Description

We’re delighted to offer an exclusive pair of day trips in two iconic but very different nature reserves in western Hampshire.

This is a trip with a difference, as it is run as two separate days, each with a different itinerary and therefore selection of species. You can choose one or both, and for the latter option we will give you a discounted price.

On the first day we will be visiting the New Forest National Park. This unique blend of wet and dry lowland heath and woodlands hosts a plethora of nationally scarce species. Silver-studded Blue butterflies thrive here, and depending on flight season Keeled Skimmer dragonflies can be seen drifting over the heather. Dartford Warbler are often heard before they are seen – their distinctive chirr gives them away.

It will be orchids – which are very much Vinny’s main passion – that dictate the shape of the day. Beginning with a large colony of Lesser Butterfly, we’ll also take in thousands and thousands of Heath Spotted-orchid, some Early and Southern Marsh – and the exquisitely scented Heath Fragrant. There will be other botanical treats to see along the way!

Around 15 species of orchid have been recorded in this National Park. The most common is the Heath Spotted-orchid – Dactylorhiza maculata. In the Forest the plants are often small due to the impoverished, acidic soil. This in no way detracts from their beauty – many would say they are the daintiest Dactylorhiza in the UK. The range of colour forms make it a favourite for photographers. The most common form is pale pink with darker spots and markings. Some plants can be pure white, while others can be much deeper with strong markings – particularly where hybridisation with other Dactylorhiza has occurred. We will see many thousands of flower spikes of this species on the day.

Two other Dactylorhiza species can be encountered on the walk – Early Marsh (Dactylorhiza incarnata) and Southern Marsh (Dactylorhiza pratermissa). We should also see 2 other species that are very localised in the south of the UK. Heath Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia borealis) occurs as a few small colonies on damper heath in the Forest, and has a scent likened by some to sweet cloves. Lesser Butterfly (Platanthera bifolia) is slightly more numerous but again very localised.

As well as orchidaceous interest, we will have the lovely scenery of the New Forest to admire. There is a good chance of encountering Cuckoo, Dartford Warbler and Goshawk too!

The route is fairly easy, and unless we have a very wet summer then stout footwear rather than wellingtons will suffice. We’ll take mini-breaks for photographic opportunities along the way, and aim to have a picnic lunch at an orchid hot-spot. There are toilets at the car park/meeting point, but nothing else along the walking route. There is usually an ice cream van at the car park – which may be a welcome treat when return from the walk.

The venue for the second day is a very different habitat, as we go from acidic to alkali soil type. Martin Down National Nature Reserve is a large expanse of chalk downland. Rotational sheep grazing creates a mix of long and short grass, and areas of scrub (mainly Hawthorn and Privet). Ancient earthworks in the form of barrows and dykes are found on the reserve.

The air is full of the seemingly ceaseless song of Skylarks – punctuated by Cuckoo and Yellowhammer. Small wonder that Chris Packham described Martin Down as follows: “Of all my favourite places in the UK, this is my very favourite…”

The most frequent orchid species are Comon Spotted and Chalk Fragrant – and with a little patient searching, some interesting colour variations of the latter can be found. Pyramidal and Frog should also be starting to flower – Greater Butterfly should still be hanging on – and if we’re fortunate maybe Burnt-tip. The rare Field Fleawort is also found on this special site. Other downland flowers such as Dropwort, the rare Field Fleawort, Crosswort, Mignonette and Knapweed Broomrape should also be in flower at this time of year.

The first half of the walk is relatively flat and the paths even. Care needs to be taken in the longer grass, as bumps and hollows can turn an unwary ankle. There is a climb to the top of the down. The gradient is not too steep, but it is continuous for around half a mile. A picnic lunch will be taken once we’ve reached the top, where the views of the Hampshire/Wiltshire countryside are idyllic. There are no amenities at the reserve, so please ensure you bring adequate supplies – food, water, suncream and hats etc.

The two days will be run separately, but if you do want to attend both, we suggest that you find overnight accommodation, which is not provided as part of the trip cost. For example, Salisbury is probably an interesting place, and is a 10 mile/20 minute drive from Martin Down.

This promises to be very popular & we recommend booking soon to avoid disappointment!