johnanddavid

Stockbridge Down

Stockbridge Down in May. David Beeson, with butterflies by John Solomon. A butterfly walk that is best followed in the early afternoon. North-west Hampshire’s geology is dominated by chalk. Chalk is a soft, white, porous, sedimentary form of calcium carbonate or CaCO3. It forms under reasonably deep marine conditions from the gradual accumulation of theContinue reading “Stockbridge Down”

Snelsmore Common

Snelsmore Common. May – June. David Beeson Lowland heaths are not common habitats. Over 80% of the lowland heathland in the UK has disappeared in just 200 years. The New Forest’s 10,000ha is the most extensive area remaining in Europe. Snelsmore Common, near Newbury in the M4 Corridor, is a small patch of heather-dominated environment.Continue reading “Snelsmore Common”

Old Burgclere

Old Burghclere Lime Quarry, Mid-June David Beeson This is a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Reserve. It is a ‘closed’ reserve, so you need to email them for permission to visit the small site. It is noted for its orchids and butterflies. The small reserve is the remnants of chalk quarrying, with bareContinue reading “Old Burgclere”

Mammals

The mammals of local woodlands. David Beeson Although the British Isles has comparatively little mature native woodland, around Andover we have more than our fair share with Harewood, Coldridge and Collingbourne (near Ludgershall), the woodlands around Chute, the Doles Wood complex, Faccombe, Oakhill Wood near Vernham Dean and several other smaller woodlands scattered around. WithContinue reading “Mammals”

Holly leaf-miner

The holly and the Ivy. Wildlife to search out in the winter months. David Beeson Flower arrangers often seek out the evergreen leaves of holly and ivy for their mid-winter displays. Yet, I suggest they look especially closely at the holly leaves they select … for many of them are less than perfect. The leavesContinue reading “Holly leaf-miner”

Butterflies and chalk flora

Figsbury Ring, National Trust Adonis blue butterflies and chalkland flora. Early June. David Beeson Figsbury Ring is a Neolithic and Iron Age archaeological site near Salisbury. It lies to the north of the A30 and reached along a narrow and bumpy chalk track. As the area is elevated it is prone to being windy, soContinue reading “Butterflies and chalk flora”

God’s Ponds

Dew Ponds in Hampshire David Beeson The ‘Dieu’ pond is an ancient relic of times long past when we could not guarantee a supply of water. Many exist and can be rich in wildlife. Life as we know it began in a watery environment back in the mists of time. Organisms still retain their linkContinue reading “God’s Ponds”

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”