Pamber Forest and Silchester Common (Day Trip)

Summary

Pamber Forest comprises over 800 acres of ancient forest on the Hampshire/Berkshire border. Adjacent to it, is an area of Thames Basin Heath. Together the whole area provides a rich mosaic of habitats, and a number of key species which we will seek. Led by naturalist Martin Pitt, we will follow a circular path taking in the oak woods, coppice and open heath that will introduce us to a mix of butterflies, dragonflies and birds which call this home. We will search the rides for Silver-washed Fritillaries, Purple Hairstreaks and, if we are lucky, a late Purple Emperor. Dragonflies will also entertain us, most notably the large hawkers including Brown and Southern, but a real speciality here is the Golden-ringed Dragonfly.

The heath itself holds Stonechat, Woodlark and Dartford Warbler and whilst they may be elusive in their post breeding moult, we will search for Graylings and Ruddy Darters in the same area. If time permits, we will move a short distance to Benyon’s Enclosure, where the heath and mill pond will hold further species, or perhaps head to the ruins of the Roman town Calleva at Silchester, whose walls still dominate the local farmland. We expect to walk 6 miles over the day.