Petersfield Heath, covering some 95 acres, has been used by humans since ancient times and is the site of a group of 21 Bronze Age barrows (or burial mounds) - one of the most complex in southern England. During the Middle Ages the Heath was grazed common land and, indeed, photographs show that grazing continued until the late 1920's. In 1890 a large area was developed as a golf course, which continued to be used for more than 100 years.

The Friends of Petersfield Heath were formed in 1999 from local residents concerned about the future of the Heath, following the departure of the Golf Club. Our principal objective is to preserve Petersfield Heath as an area of natural heathland, grassland, woodland and water for the enjoyment of all who use it. In the ten years since the group's formation, we have achieved a great deal of conservation work. In May 2009 The Petersfield Society awarded us a Certificate of Merit for hedging and other work around the Heath.