Wildlife of the Hampshire Downs

Tour Code: GBR01

A natural history weekend exploring the chalk habitats of Hampshire.

3 days from
£495
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Chalk downland is a habitat of poor soil and this characteristic ensures that no single species can become dominant, and that a large number of species occurs. Indeed, chalk downland represents some of the finest plant habitat in Britain, and the Hampshire chalk downs are one of the best examples in the country. From our base near Petersfield, we’ll go in search of a wide variety of plant species, many nationally uncommon and rare, as well as butterflies. Our aim is to gain a better understanding of the ecology of the chalk, and to explore some of the finest examples of chalk downland, plus yew and Beech woodland, looking for plants and their attendant insect-life.

  • Musk, Fly, Pyramidal, Frog & Twayblade Orchids at Noar Hill
  • Lesser Whitethroat, Yellowhammer & Turtle Dove
  • Butterflies, including many ‘blues’
  • Round-headed Rampion, Yellow-wort, Kidney & Horseshoe Vetches
  • Fragrant & Great Butterfly Orchids at the National Nature Reserve
  • White & Green-flowered Helleborines among Beech wood tracts
  • Hobby, Cuckoo, partridges & woodpeckers
  • Led by expert botanist guide

Grading

East day walks only.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Meet at the hotel for evening meal. Excursion after dinner.
Day 2
Noar Hill and Old Winchester Hill
Day 3
Selborne area. Depart for home mid-afternoon
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Accommodation:

    We stay in a comfortable hotel in the South Downs National Park. All rooms have private facilities.

  • Accommodation:

    Breakfast and dinners are included. Allow around £15 per day for a pub lunch.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 6th Jun – Sun 8th Jun 5 £495
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£95

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 5th Jun – Sun 7th Jun SPACES £545
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£545
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£110

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

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!