Although the Hampshire Avon Valley is famous for its
wildlife as well as its beauty, surprisingly few footpaths cross it
and access to the river and its various habitats is not easy. The
valley is a well known migratory route as well as providing breeding
and wintering habitats for many species. Along its length, important
populations of birds are found, notably Mute and Bewick's Swans and a
diminishing number of White-fronted Geese. The footpaths from Hale
Church to the main A338 at South Charford Farm crosses several
distinct habitat types. A walk to the farm from the church and back
again is about one mile and can take as long as you like. From this
path 117 species have been recorded in recent years and between thirty
and forty can be expected on the walk. From the church the path
descends steeply through old mixed deciduous woodland to the river's
edge. On the western side of the river the fields of the old meadow
system are grazed by store cattle. Thistles are mown and sprayed. The
footpath passes alongside an overgrown ditch and hedge with stunted
old Oak trees, Ash, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Spindleberry, Hazel and
Briar. At its further end is an overgrown pond filled with Reeds and
Willow. Here land ownership and usage changes, dairying being the main
enterprise. The fields on either side of the path are grass leys, Kale
or Maize. Spraying is at a minimum.
Bird life is therefore varied over a comparatively
short distance. The woods hold breeding Jackdaws which flight to and
from the farm. Early Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap are
present and Redpolls have occurred. Most of the typical deciduous
woodland species are found here. From the bridge over the river, Great
Crested and Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard and Tufted Duck can
be seen. Kingfishers may streak past and Pied and Grey Wagtails are
usually present. Buzzards soar from the woods, Kestrels are regular
but Sparrowhawks less so. Common Sandpiper occur on passage in very
small numbers, single Green Sandpipers winter and the population of
Mute Swans in the area is nationally important. Winter brings the
occasional Hen Harrier moving between the downs and the New Forest
while Hobby in summer give lucky views. Summer in the meadows is quiet
but in August large charms of Goldfinches feeding on Thistledown are a
welcome sight and small groups of Mistle Thrushes probe the grass.
The woods hold Tawny Owls and the overgrown hedge
supports Barn and Little Owls. In winter large numbers of Blackbirds
and other thrushes feed on the berries. In cold weather Woodcock have
been flushed from the ditch and a small party of Hawfinches once flew
through the trees of the hedge. Winter also brings small numbers of
Bullfinches and single Firecrest, Nightingale and Redstart have
occurred on spring passage.
Fences separate the grass and arable fields. These
are ideal vantage points for Wheatear on passage and Stonechats. In
late summer many of these latter birds and fewer Whinchats occur on
the Kale. A few Stonechats overwinter. A single Black Redstart
occurred during one autumn. Small numbers of Bewick's Swan may graze
the meadows in winter.
In the overgrown ditches Reed and Sedge Warblers are
common, Garden Warblers less so and occasional Cetti's Warblers occur
on a nearby river island. A few Lesser and Common Whitethroats are
seen on passage.
At the farm Chaffinches and House Sparrows are
common. A few Brambling may join them in winter and over 90 Collared
Doves may be found here at this time. A male Scaup, small parties of
Goosander , Commic Terns and Water Rails have been seen on or at the
edge of the river and up to 10 Mandarin Duck were on the 1994 floods
in January.
Of many interesting observations made in recent
years, two may be worthy of note" a Great Spotted Woodpecker
chased away a Lesser Spotted as the latter investigated holes in the
branch of a dead tree. A male Hen Harrier in March, was seen flying
low over the meadows and taking one of three Snipe which flew up in
fast alarm as the bird passed over them. The harrier then landed and
proceeded to feed on the Snipe in the seclusion of a dry ditch.
