Way Oop North by Brian Rickwood

Like all wealthy southerners, I did not know that there was such a place as North Hampshire, and according to the latest data this applies to 99.99999% of birdwatchers. Nearly all our reports emanate from South Hampshire. The industrial north is simply a place to pass as quickly as possible as we speed back home to our pools and yachts, along the A34. If, between Winchester and Newbury, you see a couple of blokes carrying telescopes, they will be Brian Rickwood and Tony Polley. There are no other birdwatchers.

I once met these northerners for a walk around Watership Down, and straightway admitted to them, that it was exclusively the name that appealed to me.

I wanted to photograph Thumper if still about, but in fact, the only rabbit the 3 of us saw, was a maggot-infested stiff under a gorse bush. Admittedly, we did see plenty of hares, which are abundant throughout the Hampshire/Berkshire Downs.

(Off-topic, without stooping to cheap caricature, I did expect Brian to be wearing his fieldtrip clogs, to speak in a strange dialect, to offer up tripe, lard-butties, mushy peas and pies, and for the spirit of Fred Dibnah, to be yet swinging from the industrial chimneys, amidst the smog, mills and pits. It was something of a surprise to find the reality was, well, different. I was always under the impression that the north generated the wealth in order that the south could spend it, both sides being happy because they knew where they stood; but I could find little evidence of this so-called poverty)

The North Downs have a beauty of their own, unlike - - anywhere. The rolling chalk fields, split by generous hedgerows, bountiful thickets, ponds, streams, rivers; it was more congenial than The Tricorn. I have actually ventured back here many times now.

Brian is a walk-leader with HOS, and knows this area like no other, apart from possibly his sidekick, Tony. Together, with their telescopes resembling lances, they can be seen striding majestically for miles, in all seasons, like Don Quixote and Pancho Sancha across our plains to the north, sometimes seeing much, sometimes little, but ever fulfilled.

So, next time, slow down just a little, it might even save you a speeding ticket, and consider; there are other walks, there are differing habitats. You will not see 70 species in a day, but you might come across anything here. Little wonder this has been such a contentious region with conservationalists.

The Hampshire/Berkshire Downs, is larger in area than Baffins Pond, smaller than the Russian Steppe. Here Brian, combined with his photographs, offers some alternatives to waders and geese, saltmarsh, wetland or forest, yet another environment for us to enjoy; and it’s close-by. So, give it a go, next time whilst oop north why not turn off the A34, have a drive around, then follow a footpath. You will not have to push and shove, you’ll all get a chance to see, you do not have to book a time, and Brian will look out for thee, tha knows.

The under watched North

Think of a good place to go birding in Hampshire, and one immediately comes up with The New Forest and sites on the coast such as Keyhaven. Wonderful places to go, especially at migration times. Rarities are found, due in part to the large number of birdwatchers who regularly endure the traffic jams, noisy holidaymakers and legions of dog walkers. Stressful or what?

Fancy being able to walk for miles in beautiful countryside, meet no one except perhaps a farm worker, with just the sound of skylarks singing and buzzards mewing?

Would you like to find your own hotspot for birds? Take your pick! Perhaps find the last outpost for Corn Buntings or just watch the occasional Red Kite drift by. Raptors are plentiful and finch flocks more regular on the large estates where conservation is taken seriously.

Find a view point and watch the visible migration in spring. Osprey, Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Wheatear, Redstart, they all pass through. So give the coast a miss and come up here for a good days birding. You never know, you may find a mega, it’s so under watched!

The north-west of Hampshire is dominated by high chalk downland, bordering with Berkshire at Walbury Hill, said to be the highest chalk hill in England at 947ft. This area, sometimes called The Hampshire Highlands, is remote and peaceful with ancient woodland, deep combes, tiny hamlets, lots of sheep and very few people. The views are glorious in all directions. Two long distance walks start here, the Wayfarers Way, which follows the high ridge east towards Watership Down, White Hill then gradually south to Emsworth. The Test Way heads south to Totton. A look at the guides for these walks will show lots of suitable places for birdwatching.

Good birds can be found in all seasons, but winter is best for large finch flocks, over wintering Golden Plover, owl and raptor species. Snow Bunting has been recorded twice in November during HOS walks so may be regular. Great Grey Shrike has also been seen.

During spring and autumn migration, the high chalk provides a welcome stopover for passerines, with the birds usually staying longer on their return journey. This is such a large and remote area, that one can only guess at what occurs.

Red Kites are frequently seen, along with Raven drifting over from Berkshire

A few places to explore from (OS Explorer map 144)

Car Park SU408551 Crux Easton, Ashmansworth

Crux Easton is a small quiet hamlet, with splendid views, ancient green lanes, lots of hedgerows and small copses. Worth visiting, just for the peaceful setting.

Ashmansworth is the highest medieval village on chalk in England. Nearby is Pilot Hill (937ft) the highest point in Hampshire.

Park at SU492565 Ashley Warren, Watership Down

Winter is good for raptors, finch flocks, and with luck Corn Bunting.

Well known for the book by Richard Adams, who lives in Whitchurch. Plenty of Brown Hares to be seen.

Car Park SU516565 Wayfarers Walk, Kingsclere

Car Park SU464478 Whitchurch, along River Test.

A good walk is one following the Test and the watermills on it. Map/guide can be had from the Silk Mill, next to car park.

Park at SU445448 Longparish, River Test

There is parking for about six cars. A short flat circular walk pass the old mill and over the wooden bridge spanning the Test. Sometimes good for Spotted flycatcher in the thatched cottage gardens.

There are many more places to explore in the north of Hampshire. Some excellent for birdwatching, some maybe not as good. Much depends on the local landowners and their commitment to environmental issues. In general they are very responsible as custodians of our countryside. There are many country stewardship schemes in place which help to balance and hopefully reverse the effect of large scale farming methods.

I expect to see you shortly.

BRIAN RICKWOOD

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