Hampshire - A Day with Small Mammals

We will spend the morning enjoying a gentle natural history walk to learn about this reserve and its many inhabitants with expert local naturalist Jim Andrews. A number of Longworth live traps will be checked for small mammal species such as Wood and Yellow-necked Mouse and possibly even Harvest Mouse. Common, Pygmy and Water Shrews may be found along with both Field and Bank Voles. Once these traps have been checked we will have the opportunity to re-set them and put them out again to check in the afternoon. We will then continue to a woodland area checking nesting boxes put up specifically for Dormice. We will learn about this delightful yet declining species and check for signs of them as we go. We will hope of course that an animal will be found and we have been successful in finding them in previous years though success is by no means guaranteed. Breaking for lunch at Barton’s Mill we will then spend the afternoon checking our traps again and learning more about the local ecology. We will enjoy a range of birds and butterflies and possibly reptiles such as Slow Worm and Common Lizard. With a great range of interesting species to enjoy this is sure to be fascinating day. The cost includes expert guiding and a pub lunch and drink. NB. The cost does not include transport.