About the event

Join us on a guided walk around a piece of private land that has been into a wildlife haven. We start our walk at a local church to hear the history of the Anglo-Saxon settlement, before walking through the fields and along the stream bank to see what the landowners have achieved with their passion for wildlife.

See the impact of improvements like tree planting, log piles, wildflower planting, selective grazing with sheep, and wildlife ponds. We'll also look at some of the chalk stream's wildlife up close. The walk will be led by the landowners, possibly accompanied by their friendly dog!

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

Walking distance: Approximately 1.2km.

Accessibility: Suitable only for those with full mobility due to tufty and uneven ground.

Meeting point: On the path outside St Mary's Church, just off the road. Use what3words code alas.direction.mountain.

Animals: There are sheep in one field (fenced in). The landowners may be accompanied by their friendly dog. Due to the livestock on site, no other dogs are allowed on the walk.

Car parking: Park by the wall of St Mary's Church (see above).

Public transport: The site is a brisk 20 minute walk along the Winchester Road footpath from Whitchurch town centre, which has a railway line and several bus connections.

Toilets: No toilets on site, but toilets can be found on Bell Street in nearby Whitchurch.

What to bring:

- Robust footwear or wellingtons, as the long grass may be wet. Please ensure that your footwear is clean and dry for biosecurity reasons.

- Binoculars may be useful for spotting wildlife.