Forthcoming walks and events - Hampshire Ornithological Society

HOS Walks programme

We have a regular programme of HOS walks in place. Attendees do not generally need to book a place on HOS walks, however, please also note that it will be necessary to book places on some walks – such as Needs Ore where places are restricted.

Any queries please do get in touch either by emailing Di Warner or phoning Di Warner, the HOS Walks Co-ordinator on 07883 344724. The distance covered is shown for each walk, and in some cases with a ‘walk category’, as follows:
A) Easy – a fairly short walk over relatively flat ground with no/few stiles.
B) A little more demanding – longer distance and/or gentle hills but with no/few stiles.
C) Medium difficulty – moderate distance and/or moderate hills and/or a moderate number of stiles.
D) Strenuous – long distance and/or steep hills and/or many stiles.
Do please take care and enjoy the walks programme, but remember, responsibility for personal safety lies with the individual, not the Society.

If some details are not currently known, they will be added when available.

May 2026

Sunday 31 May
Normandy Lagoon & Oxey Marshes

Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
9.30 am – 2.00 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the car park (Grid Reference SZ 326940; Postcode SO41 8FF; W3W slab.finishers.tank).
We will look for ducks, waders & migrants.
Bring coffee/Lunch
Walk category A

June 2026.

Wednesday 3 June
Cheriton – Gander Down walk

Leader Nick Wiley (07747 151160/01489 893226)
10.00 am – 2:00 pm (4 miles).
Park at Cheriton tennis club car park (grid reference SU 580 284; post code SO24 0QQ) near Flower Pots inn, for a walk out to Gander Down looking for farm land birds such as yellowhammer and corn bunting also good for raptors and butterflies.
Bring lunch/Lunch en route.
Walk category C

Saturday 6 June
Blashford Lakes

Leader Julian Mosely (07900 381051)
10.30am – 2.30pm (3-4 miles)
Meet in the Tern hide car park (SU 1515 0837 Wtw sizes.fussy.curve.) from where we will walk to the other hides in sequence.
Bring coffee/lunch
Walk category A

Sunday 7 June
Magdalen Hill Down Butterfly Reserve.

Leaders: Dave and Anna Stewart (07772300271 or 07920113131)
10.00pm until approx. 1.00pm( 1-2 miles).
The entrance to the reserve is on the south side of the B3404. The track runs along the west side Magdalen Hill Cemetery past Blackwell & Moody Ltd. stone mason’s works (Grid reference of Blackwell & Moody SU 51082 29447).
The entrance gate will be unlocked, and parking is at the top of the track, grid reference SU 5108 2919
Species expected include typical farmland birds such as Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Skylark. Early June is a good time to see Small Blue, Brown Argos, Dingy Skipper, and Grizzled Skipper butterflies. There is a small chance that first brood Adonis Blue butterfly are still flying. The specialised chalk flora should also be displaying well.
There is a general lack of cover, but we will not be far from the car park for this walk.
The initial part of the walk is relatively easy but, in the middle, there is a steep incline that could cause problems for some, particularly if it is wet. Stout foot ware is recommended.
If the weather is particularly wet and windy participants should phone the leaders the evening before to confirm walk is going ahead. Mobiles 07772300271 or 07920113131.
Toilet facilities are available in Magdalen Hill Cemetery.
If you have any questions let us know.
Bring lunch and drink.
Walk category B/C

Saturday 20 June.
Burton Common Night Walk

Leader: Bob Groves (07934 010098)
8.30 pm to 10.00 pm (1-2 miles)
Meet at the small car park outside Pine Tree Cottage (Grid Reference SZ190858). From Burton follow Waterditch Road, all the way past Waterditch Farm and through the ford. After you have passed some cottages on your left, instead of following the road round to your left, take the track straight ahead, which will lead to the small car park outside Pine Tree Cottage.
We will look for Woodcock and churring Nightjars. Bring a torch!
Walk category A

Sunday 21 June.
Blashford Lakes HIWWT Reserve

Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
09.30 am – 2.00 pm (2 miles)
Meet in the free car park by the Tern Hide, (grid reference SU151083, W3W: mirror.neckline.mash). The Reserve postcode is BH24 3PJ and is on the other side of the road to Tern Hide off Ellingham Drove.
A visit to the lakes should provide a good range of both water and woodland related species. This is an opportunity to watch many birds at close range from the various hides.
Bring lunch and drink.
Walk category A

Saturday 27 June
Martin Down

Leader: Keith Betton (07809 671468)
9.00 am – 12.30 pm (2-3 miles)
Meet in the nature reserve’s Sillen’s Lane car park (OS National Grid: SU 057191;
Postcode SP6 3LB; W3W: coining.bunk.snuck) just west of Martin. Optional parking charge.
Downland birds such as Corn Bunting, and a chance of Turtle Dove.
Bring lunch and drink.
Walk level C

July 2026

Saturday 4 July
Tidgrove Warren Farm, near Kingsclere

Leaders: Keith Betton (07809 671468) & Janice Beck, Shane King, Steve Harley
9.30 am to 1.00 pm (1-2 miles)
Entrance to the farm is at SU516538 (postcode RG25 3EN). Drive through the gate, continue for 500m and follow directions to parking on grass to the left where there is a signpost. This is at the invitation of the landowner, Raleigh Place, who farms organically and manages areas of his farm to encourage breeding downland birds (including Stone Curlew) and uncommon arable plants.
NB. Please contact Keith Betton (keithbetton@hotmail.com) ahead of the walk to register interest.
Bring coffee/lunch
Walk category B.

Sunday 5 July
Keyhaven

Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
9.30 am to 2:00 pm (5 miles)
Meet at the Keyhaven pay car park (RingGo app or coin in the machine) opposite The Gun pub in Keyhaven (Grid Reference SZ307915; W3W: prime.fond.hill).
Circular route with easy walking on the flat throughout, mainly on gravel paths. Habitats include the sea, lagoons, saltmarsh, reed-beds, hedgerows and open fields, offering ducks, waders, gulls and terns. Essential to bring wet weather gear in case of wind and rain.
Bring coffee/lunch
Walk category A

Saturday 25 July
Farmland around the rivers Lyde & Loddon, Hook, Hants

Leader Simon Stacey (07720 467678) & Helen Wood (07884 202328)
9.00 am to 12.30 pm (3.5 miles).
Park on Wildmoor lane (postcode RG27 0HE, W3W: farmed.commutes.duty)
A walk in woodland and around the banks of the Rivers Lyde & Loddon. Target species include Yellowhammer, Skylark, Marsh Tit, Cuckoo, various warblers, Bullfinch, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Spotted Flycatcher.
It can be quite muddy, even in June, so stout walking boots advisable although the walk is all flat.
Bring coffee/lunch if required
Walk category A

August 2026

Sunday 9 August
Normandy Lagoon & Oxey Marshes

Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
9.30 am to 2.00 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the car park (Grid Reference SZ 326940; postcode SO41 8FF; W3W: slab.finishers.tank).
We will look for ducks, waders & migrants.
Bring coffee/lunch
Walk category A

Friday 14 August
Silchester Common and Pamber Forest

Leader: Martin Pitt (07926 841139)
9.00 am to 3.00 pm (5 miles)
Meet in the car park on Impstone Road, Pamber Heath (postcode RG26 3EG; W3W: nozzles.novel.chestnuts).
A walk through the Thames Basin Heath, common land of Silchester Common and ancient woodland of Pamber Forest of approx 5 miles, with an option to head on to another area of heath after lunch.
Bring coffee/lunch
Walk category B

Saturday 30 August
Beacon Hill SSSI

Leader: George Baker (07952926004)
9.30 am to 12.05 pm (5 miles)
0930hrs – 1200hrs (2 miles)
Meet in the car park at the top of Beacon Hill Lane.
(W3W map reference evenly.jets.hacksaw)
Note: please car share if possible as there are limited spaces in this car park.
Beacon Hill is a 46-hectare site with a commanding view over the Hampshire Basin. The SSSI citation is based on the site’s rare flora and butterfly species. We will follow two tracks, one across the brow of the hill and the other through the woodlands. The paths are generally good but there are a few steep sections to climb.
This is the first HOS walk to this location.
Bring coffee/lunch and sun protection
Walk category B

September 2026

Sunday 6th September
Summer/Migrant Birds at Farlington Marshes

Leader Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am – 2.00 pm (5 miles)
Meet at Chalkdock Lake car park (Grid ref SU 699055; W3W: about.sizes.usual) – this is now designated as Chalkdock Lake car park on google maps, it is NOT the car park signposted Broadmarsh Coastal Path. NB road layout means you have to do a U-turn to enter car park, so continue up Harts Farm Way and where it widens you can U turn and come back to the car park.
A walk round the marshes in search of Migrant birds.
Bring coffee/lunch
Walk level A

Saturday 12 September
Loddon Valley and Wildmoor from Sherfield on Loddon

Leader: Martin Pitt (07926 841139)
9.00 am to 3.30 pm (6 miles)
Meet at the free public car park just North of the White Hart Pub (postcode RG27 0BT; W3W: standing.bypasses.backdrop). The route will be taken at a leisurely pace. If it has rained recently, it can get very wet & muddy, so appropriate footwear would be needed.
Bring coffee/lunch
Walk level A

Sunday 13 September.
Blashford Lakes HIIWT Reserve

Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
09.30 am to 2.00 pm (2 miles)
Meet in the free car park by the Tern Hide, (grid reference SU151083, W3W: mirror.neckline.mash). The Reserve postcode is BH24 3PJ and is on the other side of the road to Tern Hide off Ellingham Drove.
A visit to the lakes should provide a good range of both water and woodland related species. This is an opportunity to watch many birds at close range from the various hides.
Bring lunch and drink.
Walk category A

Sunday 27 September
Lordswood, Chilworth and Southampton Sports Centre.

Leader: Phil Budd (07849 185896)
10:30 am to 15:00 pm (4.5 miles)
Meet at the Car park at Lordswood Gardens (Grid reference SU 409 155; W3W: surely.tend.lifts)
Hope to see birds of woodland, plantation, park land, health land and suburban.
Bring lunch, stout footwear. waterproofs (if needed)
Walk level A

October 2026

Saturday 3 October
Edenbrook Country Park, Fleet

Leader: John Blithe (07966 391297)
10:00 am to 12:30 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the car park behind the leisure centre off Hitches Lane, (Grid Reference SU 793538; Postcode GU51 5HS).
This walk will start from the Edenbrook car park (free parking). It’s generally level with mainly good paths, some of which can become flooded after heavy rain. Other grass paths are usually ok but can get muddy/flooded after heavy rain, so bring good footwear.
Walk category A

Saturday 17 October
Longparish

Leader: Geoff Sharp (01256 470286 & mobile 07835 807078)
9.30 am to 1.00 pm (3-4 miles)
Meet in the village carpark off the B3048 opposite the village hall (grid reference SU426440).
A leisurely walk, taking in the River Test and its feeder channels, as well as the fields and lanes around this lovely village. We will be looking for riverside and woodland birds, raptors and autumn migrants.
Bring coffee/lunch if required
Walk category A

Sunday 18 October
Keyhaven

Sunday 25 October
Farlington Marshes

Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am to 2.00 pm (6 miles)
Meet at Chalkdock Lake car park (Grid ref SU 699055; W3W: about.sizes.usual) – this is now designated as Chalkdock Lake car park on google maps, it is NOT the car park signposted Broadmarsh Coastal Path. NB road layout means you have to do a U-turn to enter car park, so continue up Harts Farm Way and where it widens you can U turn and come back to the car park.
A walk round the marshes in search of winter/migrant birds.
Bring coffee/Lunch
Walk category A

Saturday 31 October
Lepe Country Park

Leader: Joost Brandsma (07401 568130)
09.00 am to 12.30 pm (2 miles)
Paid parking at Lepe Car Park (beachfront car park); assemble in front of the Lookout Café.
Looking for sea and shorebirds at Stansore Point, followed by a visit to the Dark Water hide for a nice variety of wet and woodland species.
There is some uneven ground for part of the walk.
Bring drinks.
Walk category A