It's been a while since I've been up the hill behind my parents' house in Harnham on the outskirts of Salisbury. Sadly, this area of farmland is now to be turned into houses - where will the skylarks and yellowhammers go? It's the trouble when they're not legally protected species and yet they are declining rapidly through loss of habitat. The Chalkpit (a geological SSSI) and Harnham Slope (County Wildlife Site) will both remain, so walkers and some wildlife can continue to enjoy, but alas, not the farmland birds for the habitat is very different.
I also managed a quick walk on Martin Down - as I'm moving to Winchester in the spring, I'm not sure how often I can get back there, so I will miss it dearly. Not much wildlife to speak of - it's like the gloomy weather has them all hunkered down - but the views are always amazing.
We then had a day in the New Forest, visiting the Setley area for two shortish walks, punctuated by a lovely roast lunch at the Vineyard tea rooms. Although the first walk was rather mundane - the usual flat, open heathland, not exactly at its best this time of year - the second walk was a bit longer and looped through woodland along cycle paths, returning to the car parked at Tilery car park by balmer Lawn. The lawns of the New Forest are a bit of a speciality - some might say they are over-grazed, but in fact the short turf provides ideal habitat for a whole host of diminutive plants.
Another day of walking, starting at Langford Lakes Nature Reserve for a spot of birding - lots to see, including wigeon, tufted ducks, little egret, a possible snipe, cormorants, teal, gadwall and a possible shelduck. The afternoon saw us yomp along to Stone Henge on one of our favourite archaeological walks, returning in the deepening gloom!
Then New Year's day dawned, and we arose in sufficient time to head off to Lulworth Cove. It was rather busy when we arrived at 11am, and got busier throughout the day. Some of the coastal path is through military ranges, which are only opened at certain times of the year, New year's Day being one of them. Not that the crowds were there - it was a lovely sunny day, albeit a bit blustery, and most had headed to the Durdle Door beach for a picnic lunch. We could see why - it's a beautiful spot, and worth the slog up the hill to get there. If you haven't been to see the amazing rock formations, you're missing a trick.
We, on the other hand, walked back to Lulworth for a spot of lunch in the pub, before heading the other way along the coastal path. This part was very quiet and tranquil, and the views of Mupe and Worbarrow Bays, as far as Kimmeridge, were stunning. We retraced our steps back to the cove itself, where we had walked along the beach and climbed steps to the coastal path. This time we opted to head overland, which may have been a mistake, as we ascended many very steep steps to the top of the ridge. The path then took us behind the cove, as the sun was setting behind distant views of the Isle of Portland, then diverted inland, away from the carpark we could see below us. We did find a path back, but it was boarded up, prompting a climb, as there were no signs to say the path was officially shut. Phew - back in time to be able to make out the car in the gloom!
I wonder what other walking adventures 2019 will hold, and will try to keep packing them in - aren't we lucky?
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