by supporting the Alder Valley Park.

"With our regional office based in Fareham we are proud to play an active part in the communities in which we build.''

The company has just moved to larger regional offices in Wickham Road, Fareham, and is currently building at 11 developments across Hampshire, Dorset and Sussex, with a further nine planned.