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Portsdown Hill by John Goodspeed

John Goodspeed is the well known naturalist for the south-east corner of Hampshire. His weekly wildlife diaries are posted on boards throughout the district, and these can also be obtained straight to your email

His website details events, photographs, paintings, geology, and many local nature reserves. For years, he has led walks on behalf of the Wildlife Trust. This body is second only to the RSPB as a conservation body, with 600,000 members throughout the UK. Members receive local publications to go with the national magazines, plus news of events, reserves and publications. You can join online www.wildlifetrusts.org/

Local Groups: www.havantnature.net/wildlife1.htm

Equally as well known is John’s constant companion, Captain. There is an edict which alludes to nearly all organised nature walks, namely, no dogs allowed; but this golden Labrador, is an exception to this golden rule. Captain is, (and he will shamefully own up to this) a failed Guide Dog for the Blind. John’s wife, Betty, trains these dogs and decided to keep Captain.

Although, he botched his finals, he upholds the traditional gentle demeanour, friends with everyone, does not bark or chase and stays within a yard or two of his master at all times; if all dogs were this well behaved, life would be so much easier for the owner, the wildlife and the dog itself. (Whenever you see this dog about, although he is not given to ceremony, his status should warrant a salute, simply out of respect for what his title requires)

John is also actively involved with ‘The Friends of Portsdown Hill’ and ‘Friends of Langstone Harbour, 2 more voluntary groups actively involved in conservation.

If nothing here appeals to you, do at least take a walk on top of Portsdown Hill. Many do not realise that the white hill seen from the city is white chalk, the start of The Downs. The views from the top, panoramic in places, but especially across to Portsmouth Harbour the Solent and the Isle of Wight, are as breathtaking as anywhere in our country. Here, John gives details of a neglected but spectacular alternative to better known nature reserves.

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Walking on Portsdown. John Goodspeed

Portsdown offers many opportunities for walks, and this note sets out not to prescribe a route, but to indicate the areas worth exploring and give some clues as good dates. You may well find new things, and if you do please tell us about them at the contact addresses below.

The eastern end of the hill is a bit restricted by the housing on the south, and farmland and golf course on the ridge and the north, but from Fort Purbrook you can follow the ‘Wayfarers Walk’ along the edge of Crookhorn golf course, or walk the path below the fort. At the top of Farlington Avenue you will be forced on to the roads.

From here you have the options of following the top of the hill or dropping down to the bottom and crossing Portsdown Hill above the housing, and getting back onto the bottom of the downs behind the ‘Orkneys’ estate.

After that there are paths along most contours and you can explore freely. In time you will learn where the various crossing points of the compartment fences are, but most well trodden paths do lead to gates or stiles. You can walk right along to Skew Lane Portchester.

What will you find?

Flowers: Probably the most significant attraction of the downs. There are orchids and rarities but do enjoy the carpets of common flowers. Fort Purbrook is best for pyramidal and common spotted orchids. Bee orchids are at their best near ‘The George’. Autumn lady’s tresses are best looked for on the northern fringe of the golf course immediately west of Fort Purbrook, or in front of Fort Widley.

Rarer plants include bastard toadflax in front of the easternmost car-park, or in the gulleys south of Fort Widley. From 2003 the rare sickle medic has been regularly flowering in front of The George. The farm ‘set aside’ field at the west end of the Downs has had a good show of scarce arable weeds in recent years. Autumn gentian does well in front of The George and on Porchester Common.

Insects. There are loads of these, including unusual beetles, hoverflies and spiders but the more obvious butterflies are a treat. Portsdown is particularly good for blues including small and chalkhill.

Marbled whites do well. If you are keen eyed you might also spot wall, green hairstreak,

dark green fritillary and brown argus. The latter appeared in 2005 for the first time for many years.

Birds

Portsdown is not a bird hotspot but there are whitethroats everywhere in the summer. Yellowhammers once common, are now treats when you find them. Kestrels breed on the forts and are fun to watch when the young are being given flying lessons. At migration times watch out for overflying raptors – rarities crop up sometimes.

Useful contacts:

Richard Jones, Portsdown Countryside Service 023 9238 9623

John Goodspeed: Friend of Portsdown; john@havnantnature.net.

www.havantnature.net/events.htm

John Goodspeed

(sadly, after a happy & walk-filled life Captain has been put to sleep - IJ 2007)

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