Haslemere Natural History Society

Providing a focus for enthusiastic naturalists of all ages

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

Winter birds at Pulborough Brooks Reserve (RSPB)

Date: 20 January 2024
Time: 10:30
Directions: GR: TQ058164 RH20 2EL

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.

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)

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 PLC: Sort Code: 30-93-94: Account No.: 00070189: Ref: Your name and “Solar Boat”. Or by cheque by post: payable to Haslemere Natural History Society, c/o Haslemere Museum, High Street, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2LA and marked for the attention of Mrs M. Tomsett. Meet at Harbour Office by 10.30. It will be exceptionally cold on this open-sided boat; warm, waterproof clothing advised. Toilet on board and on quayside; hot drinks (not glassware) allowed. If Conservancy has to cancel the Society will be offered an alternative date

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.

Leader: Jon Taylor (HNHS member)

A morning walk through habitats of rough grazing with good hedging, woodland and a freshwater lake.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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