The Sun Sets In Hampshire....

As memories of the harsh Winter snow fades from this years memories, i thought i would share with you a scene from Hampshire that, if you know where to go, and the weather is on your side, you can go and see for yourself. From the Old Winchester Hill nature reserve, overlooking the Meon Valley and the low farmland towards Portsmouth, The ridge of the South Downs Way makes for a fantastic viewing point to watch the sun going down. My recommendation is to take a flask of coffee, and just sit in the peace and quiet. It makes for a relaxing half an hour to the end of a day.....

Going....

Going...

Going....

Gone.

So if you like these pictures, go and witness it for yourself. Just make sure you check the weather forecast first before going... and don't forget your flask!

What A Shame...

Its not very often you get to see this sort of thing when wandering around the Hampshire countryside but when you do, your heart sinks and you feel the need to do something about it. But with a couple of tons of burnt out van sitting on a prime piece of Hampshire, you can't just pick it up and put it in the bin.

There be bandits around these parts....

I do hope that the local authorities are onto this, as it is not the sort of thing that needs to be sat around for a long time. Especially now that the walkers, visitors and tourists that visit this part of Hampshire will soon be making their way past this eyesore, and judging their experiences on what they find around them.

http://www.media-attention.co.uk

Farlington Marshes, Hampshire.

Farlington Marshes in Hampshire has to be one of my favourite places in Hampshire. It has pretty much everything going for it, including wildlife, countryside and coast. The marshes are owned by the Hampshire and Isle Of Wight wildlife trust, covering around 300 plus acres of the northern reaches of Langstone Harbour, near Portsmouth.

Farlington Marshes reed beds.

Personally, i enjoy coming here at any time of the year as there is always something different to see through the seasons. The landscapes are constantly changing, with the tides revealing mudflats and reed beds at low tides. Low tide is the best time to visit as i think it gives you more to see in terms of wildlife that come to feed on the mud dwelling creatures among the eelgrass and algae.

During the Autumn months the marshes are visited by large numbers of Brent Geese, overwintering on the marshes where food and shelter is easily found. To see the Brent Geese arrive or take off at once is quite a sight, and i enjoy seeing them on a yearly basis. The reserve is also important for other species of birds at other times of the year, such as Mallard, Gadwall, Pintail and Widgeon.

Mud Flats. Easy food for passing wildlife.

Easy walking paths surround the reserve.

 There is a good solid and level walking path that surrounds and criss crosses the reserve, and even a small area for car parking that is easily accessible from the nearby M27. the walk, at a guess, is around one and a half to two miles long, and is a blast of fresh sea air when you feel the need to get away from it all. Not only is it a place to see the wildlife, but a great place for plant and insect life during the Spring and Summer months, that is just as important to the local ecology. I enjoy Farlington Marshes, and will continue to do so. i very much recommend it.

Paul Martin. http://www.media-attention.co.uk 

Bluebell Woods In Hampshire.

During a recent trip out towards Basingstoke, Hampshire, earlier this year, i had the great fortune to come across a bluebell wood that i didn't know existed, until the flash of blue caught my eye from the car. Luckily, i had my camera with me from work, so i stopped and filmed the colourful spectacle that presented itself.




Sights like these in Hampshire are becoming a rare treat, and on top of that, only last a short while during the early months of Spring. I find that walking through woodland in Hampshire is the best way to find and see these types of things, so i felt very lucky to have seen them whilst driving in the car. The sun was shining that day which made the find all the more special, so after filming them i just sat a while with my flask of coffee and watched. The insect life and the peaceful surroundings made for a very pleasant time. Sit still for long enough and the wildlife will appear, many people forget to just sit and watch and let the scene before them unfold. So next time you happen upon a bluebell wood, take the time to really see it. Stop, listen and watch. You will feel a lot better for it.

Paul Martin. http://www.media-attention.co.uk 

A Walk Around New Alresford, Hampshire.

I had no particular reason for visiting New Alresford, other than to have a pleasant afternoon walk around somewhere i haven't really explored yet. The first thing you notice is that it is a very good looking town with wide main streets and a colourful disposition. Built mainly in the Georgian era, the town is made up of village type cottages, town houses and old coaching inns from times gone by. It is possible to still look along the roads and imagine what this town would have been like hundreds of years ago, without the modern traffic and street furniture that tend to inhabit the squares and main roads today.

Looking down Broad St, Alresford.

Pound Hill, West St and Broad St are the main areas of interest that will hold your attention. At this time of year the roads are colourful and bright and sometimes a bit too busy traffic wise, but a pleasant place to be nonetheless. A stop for coffee at an independent coffee house was welcome and i spent a good half an hour or so sitting and watching the people go about their business.

Beer and food....

If you are in need of more sustainance, there are a few old coaching inns on the main roads and square, perfect for good food and fine ales, wines and more if the mood takes you, beer gardens and a little sunshine make for a pleasant experience. There are of course a good variety of cafes, cake shops and tea rooms to choose from, all within a short walk from each other, so you don't need to walk very far for a change of scenery.

Walking around the town i also discovered the church of St John the Baptist, the churchyard of which holds the graves of soldiers of the Napoleonic wars, including French prisoners of war, and a variety of other historical buildings relating to the Second World War, including a house that used to be the Headquarters of the 47th infantry regiment of the US Army. One of the main attractions though is the nearby rail station that attracts steam lovers from all over the world, as it is part of the Watercress line, and is busy on a daily basis with steam locomotives, lovingly restored by volunteers, and a good reminder of how our transport system was before Beeching.

Steam locomotives ... popular.

I also had the great pleasure of walking the mile or so of the Millenium Trail along the banks of the river Arle, a sparkling chalk stream that runs along the valley at the bottom of the town. Walks and trails criss cross this area, and other walks can be joined from here, but on a warm sunny day it was great to see the wildlife and plants that live and grow along the river banks.

So it was a pleasant surprise to come upon the Fulling mill, which straddles the river, and was built around the 12 - 1300's but is now a private residence.

Fulling Mill....

The river Arle....

So, i would recommend the visit to New Alresford, even if for just a short stroll along the river banks and a coffee stop on the flower lined streets of the town with a frothy latte, and a large piece of chocolate cake. If the weather is with you, you will not have a more relaxing afternoon.... Enjoy.

Paul Martin
http://www.media-attention.co.uk

Harbourside In Lymington.

I had the great pleasure of visiting the New Forest town of Lymington today, whilst working. Travelling Hampshire and getting paid at the same time is always a bonus.

Specifically, I was at the quayside at Lymington harbour. Chock full of private yachts, small pleasure boats and array of various other waterborne craft, it was a pleasure to sit and just watch the watery world go by, and check my jealousy ratings looking at the larger boats.






At this time of year the yachting world is gearing up for Cowes week on the Isle Of Wight, so every berth is taken. However, I spent a very pleasant half an hour or so just sitting on the quayside with a cup of frothy latte from a nearby coffee house watching the boats go by, and soaking up a little sun into the bargain. So if you have a spare half hour, do drop by and just sit a while.

Paul Martin
http://www.media-attention.co.uk