Walk report: 27 July 2023 Stockbridge Down with Richard Smith

On a cool overcast day, we met at Stockbridge Down, a National Trust managed SSSI comprising a chalky downland habitat with an iron-age hill fort at its summit. We started with good views of a Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding on Buddleia in the car park. 

Hummingbird Hawk-moth © Richard Smith

Aside from assorted Corvid, nothing was flying in the mild, damp conditions as we walked slowly along the western edge of the Down. Amongst the bramble and rabbit burrows, numerous wildflowers and plants were found beside the track. Wild Basil and Wild Marjoram grew profusely along with Common Toadflax, Common Knapweed (rayed form), Common Agrimony, Birds-foot Trefoil, Lady’s Bedstraw, Wild Mignonette and Ragwort. Cinnabar moth caterpillar and Common Soldier Beetle were found on several of the Ragwort, and as the day warmed, we had our first views of Chalk Hill Blue and Gatekeeper butterflies. A Chiffchaff was heard and seen, Eyebright and a few Harebells were added to the plant list, and a Kentish Snail was found attached to a grass stem.

Chalk Hill Blues © Andy & Sue Skarstein

Heading uphill we had distant views of the 25 metre antenna of Chilbolton observatory, and our planned lunch spot at Danebury Ring. Spear and Dwarf Thistle and Squinancywort were identified. Continuing to the summit, we found both Perforate and Pale St John’s Wort, Small Scabious, Hoary Plantain, Wild Parsnip, Wild Carrot, Common Fleabane, Black Bindweed, Meadowsweet and the pink flowers of Common Restharrow. 

Wild Parsnip with Marjoram © Richard Coomber

We paused at the summit for coffee and biscuits, and chance to survey the scrub and Juniper on the southern reaches of the down. A Kestrel hovered over the scrub, several Wayfaring Trees were fruiting along with Blackthorns (Sloe), and Oxeye Daisy, Common Rock-rose and a couple of Viper’s Bugloss were also found. 

Wayfaring Tree fruits © Richard Smith

Descending the western edge of the Down through areas of coppiced Hazel that were covered with cobnuts this year, we noted a large Yew, Self-heal, Red Bartsia, Musk Thistle, Yarrow, Mullein sp and Rosebay Willowherb. Signs of rapid regeneration of recently cleared areas (to support butterfly habitat) were also noted. Returning towards the car park along The Gallops, an area formerly used to train racehorses, more butterfly emerged including a Large White. Common Carpet, Willow Ermine and Mint Moth were also found. Musk Mallow, Herb Bennet and Fairy Flax were added to the botany count, and a Yellowhammer was heard but not seen.

Common Carpet © Andy and Sue Skarstein

 

Mint Moth © Richard Smith

In the afternoon, we relocated to Danebury Ring hill fort for a picnic lunch overlooking the downs and farmland. Afterwards, a few of us walked the Beech and Ash lined perimeter path. The outer ring banks were covered in Wild Strawberry and we enjoyed good views of Yellowhammer. A Green Woodpecker was seen and a Great-spotted Woodpecker heard. Hemp Agrimony, Wild Parsnip, Common Vetch, Wild Thyme and a single Pyramidal Orchid were all found beside the path, and a Holly Blue amongst the brambles. RS

Yellowhammer - male with food © Richard Smith

 

Our route
© Crown copyright 2023 Ordnance Survey. Media 006/23.
The licence is valid until 31 December 2023

References

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/stockbridge-down/stockbridge-down-wildlife-and-history-walk

 

https://www.purple-emperor.co.uk/stockbridge-down