An Upper Thames Branch Guided Walk at Pamber Forest and Silchester Common, led by Peter Philp

Join us on a trip to Pamber Forest and Silchester Common: the former is a Hants and Isle of White Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, the latter is owned and managed by the Silchester Parish Council. Pamber Forest is an extensive ancient woodland, dominated by Oak and Hazel, that has been traditionally managed as 'coppice with standard' woodland, making it ideal for a wide range of wildlife. Silchester Common is one of the largest remaining fragments of lowland heath in Southern England. It supports a range of specialist and scarce butterflies, as well as other wildlife.

We will start by exploring the rides and glades at Pamber for woodland butterflies. Target species: Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral.

We will then move to Silchester to search for heathland specialists. Target species: Silver-studded Blue and other heathland species..

We will be out over lunchtime so:  please bring along your own packed lunch, a drink and perhaps a rug to sit on. We can then chat about all things butterfly, day-flying moth, the work of UTB and how you might help out.

Accessibility - Pamber Forest - mainly relatively flat or gently sloping, paths mainly firm in dry weather. Regular benches and one gate. Silchester Common - paths sandy and more uneven, plenty of gorse and occasional trip hazards..

Meet at the lay-by on Impstone Road.
Postcode: RG26 3EQ
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