CHEESE FOOT HEAD
Migrants, farmland species and lovely views
This high point along the South Downs Way, just east of Winchester, offers some lovely views across sprawling agricultural land dotted with woodlands and a large natural amphitheatre. The arable landscape gives a good chance of connecting with some of our much declined farmland species.
With views as far as the Isle of Wight and the New Forest, this is an area which offers something throughout the seasons. A good area to see raptors is now possibly enhanced with the recent introduction of White-tailed Eagles on the Isle of Wight, so this must now be a candidate area to see these magnificent birds dispersing in future.
The impressive natural amphitheatre goes down in history as the site where General Eisenhower addressed American troops prior to the D-Day landings, and has since held various festival events.
But back to a somewhat quieter theme, with the mainly arable fields attracting a good variety of traditional farmland species, which may entice a Quail or two to the fields of barley or wheat during summer, or a passage Dotterel during spring and autumn migration.
This is a good spot for Corn Bunting in Hampshire, which has declined dramatically across the country, so listen out for the ‘jangling keys’ song in spring and early summer. Grey and Red-legged Partridges may be encountered while good numbers of Linnets and Sky Larks will also be seen. Don’t forget to scan the skies as this is a good point for raptors throughout the seasons.