Wildern

Family-focused residential area dominated by the highly regarded Wildern School

The eastern part of Hedge End, defined by the presence of Wildern School and Wildern Leisure Centre. The area is predominantly residential, with housing estates dating from the 1970s and 1980s arranged around quiet estate roads and cul-de-sacs. The school is one of the largest and most highly regarded secondary schools in Hampshire, and its reputation has a significant effect on property prices in the surrounding streets. Families seeking a place at Wildern are willing to pay a premium for houses within the catchment, and estate agents market catchment status prominently. Wildern Lane runs through the area, connecting to the leisure centre and the school. The Dowd's Farm development lies to the east, and footpaths connect the residential streets to the open green spaces on the edge of the built-up area. The leisure centre provides swimming, gym and sports facilities for the wider community. The character of the Wildern area is suburban and family-orientated, with well-maintained gardens, quiet streets and the school and leisure centre forming the focal points of daily life.