Field Meetings

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 office is about 1.5km north of Woolbeding. Elmers Marsh can be reached from Liphook, using the road that passes Hollycombe, or from Fernhurst, using the road that heads west from the village centre. Alternatively, approach from the A272 and find the minor road signed to Woolbeding about 1km west of Midhurst.

Leaders: Phil Darley and Arthur Greenwood (HNHS Members)
Oaken Wood is Butterfly Conservation’s only reserve in Surrey. The rare Wood White
butterfly 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 will combine into fewer cars for transfer to the site.

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 Bird’s-nest Orchid site, if it’s showing.

Directions: From the B2131 between Haslemere and Liphook, turn north in Hammer into Hammer Lane. We will meet in the garden of Bridge Cottage, which is the first house on the right immediately after the railway bridge. Early arrivals can park in the garden; otherwise park on roadside in Moor Road, which is on the left just before the railway bridge (N.B. road sign currently missing).

Leader: Fiona Scully, Butterfly Conservation Reserves Officer
This nine-acre ancient wetland meadow is an SSSI comprises a diverse mixture of
habitats 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 available at the station, but there may be free spaces at the adjoining reserve office. The reserve entrance is a short distance along the footpath leading east from the station.

Leader: James Giles (Reserve Manager)
A walk on this National Nature Reserve with heathland and a Ramsar-designated wetland, with a focus on dragonflies and other invertebrates.

Directions: (N.B. not the main car park!) From Elstead village go south on Thursley Road. After 1 mile south of the Moat on bend Truxford Corner take track on Left to gate.

Leaders: Margaret Tomsett and Andy Swan (HNHS Members)
Moth traps will have been set up in Margaret Tomsett’s garden overnight. Excessive rain may mean cancelling, so check HNHS website.

Directions: From Haslemere east on B2131 past Lythe Hill Hotel, take L into Killinghurst Lane. After approx 1mile “June Hill” is on R. Park in drive.

Leader: Rob Free (Amphibian and Reptile Conservation)
Following-on from Rob’s talk at our AGM, we will visit habitat suitable for Sand Lizards and other reptiles. This is also one of the finest Surrey sites for invertebrates.

Directions: From Haslemere on the B286, after Grayswood and Brook, turn L at the crossroads into Lee Coach Rd., the gate entrance to the site is on the LHS after about 500m.

Leader: Rob Eadie (Volunteer Reserve Manager)
This is a repeat visit to this Sussex Wildlife Trust site, as the weather was poor last time. The site includes the largest “chalk heath” in West Sussex and supports many chalk-loving plants and butterflies.

Directions: From Midhurst head south on the A286. In Singleton turn into Charlton Road. Park near Singleton School, respecting local residents. Visit involves a steep uphill walk.

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS Member)
The coastal shingle and dunes show various stages of colonisation by plant communities. There are specialist plants, fungi and insects, and this is also a good site for migrant birds.

Directions: From the south end of the A3, follow signs to Hayling Island to the A27 and then A3023. Head south to the end of the road at the coast, then turn west towards the ferry. At the end of the road turn sharp left in front of the buoys, then bear left past the café to the long car park: we will meet at the far end of the car park. Payment is required; cards accepted.

Leader: (a reserve volunteer, t.b.a.)
A National Nature Reserve managed by Hampshire C.C., excellent for birds, where the Lower Meon Valley meets the Solent. Entrance price at the time of printing is £6.50 adult, and £5.50 for over 60s. Sometimes muddy.

Directions: Various routes are possible! From the A27 west of Portsmouth, follow signs south to Titchfield, then Postbrook Lane to the coast; or signs to Stubbington, then Hill Head. Park opposite the Reserve sign, or by sea wall east the bridge. Meet by Visitor Centre, Cliff Road, Hill Head.

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS member)
A SSSI with heathland, birch/pine woodland and grassland, offering a good potential range of fungi.

Directions: From Liphook follow the B2070 southwards. After about 4km, soon after the Rake village sign, turn right just in front of the school. After about 600m, turn right. When the end of the road is in sight, park on left. We will meet by the SSSI sign.

Leader: t.b.a.
In addition to the water birds at both ponds, the 1.5km walk between the ponds traverses some good wildlife habitat.

Directions: Take the A285 south from Petworth. After about 3.5km, turn left, signposted to Burton Mill. After about 1.5km, parking (free) is on the left as you reach the pond.

Leader: (a member of the conservation team, t.b.a.)
Rather than our usual circuit for birds, we will be exploring the adjacent woodland and heath, expecting lichens and late season fungi, but we will also traverse the lakeside for birds!

Directions: Follow the A287 north from Hindhead and pass through Beacon Hill and Churt. After crossing Frensham Common, with the pond on your left, look out for the sharp left turn signed to the Great Pond and hotel. After about 800m, turn left into car park.

Leader: Dr June Chatfield
Location t.b.a., pending permissions. Website will be updated as soon as details are confirmed.