The River Test flows to the west of me southwards into Southampton Water. The River Itchen flows to the east of me, down to Southampton Water. Hamble, Meon, and the others are beyond that. All the rivers arround Southampton Water, which broadens out into the Solent, are chalk streams. So they are special riverine habitats as well as vital resources for waders. We’re three-quarters of the way through #30Days Wild. I’m nearly halfway through Where to Watch Bird in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight! (see my review from the start of the month)
The Test Valley
My experience of the river so far is from driving the road alongside it, to or from the vets! It’s a lovely country road, a bit curvy if I have the guinea pigs with me, so they usually take the dual carriageway. That has the worst, most dangerous junction for today’s conditions that I know. The feeder from the A303 onto the A34 was built in the 70s, probably, when there was nowhere near as much traffic, and drivers slowed down to let you in. After my first bad experience there, I try to take alternative routes. Going is no problem.
But the Test Valley is much prettier: you can spend more time, even as a driver, admiring the views. (It takes about 5 minutes longer than the A route.)
The river goes from Andover through Stockbridge and down towards Romsey. I investigated taking part in the Water Birds Survey for the BTO a couple of years back, and investigated a patch next to Mottesfont House’s car park. Unfortunately it was not part of the estate, and I couldn’t see a route that was easy enough for me.
But I did visit Mottesfont (National Trust) last year with my uni friends, and meant to turn it into a Jemima’s jaunt. The house is very interesting, especially the vaulted cellars. The gardens are splendid, especially the walled kitchen garden (although not a patch on Chatsworth). The river runs through the side of the estate, at least one strand of it, as there are many channels through this broad floodplain. I was quite pleased with my fish photo. I can’t decide whether it’s a distorted view of a brown trout, or a reasonable view of a pike. It was enjoying itself in midstream, anyway.
When I turn off that road to get home, I pass the Hillier Gardens. I think I’ve taken you on jaunts there already. What I didn’t realise, was that corner I’m cutting off contains another main birdwatching site, Fishlake Meadows.
Fishlake Meadows has rapidly become one of the best inland sites within the county, with nearly 200 birds species recognised.
Betton 2023 p184
And I keep driving past it? I think it’s about time I went and saw it for myself.
And before I leave – the Test has several lakes and marshes in its lower reaches that are also highly regarded by birdwatchers.
The Itchen and Meon Valleys, and the Chalk Downs
I haven’t spent nearly enough time exploring the river Itchen, and the lovely walks you can do with it in Winchester. I haven’t even spent much time at the Itchen Valley Country Park, although I have been there (for orienteering).
Where to Watch Birds recommends several spots in the Winchester area. These include Winchester Sewage Works (old-fashioned ones that have the pools and spinner circles are great for birds), and Winnall Marshes. Just along from there you’re in chalk country again, and they give ideas for walks from Cheesefoot Hill, which is an excellent viewpoint with car park. WTWB features this alongside Martin Down and other upland chalk areas. If you remember my early morning walks last year, you may remember this Yellowhammer who greeted me when I went to do my Lapwing survey. The greenway heads off towards Cheesefoot Hill about a mile away.
Old Winchester Hill
Another venue recommended in WTWB I had already discovered, if by accident, on the way back from Jane Austen’s House. This is Old Winchester Hill, which is quite a way from Winchester. It’s a feature of the Meon Valley, rather than the Itchen.
There were lots of birds around when I visited, and I was really out to stretch my legs between showers, not realising I had a birding opportunity. This venue is north of the cottage I rented several times, first when I came down to see whether a move might be feasible, and more recently to give the guinea pigs (and me) a break from the building noise. But it’s only twenty minutes from where I live!
There were more nice birding spots on the Meon Valley, including St Clair’s Field, with grey wagtails, kingfisher, kestrel, grey heron, little egret and lots more. It’s not in WTWB, which means it’s likely to be quieter than other more well-known spots!
And from there, the river goes down to Wickham, and on to the coast at Titchfield Haven. But that is a story for next time.
Other Wild Things since the last post
- Red Kites over Micheldever Forest – they are getting closer
You have so many lovely trails to follow – a richness of nature and birds!
Those Ancient Britons did a lot of walking! And in this area, a lot of roads led to Winchester, home of kings pre13th Century,
Sadly, so many of our birds have gone – suspect last year’s bird flu,
( NW) No swans, or other water birds. No swallows either, or on the Westmorland coast. At least the great white egret still visits.
Bird Flu is definitely having a major impact, and I follow the BTO reporting on it, which is devastating, but holds out hope for recovery. I saw swallows on one of my surveys this year, but no swifts or martins. More on Tuesday 🙂
Big wildlife excitement here–beavers have moved into the local park! There’s definitely a pair of them; I saw them both together yesterday. Apparently they’ve been there a couple of months, but I was only recently able to walk down into the park so hadn’t seen them or known about it.