SIR: When friends visit Winchester, they are amazed that our treasured city is surrounded by hills, rivers and woodland.

Bushfield Camp is an ancient chalk landscape of rolling hills. When taking friends on walks over Whiteshute Ridge and Bushfield Camp beyond, they are stunned by its beauty; the avenue of trees welcoming walkers to gaze in awe at the surrounding scenery (Chronicle, January 21).

Should this cherished downland on the edge of Winchester be encroached upon for any reason, it's unique historical significance can never be replaced.

I applaud Bo Priestley and Kim Wilkie for their passion in campaigning to secure a status of a 'Local Plan'/Local Green Space in perpetuity to protect this much loved downland.

Winchester is one of the most desirable places to live in Britain. We cannot afford to relinquish such a unique and historic landscape. Not just for the present, but future generations.

Simon Lever,

Juniper Close,

Badger Farm