johnanddavid

Heathlands

Heathland: Greenham and Crookham Common, near Newbury. David Beeson In N-W Hampshire acid soils and heathland are rare, so seeking out a very contrasting environment is worthwhile. The plants and animals are quite different as they are surviving in acidic soils that may drain rapidly, yet nearby there could be waterlogged condition. The script isContinue reading “Heathlands”

Bluebells

Native bluebells and other bulbs David Beeson Our native bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is found widely around north-west Hampshire. The UK has 70% of the world population of this plant and we can rightfully claim plenty of that locally. Like many of the plants that grow under deciduous woodland the bluebell comes into leaf and flowerContinue reading “Bluebells”

Harewood Butterflies

Harewood Forest in early July – butterflies John Solomon What a change just over four months makes! Now this ancient woodland is thick with dense foliage and the heavy, humid air thick with the humming and buzzing of insects. Walking through the cool shade of the coppiced hazel to the left the wild gooseberry hasContinue reading “Harewood Butterflies”

Along the River Valley

Along the river valley – The Upper reaches of the River Anton. David Beeson The autumn and winter rains have filled the chalk to overflowing and, so, the spring has sprung in this grassy field. Rather than gushing out the water merely oozes from around the roots of the herbs and has dug itself aContinue reading “Along the River Valley”

Harewood Forest

A Walk through an Ancient Forest, 1. Late February, David Beeson. A walk from the B3400, south along the footpath from Andover Down to the Middleway. SU403463. Pisa Cottage stop on the 76 bus route from Andover to Whitchurch and Basingstoke. Harewood Forest has been woodland forever. It is in north-west Hampshire near the marketContinue reading “Harewood Forest”