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, Lindsay and Julian Stevens

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.

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

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.

View of Iron-age camp from near car park	View of Beacon Hill to the west	Admiring the views	Alan explaining the management
Fragrant Orchid on south east side	Wild Mignonette	Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata)	Female Common Blue butterfly

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

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