Hampshire - A Day with Moths, Butterflies & Reptiles (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR340

A morning identifying the contents of a moth-trap and an afternoon searching for Adder, Grass Snake, Slow Worm and Viviparous Lizard alongside butterflies on a small private nature reserve in Hampshire. Both beginner and experienced naturalists are welcome!

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 1-844-433-9473.

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Tom Mabbett

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Highlights

Adder, Grass Snake, Slow Worm and Viviparous Lizard all possible
Identify the contents of a moth-trap in the company of an expert naturalist
36 species of butterflies have been recorded at this site

Summary

Throughout spring, summer and autumn a small private nature reserve in Hampshire, nestled between North Baddesley and Chandler's Ford, bustles with life unbeknown to passers-by. By night, a plethora of moth species take to the air and four years of moth-trapping here has revealed exquisite species.

Moths recorded from July to September include the rare Light Crimson and Dark Crimson Underwings, influxes of Jersey Tiger, the shimmering Burnished Brass and migratory species such as Vestal, Dewick’s Plusia and more. From May to August, a variety of impressive hawkmoths can be seen including Elephant, Poplar, Pine, Lime and Privet, as well as the diurnal Hummingbird Hawkmoth, which can turn up at any time throughout the year. During this period the Buff-Tip, one of nature’s wondrous masquerades, can also been seen. In September, autumnal species start to appear with the possibility of such beautiful species as Merveille du Jour, Frosted Orange, Barred Sallow, The Sallow and more visiting the trap. Of course, these are just a few examples of what can turn up, as moth-trapping is unpredictable; nearly 2000 moth species, with varying flight seasons, have been recorded in Hampshire!

During the day we will take time to observe butterflies, of which 36 species have been recorded on site including White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak and Silver-washed Fritillary, while other unique invertebrates include the striking Wasp Spider, Violet Ground Beetle, predatory Glow Worm larvae and more. In addition, several years of reptile monitoring by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian and Reptile Group (HIWARG) has found healthy populations of Britain’s four widespread reptiles; Adders, Grass Snakes, Slow Worms and Viviparous Lizards all dwell in the reserve and we will take time to observe and photograph them while collecting records for HIWARG’s database.

While walking around this slice of valuable habitat, raptors such as Peregrine, Kestrel, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk can be seen overhead, while more secretive passerines such Spotted Flycatcher, Firecrest and Marsh Tit occasionally reveal themselves along the wooded edge. An old barn on site has been occupied by nesting Barn Swallows for many years and we will take time to view the nests from a respectable distance should they continue to return.

Small mammals such as Short-tailed Vole and Wood Mouse are regularly seen under the reptile refugia, while signs of Weasel have been found and Water Shrew was seen here for the first time in 2024.

Please note that this is a weather-dependent tour and dates may be rearranged in the event of heavy rain.

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!