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.
Should it be necessary to cancel the walk we will inform you.

Field Crickets at Farnham Heath, Tilford (RSPB Reserve)

Date: 24 May 2025
Time: 10.30
Directions: GR: SU859433 GU10 2DL W3W: stuns.staining.radiates

Leader: Mark Crisp (Warden)
A morning walk in part of the Reserve not open to the public to see the Field Crickets of which there were good numbers in 2024.
Directions: From Frensham on A287 at Millbridge turn R. into The Reeds Road; after 1 mile on L. park at Rural Life Centre.

A visit to a garden (near Billingshurst) designed for wildlife

Date: 7 June 2025
Time: 10.30
Directions: GR: TQ009304 RH14 0NT W3W: playfully.standard.unroll

Leaders: Michael and Jane Joseph (Wildlife gardeners)
Following Michael’s Winter Talk in February an invitation to see their beautiful garden.
Jane has offered to provide morning coffee so bring cash as a donation to Sussex Wildlife Trust. Directions: As parking near their cottage is limited meet in Plaistow (see location) to car-share.

Wildflowers and Insects on Noar Hill, Selbourne. (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust)

Date: 21 June 2025
Time: 10.30
Directions: GR: SU742319 GU34 3LW W3W: classics.cleansers.rams

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS member)
One of the best sites in the UK for orchids and should be possible to find one of the site’s specialities – the Musk Orchid – along with a spectacular showing of midsummer flowers and accompanying insects.
Directions: Approaching Selbourne from the south, turn L into lane leading to East Tisted. Pass first bridle path. Roadside parking near the end of Charity Farm bridle path. Car share if possible.

Fauna, Flora and Butterflies on Witley Common (National Trust)

Date: 5 July 2025
Time: 10.30
Directions: GR: SU932405 GU8 5QA W3W: seaside.rank.redeemed

Leader: Arthur Greenwood (HNHS member & N.T. Volunteer)
A morning Walk over Witley Common.
Directions: From Haslemere on A286, after passing Lee Coach Rd on L at crossroads take service entrance on L signposted “N.T Deliveries”, before Webb Road turning. Park and meet outside the Witley Centre.

A morning with Moths

Date: 19 July 2025
Time: 09.00 (note time)
Directions: GR: SU945333 GU8 4SW W3W: reputable.precautions.tailed

Leaders: Margaret Tomsett and Andy Swan (HNHS members)
Moth traps will have been set up in Margaret Tomsett’s garden overnight. If excessive rain overnight the event may have to be cancelled. Consult HNHS website.
Directions: From Haslemere on B2131 past Lythe Hill Hotel, take L into Killinghurst Lane. After approx. 1 mile “June Hill” is on R. Park in drive.

A walk across Graffham Common (Sussex Wildlife Trust)

Date: 9 August 2025
Time: 10.30
Directions: GR: SU938195 GU28 0PS W3W: tarnished.artichoke.empty

Leader David Bridger (Ranger for SWT)
A morning walk on lowland heath, heath pasture and wet heath. Home to a scarce long-horn beetle, Marsh Clubmoss and dragonflies.
Directions: Approach from A272 Petworth-Midhurst road. West of Petworth at Halfway Bridge turn L to Selham. After Selham at junction take L fork and after 600 metres look for parking area on R.

Bats at Frensham Little Pond (National Trust)

Date: 30 August 2025
Time: 19.30 (note time)
Directions: GR: SU858417 GU10 3BT W3W: safely.assets.polar

Leader: Martyn Phillis (HNHS member)
Martyn will give an introductory talk before leading us over the Common to listen for bats with bat detectors. (HNHS has several/ bring own) HNHS has provided many bat and bird boxes here.
Directions: Meet in the Little Pond car park. (A free parking ticket will be given.) Bring a torch.

A morning walk at Woolmer Pond, near Greatham, Hampshire

Date: 6 September 2025
Time: 10.30
Directions: GR:SU783316 GU33 6AZ W3W: shippers.slick.validated

Leaders: Mike Lawn and Andy Swan (HNHS members)
In addition to the Pond itself the area’s habitats include valley, mire, and heath, each contributing to an exceptional flora and fauna. It is the only site with all 12 of the UK’s native reptile and amphibian species and is also excellent for insects. Total walking distance about 3km, Wellington boots recommended unless particularly dry.
Directions: Parking at above grid reference (just off roundabout on the A325) is limited; alternative parking will be recommended depending on numbers.
As this is a MoD site access is only permitted when firing ranges are not in use. The date should be clear but this could change at short notice. Essential to book a place with Society’s Secretary by email by August 23rd giving your contact details, so that any changes can be advised. (If necessary a nearby alternative venue will be arranged.)

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

Date: 4 October 2025
Time: 10.30
Directions: GR:SU855337 GU26 6DN W3W: slurred.fastening.earlobes

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS member)
The dampness of the valley and the mixed woodland make this one of the best sites for fungi in our area. Walking distance 2.5km with shorter options.
Directions: 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.

Winter bird arrivals on Black Down (National Trust)

Date: 11 October 2025
Time: 08.30 (note time)
Directions: GR: SU922307 GU27 3BJ W3W: activism.schematic.remains

Leader: Paul Nevett (HNHS member)
It is hoped that migratory birds including winter thrushes and Ring Ouzel will have arrived.
Directions: From Haslemere at end of Tennyson’s Lane, on bend near entrance to Aldworth House, turn R. down to car park.

Autumn in Pheasant Copse, Leconfield Estate, Petworth

Date: 25 October 2025
Time: 10.30
Directions: GR: SU965257 GU28 9LU W3W: increment.aimlessly.belt

Leader: Neil Humphris (Leconfield Estate Head Forester)
A rare opportunity to visit an area of the Estate not open to the public. Trees should be in autumn foliage.
Directions: On A283 towards Petworth, 2½ miles south of Northchapel, pass petrol station on L. Very shortly at a Lodge cottage on R enter private drive. At crossroads turn L, crossing over cattle grids and dropping down to parking area.

Winter Birds at Frensham Great Pond (leased to and managed by Waverley Borough Council)

Date: 8 November 2025
Time: 10.30
Directions: GR: SU842402 GU10 2QB W3W: isolating.etchings.fortunes

Leader: Sue Bradford (HNHS member)
A morning walk around the Pond and through the copse by Outlet Pond.
Directions: From Haslemere take A287 to Frensham, turn L into Bacon Lane. Car Park on L at Visitor Centre. Bring N.T. Membership card; non-members need to pay by phone (approx. £4).

Scroll to top
Cookie Consent with Real Cookie Banner