About the event

Join us for a linear walk along a hidden stretch of chalk stream and a stream dipping demonstration by staff. Lightly managed for fishing, this is a good place to spot small brown trout - if you can keep up with their quick darting! Use a spotter sheet to identify the many streamside flowers, and see some of the stream's smaller wildlife up close.

Please note that this area is home to our endangered native white-clawed crayfish. To ensure their protection, the site must remain bio-secure: any shoes or clothing that have been worn in or around a river must be scrubbed clean and allowed to completely dry before you wear them to this event.

This event is part of Open Chalk Streams, a project within the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme. We're protecting, enhancing, and celebrating the Rivers Test and Itchen headwaters.

Booking is essential for this event - we cannot admit anyone who has not booked a ticket in advance. Numbers are limited to ensure everyone's safety, so if you can no longer come please contact us as soon as possible on winterbournes@hiwwt.org.uk

Key information

Age range: 12+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Livestock: There may be cattle present in one field.

Walking distance: 1.2km

Accessibility: Suitable only for those with full mobility. The walk includes walking on uneven terrain, crossing a stream, and crossing a narrow plank bridge unaided.

Meeting point: Cheriton Village Hall, B3046, Cheriton, Alresford SO24 0PZ

Car parking: Park carefully in Cheriton Village centre and meet staff at the Village Hall (Cheriton Village Hall, B3046, Cheriton, Alresford SO24 0PZ).  Staff will drive you in staff cars to the fishing beat approximately 1 mile away.

Toilets: No toilets are available, but public toilets can be found near the War Memorial in nearby Cheriton.

What to bring:

- Wellington boots that have been thoroughly cleaned and dried before the event (see above). Part of the walk is through the water (ankle-high welly boots will not be suitable)

- Binoculars may be useful for spotting wildlife.