The South down Group was formed in the autumn of 1997 for members of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, their friends and all those interested in local wildlife and the natural environment living in the countryside lying between Petersfield area in the north and Portsdown Hill in the south. This includes Blendworth, Cowplain, Clanfield, Denmead, Hambledon, Horndean, Lovedean, Purbrook, Rowlands castle, Waterlooville and Widley.

The South Down Group is pleased to say that we are continuing to hold meetings at our usual venue in Cowplain thanks to new volunteers joining the depleted old committee and we have now arranged a varied and interesting programme of talks for the coming winter months. We are keeping to the same comfortable venue and arrangements as before.

The South Down Group Team All no's local code 023
Chairman	Peter Leversha	92592711
Treasurer	Pennie Medland	92253293
Membership	Sylvia Leversha	92592711
Newsletter/Website	John Vigay	92592647
Team Members:	Mike Ashton, Anne Dale, Roger Labrum, Julian Stevens, Westcott family

The South Down Group Newsletter is published twice a year in February and September and is sent to all members on request. Our talks and speakers cover a wide range of topics, many relevant to todays changing environment and there is always an opportunity for questions and discussion. We would like to hear from anyone that has ideas or topics for future meetings. On these web pages there is information on the local wildlife habitats and on surveys and conservation projects being carried out locally. We ask everyone to 'do their bit' for wildlife and countryside and look forward to seeing you at our meetings ahead. If you have not been to any of our meetings before - don't be shy, give it a try, especially the new members in this area. The Editor (JV) would like to thank those that have made contributions to these pages.

This year we have been blessed with good weather for our events in spite of the weather forecasts ! The Living Woodland Fair at Catherington Lith on the 20th May went very well and a record number of people visited the range of interesting activities. The first picture shows our stand. For the guided walk from Buriton to Coulters Dean on 20th June we had a perfect evening. Many thanks to Di and Martin Mitchell for showing us so many interesting species of plants incl. Herb Paris in the woods, over 6 species of orchids in flower and many chalk downland flowers, all in a beautiful setting of ancient woodland hedgerows as can be seen in pictures below.

South Down Group at Woodland fair

Di and Martin pointing out flowers at Coulters Dean

SDGrp party at Coulters Dean

Group walking back to Buriton

On 14th July a small group of members enjoyed a walk around the Catherington Nature Trail visiting the Down and Lith. Many species of flowers were seen and photographed and the rain held off for the morning. To see some images of flowers and views taken on the walk by Paul Vigay click here.

Wed 16th April	Caring for the Local Wildlife Repeating last years event in which local volunteers and reserve managers illustrate their work in the past year in helping to maintain wildlife habitats and survey and monitor the biodiversity. There will be a small display of members photographs. There will no admission charge for this event but donations towards refreshments etc would be welcome.
Both the above meetings are at St Wilfrid's Church Hall, Padnell Road, Cowplain - turn east off the old A3 in Cowplain and the entrance is 200 metres down on the left, parking behind hall.
Wed 23rd April	Bluebell Walk 6.30-8.30pm Join the Westcott family for a guided walk in the bluebell woods north of Clanfield when the wildflowers should be at their best. The walk starts from the old well in South lane (Next to the church) SU 697 169. Enquiries - Tel: 02392 596720
Wed 7th May	Ancient Lanes and Hedgerows 6.30-9.00pm A circular walk in which at least 24 species of native trees can be seen at their best. Includes a visit to Yoell's Copse. A handout checklist and map will be available. Meet at Catherington car park opp. the school. SU695144. Enquiries - 02392 592647
Wed 14th May	North of Butser Hill 7.00pm Join us for a spectacular walk with some steep slopes on this beautiful downland, with its beautiful display of wild flowers. Meet at the car park at the top of Butser SU711 200. Enquiries to John Goodspeed: 02392 221361
Sun 18th May	Catherington Lith Woodland Fair 10am - 4pm Guided walks around Catherington Lith LNR, see the local fauna and flora. Meet at the HWT/S.Down Group stand. Many events to see and refreshments available. Limited parking, best at Catherington car park and walk across fields via a footpath to the right of the Farmer Inn or thru' Catherington churchyard. SU 695 144.
Sat 14th Jun	Summer Flowers on Old Winchester Hill 10.00am-1.00pm Accompany Alan McVittie, Hampshire Downs Ranger to see the wild flowers and hear about the management of the reserve. Meet at car park at SU 645214
Sat 12th Jul	Catherington Nature Trail 10.00am-1.00pm A circular walk looking at the wildlife and history of Catherington Down and Lith seeing summer flowers and panaramic views of the Solent. Meet Catherington car park opposite the school. SU695144. Contact for all walks - Tel: 02392 592647
Wed 23rd Jul	Hazleton Common 7.00pm A short walk on the common looking mainly for wild flowers. Park at the end of Padnell Road, Cowplain SU697 112. Enquiries to John Goodspeed: 02392 221361

The committee are now planning the talks for next winter. We welcome your suggestions for topics and speakers.

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