Historic Selborne and mid-Hampshire (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR93

Explore the charming countryside surrounding the historic village of Selbourne, and the richness of habitats in this corner of Hampshire, including both Beech woodland and chalk grassland.

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

Summary

Selborne is synonymous with the grandfather of modern natural history, Gilbert White, who was curate here in the 18th century. Both the village and the landscapes that we will visit today are virtually unchanged since his time. Led by naturalist Martin Pitt, we will follow a circular path taking in the Zigzag, Selborne Hanger, Selborne Common, owned and managed by the National Trust, and Noar Hill, managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust; all areas that show the richness of habitats in this corner of Hampshire, including both Beech woodland and chalk grassland species. We expect to walk around 6 miles during the day, some of it uphill, though of course we will stop frequently on the way. We run this tour throughout the spring and summer, so please click on 'detailed information' to read about seasonal highlights.

  • Explore Selborne's Zigzag, Hanger, Common and Noar Hill
  • Chalkland orchids, flowering helleborines and Autumn Lady's Tresses
  • Such butterflies as Brown Hairstreak and Duke of Burgundy

 

April - May
We will be expecting the Common to be in full song, and we will look for Firecrest in addition to a mix of warblers. The grasslands should have come into flower with swathes of Cowslip, Early Purple Orchid and other chalk grassland species. A key focus will be the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, and we will also seek out other butterflies including Green Hairstreak and Dingy Skipper.

June
Although birds will be getting quieter, we still expect to find a good mix of species included Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat. This is the time for orchids and we will expect to find all the chalk grassland species, keeping a special eye out for the Musk Orchid, as this area is a stronghold of this diminutive species. Dark Green Fritillaries should be on the wing and a good mix of butterflies and dragonflies should be found.

August - September
At this time of year we will be particularly on the lookout for late flowering helleborines and the diminutive Autumn Lady’s-Tresses. Butterflies can be plentiful and we will search for the scarce Brown Hairstreaks in the Blackthorn hedges. Overhead, Red Kites and Ravens may be joined by a dashing Hobby and there could well be early autumn migrants passing through. A good mix of dragonflies including the Small Red-eyed Damselfly will be sought.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Day Trip Location

Day Trip Location

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