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Events
and Walks
 There is possibly nowhere in Britain to
compare with the certain atmosphere of the New Forest. The word
‘New’ incidentally, is nearly 1,000 years old, used first by William
the Conqueror. Hampshire has the largest heathlands in Europe, as
well as the purest chalk streams and rivers anywhere. We have
vast areas of woodland, varied agricultural habitats, the South Downs,
nature reserves, marshes, ponds and lakes. Indeed, we have
everything here apart from moors, mountains and sea cliffs.
Of course, we also enjoy the coastline of the Solent and here
in summer we can enjoy the spectacle of Mediterranean Gulls in their
splendour, together with Common, Sandwich and Little Terns shrieking
and diving for fish along our shores. But perhaps most of all,
Hampshire is famous for its winter geese and waders, many of which can
be seen and photographed close up, prolific in numbers and variety.
 If you wish to know where to go, or wish to
increase your knowledge and identification skills, join us on our HOS
walks, held throughout the year, to all of these habitats. A walk
in the New Forest in summer may only reveal 20 species, a walk along
the shoreline during May or October may produce 70, but the walks are
also a way of enjoying our splendid scenery, and meeting like-minded
nature lovers and share that intangible feeling that is savoured by the
lucky ones, who can thrill at the wonders of the natural world.
Sometimes it is good to be by yourself or maybe accompanied
just by your family or close friends, but other times, you may enjoy
company, and learn and enjoy our wildlife with others. We are
fortunate to have our regular leaders, who are willing to give up their
time to impart their knowledge. Maybe you know of a local patch, which
you can show and share with others. You do not have to be a
birding expert.
 Other events are also held
throughout the year. We always have a stand at the New Forest
Show, so if you know of anyone who is not a HOS member, drag them
along. Each summer along with Chris Packham, we take out about
120 children on the ‘Bird Trail’, together with the RSPB Explorers
Group. We meet at a suitable location, where we show them
fieldcraft, bird and other wildlife identification, all building up to
the highlight of the day, the picnic. Similarly, once or twice a
year, we take out the children from Bealieu School to Needs Ore, which
again, without fail, has always been an enjoyable day out.
Our OPEN DAY/AGM, is held each spring in Winchester.
The AGM part usually takes but a few minutes, and then there is a team
of speakers, together with slideshows, building up to the John Taverner
Memorial Lecture. The day is a chance to meet other HOS members,
or potential members, look over the many artistic displays, the book
collections, various other wildlife exhibits, optical equipment,
conservation groups and also a once-in-a-year chance to network, meet
old friends and enemies, and enjoy the coffee and cakes.
So do see Kingfisher newsletter magazine, or this website,
for the Walks and events Programmes. Whether it be a walk or a
meeting, you will always be welcomed.
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