Forthcoming Field Meetings
- The HNHS cannot be held responsible for any injury, loss or damage to person or property incurred at any of its meetings.
- Dogs are not permitted.
- High tide is given for Chichester Harbour (entrance).
- In exceptionally severe or dangerous conditions please assume that the meeting is cancelled.
- Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear for expected weather conditions
- Junior members are always welcome but MUST be accompanied by an adult.
- If any of the leaders is unable to be present, every effort will be made to find a substitute.
- Visitors are very welcome at our meetings. A donation of £5 per person would be much appreciated.
Covid-19 Advisory
⦁ If you develop Covid symptoms within 7 days of the walk notify the Society.
⦁ Bring a face covering and hand gel (in case gates or stiles are encountered).
⦁ Be prepared to keep your distance – 2 metres.
⦁ Should it be necessary to cancel the walk we will inform you
Leader: Alan Perry (HNHS member and Emeritus President of Sussex Ornithological Society)
An early morning walk on this SSSI site with wet and dry heath, acid grass and woodland. Woodlark, Dartford Warbler and Stonechat recorded here.
Leader: Paul Nevett (HNHS member)
Nightingales arrive in UK in late April. Males, setting up their territory, sing by day as well as by night. An early morning walk with limited places to minimise disturbance. Please email the Society for a place by Thursday, April 25th.
Directions: From Chiddingfold take minor road towards Plaistow. After 1 mile ignore L road to Dunsfold. Continue 2 miles on Fisher Lane towards Plaistow and park on L at entrance signposted Tugley Wood.
Leader: Arthur Greenwood (Entomologist)
A SSSI area of dry heathland, woodland and grassland.
Directions: From Liphook on London Road B2070 going southwards, at first dual carriageway take L signed “Milland Church” and park near St. Luke’s Church.
Leaders: Margaret Tomsett & Andy Swan (HNHS members)
Moth traps will have been set up in Margaret Tomsett’s garden overnight. If it rains hard overnight, the event may have to be cancelled. Consult HNHS website.
Directions: From Haslemere on B2131past Lythe Hill Hotel, take L into Killinghurst Lane. After approx. 1 mile “June Hill” is on R. Park in drive.
Leader: Anne Dennig (Owner and Founder Member of Botany Bay Community Interest Group)
In 10 acres adjacent to Lavington Park and Seaford College, the chalk stream, meadow and wooded ghyll have been transformed into a beautiful conservation area of great biodiversity. A new venue and visit by special invitation.
Directions: On A285 south from Petworth, after Duncton village, on left-hand bend, enter the drive to Seaford College. Drive past Gate Houses & metal gates and park in lay-by on R.
Leader: Margaret Hibbard (HNHS member)
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Butterfly Conservation manage this flower-rich grassland on chalk downland. Of the 34 butterfly species recorded it is possible that over 20 species will be there in July. Bring lunch if you wish to stay on into the afternoon.
Directions: From Farnham to Winchester A31 take B3404 Alresford Road towards Winchester. On L, just past entrance to Magdalen Hill Cemetery, drive to top of track, passing Stonemason’s yard (special parking permission).
A morning walk on this National Nature Reserve designated as a Ramsar wetland on Lower Greensand heathland.
Directions: (A new meeting location) From Elstead village go south on Thursley Road. After 1 mile south of The Moat on bend Truxford Corner take track on L. to gate.
Leader: Rob Eadie (Volunteer Reserve Manager)
This is the largest chalk heathland in West Sussex. In addition to Juniper, the chalk-loving flowers include Marjoram, a good nectar-source for butterflies.
Directions: From Midhurst (A286) in Singleton turn L into Charlton Road. Park near Singleton School with respect for local residents. Steep uphill climb. Carry lunch if wishing to continue into afternoon.
Leader: Fiona Haynes (Reserve Manager)
A small but beautiful botanical site: Violet Helleborine and Autumn Ladies-tresses may be found. Directions: (N.B. Ignore sat. nav. that tries to take you through Buriton village and up Kiln Lane.) On B2146 from South Harting leading to Petersfield, take turning on L signposted to Ditcham Park School and The Tithe Barn. Follow road up steep hill and round hairpin bend. Bear R at farm buildings and where road splits take R turn. This leads to parking area on L.
Leader: Matt Bramich (Reserve Manager)
A new venue. Matt will describe the area as to its past and present wealth of botanical interest. Fen, with wet and uneven ground. Recent management work has much reduced the bracken, birch and scrub. Directions: From centre of Liphook take B3004 going north (over A3). After 1 mile on Hill House Hill turn L signed to Conford. In hamlet just past phone box and post box on R park at Village Hall (former village school).
This ancient woodland and National Nature Reserve is known for the abundance and interest of its fungi. A hand lens would be useful.
Directions: From A283 1½ miles south of Northchapel, take turning on L into Streels Lane, signposted Ebernoe. After 1½ miles just past phone box, look for track on R leading to Ebernoe Church.
Leaders: Phil Darley & Douglas Maughan (HNHS members) This area attracts a wide variety of geese, ducks and waders. Having looked at Ferry Pond, the walk will take the sea wall to shingle, salt marsh and mud flats en route to Church Norton (weather permitting). Approx. 1½ miles, plus return. Carry lunch. HT: 13.14
Leader: tba
Usually a good venue for birds on passage or wintering. Directions: From Haslemere at end of Tennyson’s Lane, on bend by entrance to Aldworth House, turn R down to car park.
Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS member)
Lichens are often the first colonisers of bare rock surfaces so churchyards constitute an important habitat for them, as there are a variety of different stone types. Dates on headstones allow the rate of growth and sequence of colonisation to be studied.
Directions: Park around Chiddingfold Green (near Church). Meet at lychgate. A hand lens recommended.