Field Meeting Archives - Haslemere Natural History Society

Early spring heathland birds on Lavington Common (National Trust)

Date: 20 April 2024

Time: 9:00

Directions: GR: SU949186 GU28 0QL South of Petworth on A285 at Heath End, take R turning signed Graffham. After 1 mile look for parking area on R.

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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.

Fossils at Bracklesham Bay

Date: 6 April 2024

Time: 13:45

Directions: GR: SZ80499636 PO20 8JH From A286 at Birdham roundabout by petrol station, turn L onto B2198 for Bracklesham Bay (Bell Lane becomes Bracklesham Lane). Continue to end of road, turn left for car park (cash or card) and toilets. Meet at slipway by “Billy’s on the Beach” café on seafront, next to car park.

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Leader: David Bone (Geologist and Chair: Sussex Geodiversity Partnership) Starting with a “Show and Tell” of fossils, then moving onto the beach with the falling tide, searching the sand surface for fossils. (Bring freezer plastic bags.) Wellies essential.

Signs of spring on a Shillinglee walk

Date: 23 March 2024

Time: 10:30

Directions: GR: SU965319 GU8 4SY On A283 (going southwards towards Northchapel), take L at crossroads (signed Plaistow). At Shillinglee with group of cottages on L, look for property “Barton” first on R. Parking by kind permission of owner.

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Leader: Jon Taylor (HNHS member) A morning walk through habitats of rough grazing with good hedging, woodland and a freshwater lake.

Solar Boat, West Itchenor: Bird Watching (Chichester Harbour Conservancy)

Date: 17 February 2024

Time: 10:30

Directions: GR: SU800014 PO20 7AW Directions: On A286 towards the Witterings, pass petrol station at Birdham, then 2nd exit to West Wittering. After ¼ mile turn R for Itchenor. Park & Display on L just before Ship Inn (currently £4.50 for 4 hours)

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An opportunity with a bird-watching guide on board the boat (hired by the Society for only our members), to see some of the 55,000 birds that annually visit Chichester Harbour. Cost £10 per person for 2 hours. Book a seat by requesting to our email address. Payment by 30 January: Electronic Bank Transfer: Lloyds Bank […]

Winter birds at Pulborough Brooks Reserve (RSPB)

Date: 20 January 2024

Time: 10:30

Directions: GR: TQ058164 RH20 2EL

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A morning visit to the Reserve in the Arun Valley within the South Downs National Park. Habitats include wetland, woodlands and heathland, with several hides and viewing points. Tea room. Entry fee of £4 and parking fee £3 (all-day) for non-RSPB members.

Winter Birds at Frensham Great Pond (managed by Waverley B.C. owned by National Trust)

Date: 2 December 2023

Time: 10:30

Directions: GR: SU844405 GU10 2QB Take A287 to Frensham, turn L into Bacon Lane. Car Park on L at Visitor Centre. Bring N/T Membership card. Non-members Pay by phone. Further details on their website.

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Leader: Sue Bradford (HNHS Member) A morning walk around the Pond looking for birds that have gathered for the winter.

Winter Birds at Farlington Marshes (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust)

Date: 18 November 2023

Time: 10:30

Directions: GR: SU685045 P06 1UN From end of A3(M), merge onto Havant Bypass. At roundabout leading to A2030 (Southsea Road), keep in left hand lane. Immediately turn sharp L onto a track, through gateway. Bring lunch.

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*** MEETING CANCELLED ON ACCOUNT OF ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS ***

Ancient Trees in Petworth Park (National Trust)

Date: 21 October 2023

Time: 14:00

Directions: GR: SU966238 GU28 9LS Meet in Petworth Park, London Road, NORTH car park. Bring N/T Membership Card or credit card for parking. (Cash not accepted.)

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Leader: Gerald Gresham Cooke With the exception of a Northern Oak with leaves beginning to change colour to orange and red, the trees on the walk were still green.Gerald Gresham Cooke pointed out the plaque set in the Park wall “Beelzebub Oak” that marked the boundary between the parishes of Petworth and Tillington and was […]

Fungus Foray at Waggoners Wells (west end) (National Trust)

Date: 7 October 2023

Time: 10:30

Directions: GR: SU855337 GU26 6DN Meet in the car park. Leave Bramshott village in an easterly direction along Rectory Lane. After about 1km. turn L at the T-junction: car park is at the end of the road.

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Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS Member) After a very dry early Autumn, 11 members were pleased to see a good range of boletes, including two with bright red stems: Scarletina and Bitter Beech. Also found were several Russula and Cortinarius species and Otidea onotica which has rabbit-ear shaped cups. The species list numbered 48.The find for […]

Plants, insects and animals on Mare Hill Common, Witley (Waverley Borough Council)

Date: 9 September 2023

Time: 10:30

Directions: GR: SU934399 GU8 5NZ From Haslemere on A286 northwards, through Brook, after 1 mile at crossroads turn R into Mare Hill. Park on L near a barrier or on side of road. Parking limited. Roke Lane.

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Leader: Mike Edwards (Entomologist) Heather and Bell Heather were still in flower and producing nectar for many, very active insects on an extremely hot morning when 11 members met leader Mike Edwards on September 9th. Mike is a professional entomologist, author and an expert on ants, bees and wasps. His identification skills are acute and […]