Wildlife of the Hampshire Downs

Tour Code: GBR01

A natural history weekend exploring the chalk habitats of Hampshire.

We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.

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Highlights

Summary

Chalk downland is a habitat of poor soil and this characteristic ensures that no single species can become dominant, and that a large number of species occurs. Indeed, chalk downland represents some of the finest plant habitat in Britain, and the Hampshire chalk downs are one of the best examples in the country. From our base near Petersfield, we’ll go in search of a wide variety of plant species, many nationally uncommon and rare, as well as butterflies. Our aim is to gain a better understanding of the ecology of the chalk, and to explore some of the finest examples of chalk downland, plus yew and Beech woodland, looking for plants and their attendant insect-life.

Musk, Fly, Pyramidal, Frog & Twayblade Orchids at Noar Hill
Lesser Whitethroat, Yellowhammer & Turtle Dove
Butterflies, including many ‘blues’
Round-headed Rampion, Yellow-wort, Kidney & Horseshoe Vetches
Fragrant & Great Butterfly Orchids at the National Nature Reserve
White & Green-flowered Helleborines among Beech wood tracts
Hobby, Cuckoo, partridges & woodpeckers
Led by expert botanist guide

Grading

East day walks only.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Meet at the hotel for evening meal. Excursion after dinner.

Day 2

Noar Hill and Old Winchester Hill

Day 3

Selborne area. Depart for home mid-afternoon

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What's Included

What's Included?

Accommodation:
We stay in a comfortable hotel in Alton. All rooms have private facilities.
Accommodation:
Breakfast and dinners are included. Allow around £15 per day for a pub lunch.

Reviews

We visited various sites to see rare plants including numerous orchid species, which were the main target of the weekend. We also saw an exciting variety of moths in the Saturday morning moth trap. We also had sightings of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. The hotel was very comfortable with very helpful staff. Naturetrek and the tour leader did everything they could to give us a lovely weekend break.
L.H. Somerset, Jun 23
We had an excellent guide with an intimate knowledge of all the sites of wildlife interest in Hampshire. There were bird's-nest orchids in the beech wood and musk and butterfly-orchids on the chalk downs. The broomrape and cow-wheat were very impressive. My personal favourite was the night visit to see bats when we also had the opportunity to watch a large crayfish in a chalk stream.
R.C.H. West Midlands, June 19
Jon Stokes was a first rate leader with the ability to share his enthusiasm with us. His knowledge was extensive and he was able to make sure all the group were able to satisfy their interests. I would certainly recommend him.
G.H. Essex

Leader, Jon Stokes, was superb. Very informative, great deal of knowledge about subjects and localities, very pleasant and helpful.
S.P. Sussex

The leader had a high level of enthusiasm combined with very broad range of natural history and local knowledge.
D.H. Essex

Particularly enjoyed John's up-beat company…charismatic and extremely generous with his knowledge, I would recommend John as a group leader.
Mrs W. Nottinghamshire

Jon Stokes was brilliant, very informative on all aspects of wildlife. All in all, an amazing weekend and I am a very happy customer.
H.P. Hampshire

There were just two of us on this trip so it felt like a personal tour guide. Jon tailored it very much to our interests. The whole trip was fun, entertaining, informative and I really enjoyed it. We saw half the orchid species in the UK, in just two days. Great descriptions of landforms. Jon's enthusiasm for this area was really lovely and what made the trip.
J.C. Buckinghamshire

Leader Jon Stokes was excellent. His enthusiasm and knowledge of whatever we were looking at, or spotted, has certainly broadened my interest in natural history and made the weekend a treat.
M.N. London

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Tour Reports

Tour report - June 2015

Tour report - June 2013

Tour report - May 2013

Tour report - June 2012

Tour report - June 2011

Tour report - June 2009

Tour report - June 2008

Tour report - June 2007

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