Field Meeting

Leader: Fiona Scully, Butterfly Conservation Reserves OfficerThis nine-acre ancient wetland meadow is an SSSI comprises a diverse mixture ofhabitats suitable for meadow and woodland insects and flora. Directions: The reserve lies 100m south-east of Bentley Station car park: turn off the A31 Guildford-Alton road at Bentley village for Bentley Railway Station. Car parking (charged) is […]

Leaders: Frank Denham (site owner) and Andy Swan (HNHS Member)This tiny site has been restored as a meadow, after being left as wasteground for many years. It is becoming rich in plants and insects, including some significant rarities. Note: very little walking needed for this visit! There will be an option to visit the nearby […]

Leaders: Phil Darley and Arthur Greenwood (HNHS Members)Oaken Wood is Butterfly Conservation's only reserve in Surrey. The rare Wood Whitebutterfly can be found along with many other species. Directions: From Chiddingfold take minor road Fisher Lane. After entrance to Tugley Wood on L continue for ½ mile, park under barrier on R. From here we […]

Leader: Charlotte Eley (Area Ranger, National Trust)Woolbeding Reimagined is a long term land project that aims to restore wildlife habitats, support species recovery and contribute to tackling the climate crisis.Directions: We will park at the NT office, which is on a minor road between Elmers Marsh to the north and Woolbeding to the south. The […]

Leader: Jonnie Taylor (HNHS Member)On a sunny morning with a bit of a chill, 24 members attended this private site, which was a new one for us. The site sits on heavy clay, wet and soggy in the winter but dry in the summer. The owners had a plan for ecological restoration, their aim being […]

Leaders: Phil Darley and Doug Maughan (HNHS members) It was immediately apparent that there were large numbers of Brent Geese everywhere: on the sea, on the freshwater pools and on the meadows – there must have been many hundreds. We soon found Greenfinches on meadow-side bushes. On the sea were a group of smart Pintails […]

Leaders: Doug Maughan and Paul Nevett (HNHS Members) As we arrived at the centre for the 10 o’clock start the sky lightened to light grey, which made a change from the dark grey and rain we had for the previous week! The Song Thrush and Blue Tits announced that spring is on the way. The […]

Leaders: Paul Nevett and Andy Swan (HNHS members)On a lovely sunny morning at Frensham Great Pond, enjoyed by 12 Members, 40 bird species were recorded. Highlights were a group of showy Crossbills near the car park, a number of vocal Water Rails around the reedbeds, 2 Kingfishers, and a flock of c 50 Redwings moving […]

Leader: Neil Humphris (Leconfield Estate Head Forester) This site was of particular interest as it is mainly commercial woodland but managed in a way that encourages wildlife. In addition to timber, shooting and fishing were commercial activities in the woodland, so the group was intrigued to find out how all this was accommodated. The woodland […]

Leader: Paul Nevett (HNHS member)Marsh Tits and Redpolls were seen in the starting car park by the 12 members who met on a still, cloudy morning with the sun breaking through the clouds. Thanks to the sharp eyes and ears of leader Paul Nevett, a total of 26 species of birds was recorded in a […]