Field Outings
There is currently no need to pre-book on to a Field Outing unless otherwise stated. The Committee expects attendees to observe any prevailing government health guidance . Members, as always, attend events at their own risk.
ChiNats always welcomes more volunteers to step forward to act as Leaders. Do you have a favourite local patch you could guide members around. You do not need to be an expert on wildlife, as there are always knowledgeable and helpful members in the group.
Thursday 18 April: Levin Down Nature Reserve for spring flowers and birds.
Meet at 10:00 in Charlton Village at the junction of Charlton Road and Knight's Hill. Map of Levin Down and location
Grid Reference: SU888130, WhatThreeWords /// passing.magnets.daydream
A walk led by Robert Eadie, the reserve warden. Rob will show us round and explain how the reserve is managed to promote the chalk grassland and scrub and its flora and fauna. This is a follow up to his talk to CNHS last spring.
We will see some early spring flowers and butterflies and Ken Smith will be on hand to identify spring bird songs . Bring your own coffee/refreshments to enjoy while admiring the spectacular views from the ridge.
Optional extra, lunch afterwards at the village pub, The Fox Goes Free, please book your own table, telephone 01243 811461.
There are five parking bays in North Lane at the junction of Knight's Hill and Charlton Road and roadside parking along Knight's Hill. Those who have booked lunch please park in the Fox Goes Free car park.
Please note, it is an uphill walk to Levin Down and there are a few steep sections of path in the reserve, but it is not muddy.
Wednesday 22nd May KINGLEY VALE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Meet at 10.00 at the West Stoke Car Park Post code PO18 9BP Grid Ref SU 825 088
What3words ///cobbled.flank.trending
A walk with the Reserve’s Manager, Rachel Guy, around this remarkable place managed by Natural England and which we’re fortunate to have right on our doorstep. As well as being a National Nature Reserve it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.
The guided part of the walk will end with a short climb, going past some of our glades which are a good spot for orchids (predominantly early purple and pyramidal) but also blue butterflies. This is hoping that the weather picks up! We will end at a dew pond with a small bench, with views looking out towards Portsmouth. A good spot for a picnic. People can choose to continue the climb up to the burial mounds or return back down to the car park/ valley bottom.
The main part of the walk will see us head through ancient yew forest and chalk grassland, taking in a few dew ponds and impressive scenery/ views. If the weather holds we will get birds of prey in the coombe and yellowhammers singing from the tops of trees. May also hear the purr of a turtle dove if they’ve arrived.
Monday 3rd June - AN EVENING NIGHTJAR WALK AT LAVINGTON COMMON. Leader: David Hart
Meet at 20:00. Grid Ref: SU 949 187 What3Words://-expensive.escape.glider
As requested, a repeat of last year's enjoyable and quite magical event.
Lavington Common is a rare pocket of open heath amongst plantation woodland owned by the NT. Join other members of the Society as we search for hawking nightjars and the magical churring song of the male.
From the A285 Chichester to Petworth road, take the westward turning signposted Graffham, just north of Duncton. Follow the road for 1 mile to the free Lavington Common car park (NT) which will be on the right-hand side. Dress appropriately for an evening walk (it did get quite chilly after dark), bring a small torch and insect repellent if you require it.
Tuesday 18th June THE NEW FOREST REPTILE CENTRE near Lyndhurst
Meet at 10.30 at the Centre’s car park Post code SO43 7GR
What3words ///hurtles.dissolves.posts
A great opportunity to see native reptiles and amphibians up close and to learn how they are being conserved in the New Forest. This visit will be led by the Centre’s expert, Richard Daponte.
There is a picnic spot so bring some refreshments (and chairs for contingency). After lunch we could pay a quick visit to the nearby Knightwood Oak - the oldest and bulkiest oak tree in the forest. Time allowing, we could then move on to Blackwater Arboretum to see the trees there.
Car sharing can be arranged. More details on this event nearer the time.
Friday 16th August: DISCOVERING GRASSHOPPERS AND BUSH-CRICKETS at Fishbourne Meadows. 4:00 – 6:00pm Leader: John Arnott
Meet at 4:00 p.m. at the far end of Fishbourne Road East (where there are spaces to park) just before the A27 pedestrian underpass (What3words ///tripods.muddle.landscape). We’ll then walk, as a group, the short distance to Fishbourne Meadows.
Come and have a go with the Society’s newly purchased Magenta 5 bat detectors to enjoy the songs of these charismatic insects. (Welcome to bring your own detector if you have one.) A late afternoon walk enabling Bush-crickets to be detected.
There are only 21 native species of grasshopper and bush-cricket in the UK, one of which is confined to the Isle of Man. Some are rare owing to their special habitat requirements but around 10 species are common and some of those are widespread. So there are not many to get to know compared with around 7,000 species of fly, 7,000 species of bees, wasps and ants, 4,000+ species of beetle and around 2,500 species of moth (source: Woodland Trust). AND grasshoppers and bush-crickets are satisfyingly large compared with most insects in the UK!
Do download the FREE iRecord
Grasshoppers app onto
your smartphone via the link at https://www.brc.ac.uk/article/irecord-grasshoppers-mobile-app .
It shows pictures of all species together with identification tips and
song audio recordings with sonogram diagrams.
The iRecord Grasshoppers app was
fully functional only on Apple devices.
However, a review on Google Play dated 10.08.23 says it now works on Android devices, so it’s worth giving it a go.
You can always delete it if you don’t like it.
Thursday 12th September POND DIPPING in the DISCOVERY AREA at RSPB PAGHAM HARBOUR 10:00 – 12:00 Leaders Jill Wardle and Diana Grosvenor
Grid Ref SZ 856 965 Post Code PO20 7NE What3Words mirroring.starch.commoners
Chi Nats members, Jill and Di will lead us in this exciting activity. The Discovery Area has been specially booked for Chi Nats. Participants can stay longer if they want to but from 12.00 it will be open to the general public.
The surrounding area is also good for bug hunting and there are bound to be dragonflies about as well as marsh frogs!
Teas and coffees are available in the Visitor Centre. Do remember that car parking charges apply if you are not a member of the RSPB.
Wednesday 9th October A BIRDWATCHING WALK at RSPB MEDMERRY Leader – Robert Watson
Meet at 10:00 at the RSPB Earnley Car Park
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Post Code PO20 7JL What3Words tones.sling.informer
A 2 - 2.5 hrs walk starting from the Earnley car park. Flat going but some walking will be on shingle. Most likely a circular walk, out to the beach, and then back past the stilt pools and the Society’s dragonfly recording site.
There could be summer, winter or migrant birds depending on the prevailing migration situation. Let’s wait and see!