To my great shame, there was a part of our countryside portfolio that I had not yet had the chance to visit since I started working here. Keen to correct that oversight, I took the advice of our Countryside Manager and visited Hamble River at the time of year it looks best. And I wasn't disappointed:
You can access the National Trust land at Curbridge, which is near Botley. The trail starts and ends at a pub (...not at all a prime motivation!) There's a sort of circular element to the walk, but it's a long, thin strip of land and a round trip is about 1.5 miles. Whilst it's a bit steep and muddy in places, it really is well worth a visit:
The extra attraction at this time of year are the Bluebells of course. I think this patch of land is a closely guarded secret, kept by the locals who have even decorated their own fairy tree:
After a walk through the woods, along a ridge, you come out onto a wonderful meadow with views over the river:
Cat, our Countryside Ranger, would like to plant up wild meadow flowers here, which would look wonderful.
The land covers the area where the River Curr meets the River Hamble, forming an estuary before going out into the English Channel.
Cat tells me that it's a wonderful area for bird life, with some wading species and apparently she's even heard reports of Sea Bass swimming in the area.
Anyway, it's definitely another special place that people enjoy, relax, refresh and "unclench." Love it.
In the evening, I went over to New Milton to present to Christchurch & New Forest Association:
What a friendly, receptive and vibrant association this is. They have nearly 1,000 members and I was lucky enough to be able to present on my favourite subject with our Outdoor Ranger, Laura Baker, who wowed the audience with a showcase of our work in the New Forest.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that I get paid for this!
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