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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 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.

Again this year we have been blessed with good weather for our countryside events. Our spring walks have come and gone so quickly. The 'Bluebell' walk on the 23rd April was well attended - and the bluebells were still in flower ! The Ancient Lanes and Hedgerows did look at their best on the 7th May. The SDGroup was in attendance at the countryside day at QE Park on the 11th May (organised by CPRE). The picture below shows the stand shared with Hampshire Wildlife Trust who were getting visitors to make very attractive buttonhole dragonflies. This reminds us that we have a meeting in November devoted to dragonflies, details under Diary events. The Catherington Lith Woodland Fair on the 18th May had perfect weather, see pictures below, HWT were able to enrol some new members. Our thanks toHorndean Parish Council staff for making this such a successful and enjoyable day for all.

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Stand of Hampshire Wildlife Trust and SDGroup at QE Country Park on 11th May (c/o CPRE)
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Stand of Hampshire Wildlife Trust and SDGroup at QE Country Park on 11th May (c/o CPRE)
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Display of South Down Group and Hampshire WT at Catherington Lith on 18th May (Horndean PC)
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Display of South Down Group and Hampshire WT at Catherington Lith on 18th May (Horndean PC)
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Bluebells and wood anemones seen on 23rd April at Lowton's Copse
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Bluebells and wood anemones seen on 7th May at Yoell's Copse
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A fine patch of Toothwort along Ham lane on 7th May
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Group studying trees at Yoell's Copse on 7th May

14th June 2008 Visit to Old Winchester Hill

Those who came on the walk led by Alan McVittie had a most enjoyable morning in perfect weather and were able to see a good variety of chalk downland species in flower. Amongst the most notable were Fragrant Orchids, Mignonette, Bird'sfoot trefoil, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Yellow-wort and squinancywort. One or two Round-headed Rampion were flowering. On the south-east slopes vines were growing well and further west several Juniper bushes could be seen. It was a very clear and sunny day giving us some magnificent panaramic views across to the Isle of Wight and Beacon Hill in the west. Here is a small sample of pictures taken on the walk.

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View of Iron-age camp from near car park
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View of Beacon Hill to the west
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Admiring the views
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Alan explaining the management
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Fragrant Orchid on south east side
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Wild Mignonette
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Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata)
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Female Common Blue butterfly
DIARY Dates for 2009
Wed 18th FebruaryFungi
An illustrated talk by Rosemary Webb, describing her amazing photographs of fungi of all shapes and colours, with reference to some of the best local sites to see fungi.
Wed 18th MarchUnseen Wildlife
An illustrated talk by John Stokes on the importance of hidden wildlife below our feet in the leaf litter, dead wood habitats and above our heads in the canopy.
Wed 15th AprilCaring for the local Wildlife
Repeating last year's successful event in which local volunteers and reserve managers illustrate their work in helping to maintain wildlife habitats and survey the biodiversity. There will also be local group displays and a wildlife and gardening BOOK SALE.

All the above talks are at St.Wilfrid's Church Hall, Padnell Road, Cowplain, PO8 8DZ [Streetmap]

7.30pm to 9.30pm. Admission is £2.50 including refreshments.

Wed 22nd AprilBluebell Walk 6.30 - 8.30pm
Join the Westcotts for a walk through the magnificent bluebell wood of Lowton's and Blagdon's Copses north of Clanfield starting from the old well in South Lane, next to the church. Park in Clanfield village car park just south of the shops. (SU 697169)
Wed 6th MayAncient Leafy Lanes and Hedgerows 6.30 - 9pm
A circular walk that includes Yoell's Copse on which at least 24 native tree species, including some rarities, can be seen at their best. (Checklist and tree notes available). Park and meet at Catherington car park opp.school in Catherington Lane. (SU 697169)
Sun 17th MayCATHERINGTON LITH WOODLAND FAIR 10am - 4pm
A family day at Catherington Lith Local Nature Reserve. There are many woodland activities and a chance to see the local fauna and fauna and to meet local volunteers and members. Limited parking, best to park at Catherington car park (SU 695 144) and walk across the fields on a path to the right of the farmer's Inn. Free entry, refreshments, toilets.
Sat 13th JuneExplore Sandy Point, Hayling Island 10am - 12.30pm
A guided walk around the nature reserve at Sandy Point, LNR on the SE corner of Hayling Island to see rare plants and insects, led by Andy Parfitt, HCC Countryside Service. Meet at the first gate in Seafarers Way. (SZ 746 984)
Sun 5th JulyWalk on Old Winchester Hill 10am
Join us for a walk with the Natural England Ranger to see the plants and wildlife on this historic site. Meet at the OWHill Car Park (SU 645 214). For further details contact Jane Gentry on 01489 890961. Please wear stout footwear as the paths can be rough.
Fri 10th JulyChalk Grassland Wildlife on Oxenbourne Down 10.30am - 1pm
Join John Goodspeed for a 2.5mile walk to explore the downs on the south side of Butser Hill and enjoy seeing plants, butterflies and birds. Bring a picnic and wear stout footwear as parts of the walk are steep. An opportunity for those that missed the visit to this secluded and little visited site on the day of the last HWT AGM in Horndean.
Meet in the QE Country Park car park (SU 717 188) (£1 charge). This is reached by turning off the A3 3 miles north of Horndean. For further details, contact John Goodspeed on 9222 1361 or 078 1143 5252.
Sat 11th JulyDragonflies at Pagham Harbour 10am - 1pm
A walk along the pools and ditches to St Wilfrid's Chapel and the sea beyond, outstanding for many species of dragonflies. Led by Lawrence Holloway. Meet at the visitor centre 1 mile south of Sidlesham on the B2145 from Chichester (SU 856 965) The walk can be extended in the afternoon after picnic lunch.
Sun 16th AugustFlowers and Butterflies at Beacon Hill 10am - 1pm
A walk along this beautiful chalk hillside accompanied by Alan McVittie from 'Natural England' Meet at the carpark at Beacon Hill above the Meon Valley (SU 598 227)

Enquiries about the above events, contact Peter on 023 92592711 or John on 92592647.

Click here to visit our local wildlife habitats
Web Sites with wildlife information and nature notes in S.E.Hampshire
South Down Groupwildlife.vigay.com/southdowns/
Park Wood, Cowplainwww.park-wood.org.uk
Portsdown Hill volunteerswww.portsdown.org
Rotherlands Conservation Group, Petersfield.www.Rotherlands.co.uk
Brian Fellowswww.emsworthwildlife.com
John Goodspeedwww.havantnature.net
Ralph Hollinshomepage.ntlworld.com/ralph.hollins/
Alan Thurbonourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/alanthurbon
Bluebell Wood, Clanfieldwww.bluebellwood.wesnetservices.co.uk
Hampshire Wildlife Trustwww.hwt.org.uk
Horndean Parish Councilwww.horndeanpc-hants.gov.uk/
The Sustainability Centrewww.earthworks-trust.com/
Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centrewww.hants.gov.uk/biodiversity/hbic/