Walks programme restarted
We now have a programme of HOS walks in place.
Attendees no longer need to book a place on HOS walks, but we would ask that you recognise that COVID is still with us and that some people would still prefer that social distancing is observed.
However, please also note that it will be necessary to continue to book places on some walks – such as Needs Ore where places are restricted.
Any queries please do get in touch either by emailing Annette or phoning Annette Clayson, the HOS Walks Co-ordinator on 07980 976748. 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.
Please adhere to the current Covid rules which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
Please note some details are not currently known, but will be added when available.
| Leader | Time and Date | Location – start grid reference and name | Max. numbers if applicable | Length of walk in time | Length of walk in distance |
| Dave Munday
(01489 576641) |
Wednesday
1 Jun 2022 20:00 |
Anderwood Inclosure
SU248058 |
2 hours 30 mins | 3 miles | |
| Flat gravel forestry track suitable for electric wheel chairs, insect repellent a must or head net is useful or both. Roding Woodcock, other woodland birds and possible fireflies. |
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| Nick Wiley
(07747 151160, 01489 893226) |
Tuesday
7 Jun 2022 10:00 – 14:30 |
The Christy Hall, Old Alresford
SO24 9DJ, SU587540 OS185 Donation to hall funds appreciated |
4 hours 30 mins | 4 miles | |
| This is a walk across undulating farmland and woods. Looking for Farmland birds, raptors and summer migrants. Bring lunch and drink. Category B | |||||
| David Thelwell | Saturday
11 Jun 2022 10am |
Fishlake Meadows
Hampshire Wildlife Trust Car park, Cupernham Lane, Romsey. SO51 7AA, SU357 221 |
1-2 hours | ½ – 1 mile | |
| Flat walk with good paths. Osprey present in 2021 | |||||
| Martin Smith | Sunday
3 Jul 2022 2.00pm |
Hut Wood.
OS grid ref SU4218 (Chilworth, north of Southampton) Parking is in a small layby on the Bournemouth Road (northbound side) close to the large Asda supermarket |
2-2.5 hours | 3-4 miles | |
| Gentle walk around private Forestry Commission land on a sandy track. Good mix of timber crop, ancient yew trees and deciduous woodland with an extensive holly understorey. Large re-stocked area of open space. Most regular woodland birds and butterflies should be seen: Firecrest, Siskin, Hobby and Crossbill have all nested in recent years. Wear stout boots as the ground is uneven and muddy after rain. No surfaced paths, signs, toilets or any other facilities on the site. |
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| Keith Betton & Janice Beck
(07809 671468 & 07723 026332) |
Saturday
9 Jul 2022 09:30-12:30 |
Tidgrove Warren
RG25 3EN, SU516538 Drive through the gate, continue on entrance track for 500m and parking is on the left. |
Talk + 2 hour walk | 2 miles | |
| This is at the invitation of the landowner, Raleigh Place, who manages areas of his farm to encourage breeding downland birds and uncommon arable plants. Stone Curlews may be seen. Walk category C | |||||
| Keith Betton & Janice Beck
(07809 671468 & 07723 026332)
|
Saturday
6 Aug 2022 9am-1pm |
Martin Down
Meet at SU0571912 (SP6 3LP is nearest postcode) – the smaller reserve car park – this off the southern end of Sillen Lane, Martin.
|
4 hours | 3 miles | |
| One of the largest areas of chalk grassland still extant in the country and the place to both hear and see Turtle Dove in the county. The grassland and woodland / scrub support a wide range of botany and invertebrates.
Walk category C. |
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| Tom Jordan
(07914 318031) |
Saturday
27 Aug 2022 9am-12noon |
St Catherine’s Hill, Winchester
Meet in car park at St Catherines Hill (SU483280/SO23 9PA). If car park is full, parking is available in nearby East Winchester Park & Ride or in laybys on Garnier Road. Refreshments are available in the Handlebar cafe, which also has a toilet. |
3 hours | 3 Km | |
| This will be a short walk (3km), however participants must be able to take part in a steady ascent of the hill. Habitat is chalk downland and the main focus will be on migrants, including flycatchers, warblers and chats. If the weather is good, we may also see butterflies including Adonis Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper. | |||||