Hawkhill Inclosure used to be a prime site for observing Hawkers in season. Indeed I have seen more Golden-ringed Dragonflies along the rides here than in any other place. Park at the above grid reference, go through the gate and follow the track NNW to a
small clearing.
This narrow, sunny clearing was once a mecca for
butterflies and other insects. There were also plenty of perching
opportunities for dragonflies, but now the thicket has become overgrown
and almost barren, the latter partly due to the
clearance of trees which used to provide shelter.
From here follow the track
downhill to the stream at the bottom. This
has also affected the main track which used to be swarming
with Common Darters during summer and again was a
popular spot for roosting Golden-ringed, Southern and
Migrant Hawkers. Unfortunately since the forestry commision have cleared a huge swathe
of woodland the pickings are slim.
Thankfully the area bordering
the stream still provides a good bounty, with Beautiful Demoiselles and Golden-ringed
among the breeding species.
A good circular walk is to follow Worts Gutter to
SU 36402 02647, turn left and follow the path to the fork and follow the main gravel cycle track (signposted Brockenhurst) until you reach the
boggy area, which is usually swarming with Keeled Skimmers in season, then either
traverse the boggy area or continue to the crossroads, turn left and follow
the track downhill to the small bridge at the other end of the bog, then
back up the hill to the car park
|
|
|
