The Loddon Valley in Winter (north Hampshire)

Summary

The Loddon is a chalk aquifer-fed stream that rises in Basingstoke and flows in a northerly direction, joining the River Thames at Wargrave, Berkshire. As a chalk river it is a threatened habitat. Less than 200 are known globally, of which 80% are in the south and east of England. They have a particularly rich biodiversity and are beloved by those able to cast a dry fly at a rising trout.

Although perhaps overlooked in Hampshire and in the shadow of the famous Test, Itchen and Avon, the upper reaches of the Loddon provide a mosaic of habitat from floodplain, copses and agricultural areas that attract a wide variety of inland bird species, especially during the winter months. The valley is also on the flyway to the south and is part of a migration short cut from The Wash to Southampton Water, meaning that, as the weather changes, ducks, gulls, and passerines use this as a ‘marked path’ to the south. This walk follows a path close to, and often along, both the River Loddon and its sister, the River Lyde.

We hope to connect with a number of species, mainly birds, but also a number of mammals, with three species of deer, Fox and Brown Hare a feature of winter days. Normally, we can expect 60+ species of birds during the day, and although this area does not attract many wintering ducks, a few attractive species can be found, including Mandarin and occasionally Goosander. Wintering thrushes are normally plentiful, and a mix of buntings, finches and pipits can be found with them. Herons, including Little and Great Egrets, use the river valley and, if flooded, Green Sandpiper can join the Snipe and Jack Snipe. The surrounding agricultural land attracts Lapwings and in cold winters Golden Plover will join them. Raptors are a feature of the valley. Red Kites should be our constant companions and these can be joined by Peregrine and maybe a Goshawk or something scarcer. There is sometimes a surprise to be found, such as the Richard’s Pipit that wintered in 2021/22. The day involves walking about 6 1/2 miles in a relaxed, gentle-paced fashion. Terrain underfoot is good (if potentially muddy) and there are no toilets.

• A wonderful example of the highly threatened and rare chalk stream habitat
• A mosaic of ecosystems including floodplain, carr, ancient woodland and agriculture
• Red Kites are plentiful
• A wide range of raptors hunt the area with Peregrine and Goshawk regular and owls in some winters
• Snipe and Jack Snipe are possible on the river floodplains and can be joined by Green Sandpipers if we are lucky