News and features
Looking After Nature . . . so nature can look after you
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Why are mistletoe, holly and ivy popular at Christmas?
Discover how plants like mistletoe, holly, and ivy became associated with Christmas, and what the history behind them is.
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A guide to Netley Military Cemetery’s graves
From the people who stayed, worked, and lived at Royal Victoria Hospital, and continuing through the Boer War and both World Wars, there’s so much history to be found in the cemetery.
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Conserving our Wild: field crickets – a nature recovery project
We hear from Nature Recovery Officer Andy and Countryside Team Manager Nicki about how field crickets were successfully reintroduced and why you’ll hear so many of them on Shortheath Common.
Watch now our video about field crickets -
Myths about animals in Hampshire’s countryside
If you want to know how to speak to bees, what different colour butterflies mean, or how to get mice to leave your home, we’re here to help
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Five family friendly activities to do this autumn
Even if you think you’ve discovered all of the family friendly activities at your local country parks and farms, there’s always more to discover
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Hidden Histories: River Hamble Country Park
Ranger Ben takes us on a journey through the centuries of history at River Hamble Country Park, from Roman roads to its role in the D-Day landings.
Watch now our video about Hidden Histories at River Hamble Country Park -
Historic highlights to explore this autumn
Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor activity, there’s sure to be something to discover and learn.
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Conserving our Wild: Little Terns
We hear from Nature Recovery Officer, Andy Davidson, about the little terns who call Lymington and Keyhaven Local Nature Reserve their home.
Watch now our video about little terns -
How to spot bats in Hampshire
Knowing how and when to spot bats can be difficult, so here are some of our top tips.
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Roseate terns hatched in Hampshire
Find out more about roseate terns and Hampshire’s newest arrivals.
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Find a coastal walk in Hampshire
In Hampshire, we’re lucky to have 230 miles of beautiful coastline, so we’re sharing four of our favourite coastal walks for you to try.
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Conserving our Wild: the importance of pollinators
Join Karima as she visits Buriton to find out what Hampshire County Council are doing to encourage pollinators in the county.
Watch now our video about pollinators -
A guide to the wildlife of Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve
Situated in the east of Hampshire, Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve is a woodland of beech, ash, and yew trees.
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Best cycling routes in Hampshire
From family-friendly routes to challenging countryside circuits, here are some of our favourite cycling trails.
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Hidden Histories: Manor Farm
Discover hundreds of years of history as Alison takes us on a walk around Manor Farm.
Watch now our video about Hidden Histories at Manor Farm -
A guide to the wildlife of Martin Down National Nature Reserve
Martin Down National Nature Reserve is one of the largest expanses of continuous chalk downland in the UK.
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A guide to the wildlife of Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve
Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve's variety of habitats make it an ideal home for wildlife.
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A guide to the wildlife of Castle Bottom National Nature Reserve
Castle Bottom National Nature Reserve is home to one of the most important valley mires in southern England.
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Wartime walks in Hampshire
With memorials, buildings, airfields and many other relics to uncover, we’ve put together a few of our favourite walking routes that have a connection to World War Two.
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Hidden Walks of Hampshire: A beautiful walk among the bluebells
In this instalment of Hidden Walks of Hampshire, Megan leads us on stroll to a bluebell wood. Starting from Wickham, we follow the Meon Valley Trail before exploring West Walk, part of the Forest of Bere, to see the bluebells while they’re in bloom.
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Three ways to celebrate the summer solstice in Hampshire
Here are our favourite ways to mark the occasion in Hampshire.
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A guide to the wildlife of Butser Hill National Nature Reserve
Butser Hill National Nature Reserve's chalky grassland makes an ideal home for wildlife.
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Dawn chorus at River Hamble Country Park
Immerse yourself in the melodies of nature with a calming recording of the dawn chorus at River Hamble Country Park in Hampshire. A picturesque stretch of woodland located along the banks of the River Hamble, the park is home to a diverse collection of wildlife.
Watch now our video of the dawn chorus at River Hamble Country Park -
Dawn chorus birds you’ll hear in Hampshire
Here are a few birds you’ll be able to hear almost anywhere in Hampshire.
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The history of fairy gardens
If you’ve ever wondered about the history of these enchanting creations, we’re here to give you a glimpse into the past.
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Hidden Walks of Hampshire: A walk through Watership Down
In this episode of Hidden Walks, we join Corinne on a stroll through the literary landscape of Watership Down. As the setting of Richard Adams’ beloved 1972 children’s book of the same name, Corinne shares some of her favourite parts of her novel for you to enjoy.
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A beginner’s guide to Hampshire’s garden birds
We’ve written a handy guide to the five most common birds you’re likely to spot in your Hampshire garden.
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A history fan’s guide to Hampshire
We’re sharing some of our favourite spots to step back in time and imagine the landscapes and stories of the past.
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Your Countryside wrapped: Hampshire Countryside Service’s highlights 2023
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Why you should play in the rain
It can be tempting to just stay indoors when it’s raining, but you don’t have to change your plans because of a drizzle. There are so many reasons to embrace the wet weather.
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Planning a family walk in Hampshire
Whether you live in a built-up area or a rural area, take a look at our guide to planning your family’s walks.
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Why are hedgerows so important and what are Hampshire County Farms doing to protect and restore them?
Find out what hedgerows are, why they’re important, and what we’re doing to help.
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Why do leaves change colour and fall from trees?
Discover why leaves change colour and trees lose their leaves.
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Hidden Histories: Royal Victoria Country Park
Join Ursula as she takes us on walk through time at Royal Victoria Country Park.
Watch now our video about Hidden Histories at Royal Victoria Country Park -
Hidden Walks of Hampshire: Climb St. Catherine’s Hill
Join Gemma and her niece Dulcie as they explore the picturesque landscape of St. Catherine's Hill, a chalk downland hill on the outskirts of Winchester. Experience the beauty of the local wildlife and uncover hidden gems on this delightful walking tour – perfect for a family adventure!
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Fun outdoor games for children to play this summer
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Wildlife in Rivers
Hampshire’s rivers are home to lots of incredible wildlife such as water voles, otters and white-clawed crayfish. Hear about the work being done to protect them and how you can help us too.
Listen now -
What is flying ant day and why does it happen?
If you’ve ever wondered what flying ant day is and why it happens, we’ve got some answers for you.
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Butterfly Conservation UK
Hear from Butterfly Conservation UK on this episode of Looking After Nature.
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Hidden Histories: Lepe Country Park
Take a walk with Nicole as she journeys back through centuries of fascinating history at Lepe Country Park.
Watch now our video about Hidden Histories at Lepe Country Park -
Pollinator Q&A session with our rangers
Hear from our Pollinator Project Officer Karima who joins us on this episode of Looking After Nature.
Listen now -
What’s in season? Download our seasonal produce calendar
How to find fruit and vegetables in season right now
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Inspiring teenagers to get outdoors
Inspire teenagers to spend time in nature with some top tips from Lottie and Becky.
Listen now to Inspiring teenagers to get outdoors -
Biodiversity in Hampshire’s rivers
Find out more about Hampshire’s river residents.
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Building a bridleway at Silchester Roman Town
We recently caught up with Community Engagement Ranger Gemma at Silchester Roman Town to see how our volunteers and communities came together to create a new bridleway.
Watch now our video about building a bridleway at Silchester Roman Town -
Hampshire Swifts
Karima sits down with Catharine from Hampshire Swifts to talk about the beloved bird, and what you can do to help their declining population
Listen now to Hampshire Swifts -
What to put in your garden bird feeders
Top tips on how best to feed the birds in your garden
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Hidden Histories: Staunton Country Park and Farm
Join Lottie on her look back over the fascinating history of Staunton Country Park and Farm. Rich with 200 years of stories, learn more about one of Havant’s most beloved attractions.
Watch now our video about Hidden Histories at Staunton Country Park -
Busting Countryside Myths
Can cows tell when it’s about to rain? Do toads give you warts? Join Andy and Ben as they explore popular myths about nature.
Listen now -
How to spot the first signs of spring
To help you know what to expect and when, we’ve created a month-by-month guide so you can spot the signs that spring has finally sprung.
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Fantastic Frog Facts with Froglife
Karima is joined by Kathy from the national wildlife charity Froglife.
Listen now -
Nature and nurture: the benefits of spending quality time in nature with children
The outdoors is a fantastic place to spend time with your child, so we’ve put together a list of reasons to get out into nature together.
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The best romantic countryside walks for you and your valentine
We’ve created a list of our five favourite walks to take your valentine on this spring.
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Sustainable Living
Gemma is joined by Jessica and Hope from the Waste Prevention Team to give you some top tips on living sustainably and reducing your waste.
Listen now -
Five ways sustainable living can save you money in 2023
Here are our top five eco-friendly things you can do to save money.
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Five reasons to get outside this winter
Advice from Hampshire Countryside Service about the benefits of getting out and about this season.
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Spend time with family in Hampshire’s countryside this winter
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Your Countryside wrapped: Hampshire Countryside Service’s highlights 2022
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A Walk Along the River Itchen
Join Carly and Andy at the River Itchen to speak to Abbie from the Rights Of Way team in the Parish of Itchen Stoke and Ovington.
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Eco-friendly winter crafts ideas for kids
As the nights draw in it’s a great time to get cosy and start some winter craft projects.
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5 fun ideas to keep children entertained on winter walks
During the wet and chilly winter season, it can be tricky to keep the little ones entertained on those bracing countryside walks
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Easy Bake Snowman Shortbread Biscuits
Lottie from Queen Elizabeth Country Park is here to show you how to make some tasty snowman shortbread biscuits.
Watch now our video about how to bake snowman shortbread biscuits -
5 sustainable gift ideas that are Hampshire Countryside approved
This festive season, lots of us will be looking to give greener gifts, making a big impression without leaving a big impact on the planet
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Five Hampshire walks for wintry weather
The colder months have arrived, bringing with them changes in landscape, wildlife and weather
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How to enjoy the countryside as the weather gets colder
As the autumn season begins and the nights start to draw in, it can be tricky to find fun outdoor activities
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A Winter Wander with The Snowman™ and The Snowdog
Who’s excited about the winter holidays? We are delighted to say that we’ve got some festive fun for all the family!
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Pollinators at Martin Down
Join Carly and Andy as they visit Martin Down National Nature Reserve to meet the site manager, Mike.
Listen now -
Ways eating seasonally can help to protect the planet
As we learn more about our impact on climate change, a lot of us are thinking more about how we can make changes that reduce our carbon footprints
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Take part in a wildlife friendly beach clean!
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How to make your beach clean wildlife friendly
Removing litter from beaches is a great way to support wildlife as they are fantastic coastal habitats for many creatures including crabs, birds, and seals. Ranger Julie, from Bird Aware Solent has some great tips for making your beach clean wildlife friendly.
Watch now our video about how to make your beach clean wildlife friendly -
A beginner’s guide to tree planting: what, how, where when and why
With the climate crisis on many of our minds, there are things we can all do to make a difference
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Managing ash dieback
Ash dieback is expected to significantly affect ash trees throughout the country. Join Gemma as she finds out just what ash dieback is, what Hampshire County Council are doing to manage the disease, and how you can help us bring hope for the future.
Watch now our video about ash dieback -
Hidden Walks of Hampshire: Rare wildlife on the Upper River Test
Gemma is joined by Maggie, the Community Catchments Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. They guide us on a countryside walk to the Millennium Meadow, an old water meadow based in Whitchurch, a quaint village in Hampshire between Basingstoke and Andover. You’ll learn about the importance of chalk streams as they explore insect life on the Upper River Test and encounter one of the UK’s most endangered species - water voles.
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Five reasons to get kids involved in farmyard fun
There are plenty of reasons to head over to your local farm and see your favourite furry friends.
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A beginner’s guide to bumblebee-spotting
The UK has 24 species of bumblebee, but there are eight main types you’re likely to see out and about.
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Rights of Way: Path Wardens and Volunteers
Carly and Gemma meet Judy who is a volunteer and path warden who helps looking after public rights of way.
Listen now to Path Wardens and Volunteers podcast -
Hidden Walks of Hampshire: Making the Hampshire countryside more accessible
Gemma is joined by Marian from the Ecchinswell Parish Council as they explore a route that’s been made more accessible thanks to the Parish Council’s Stiles to Gates project. Enjoy the beautiful Hampshire countryside from the comfort of your home or get inspired to try this looped route which starts and ends in Burghclere.
Watch now our video about making the countryside more accessible
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Great days out in Hampshire this summer
Make the most of those precious summer days and enjoy nature at its peak with these great activities!
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Celebrating Hampshire’s National Nature Reserves
The Festival of National Nature Reserves kicks off on 18 May with lots of events throughout the country over the next six months
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How you can celebrate the Platinum Jubilee at Hampshire’s country parks
Bring the whole family and join in the celebrations over half term and the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, with a fun programme of events, trails and activities taking place at Hampshire’s country park
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Stay safe in the sun this summer
Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, it’s a good time to think about how we use sunscreen and keep safe in the sun.
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What is nature recovery?
The term 'rewilding' has exploded in popularity over the past few years, with naturalists such as David Attenborough and Chris Packham being just two examples of advocates popularising the term. But what does it mean?
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Video: How to build a bird box
Attract more wildlife to your garden with your own bird box.
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Video: A beginner’s guide to birdwatching
If you’ve recently caught the birdwatching bug or you’re looking to get involved now spring is around the corner, we have a few handy tips for you to make the most of your new hobby.
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Eight ways to bring nature into your New Year’s resolution
It’s a brand-new year, which means a fresh start that often comes with plenty of self-reflection. Instead of trying to stick to a list of New Year’s resolutions, why don’t you try to aim for one way to bring nature into your life for 2022?
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Save your food this season with Smart Living
A warm hello from us at SMART LIVING, Hampshire County Council’s waste prevention and lifestyle initiative! We’re hopping on the Countryside Service’s blog today to share with you some ways in which you can save your food from ending up in the bin.
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3 festive decorations to make at home
Reusing old decorations is a good way of reducing your waste. Another great way is to create your own using natural and biodegradable materials. We headed back to Staunton Country Park to see how we can make our own festive decorations that are great for hanging on a tree or around the house. Lottie showed us three different types of decoration to make using log discs.
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Attract animals to your garden with your own log pile
Log piles are the perfect hiding place for many bugs and insects, providing a feast for animals such as hedgehogs and frogs. They’re easy to build and are perfect for gardens, especially if you want to see more wildlife around your home.
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Five simple ways you can help the environment today
Here is our list of five simple changes to make today to start living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
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How you can plant the perfect tree and why you should do it
Trees are often overlooked when it comes to selecting what to plant in your garden but they can be hugely beneficial for our environment and are simple to plant when done correctly. They can have a positive impact as a single tree in a garden or as a giant woodland. Here’s how you can plant your own and why you should do it
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Top tips for going on a seashore safari
Here in Hampshire, we’re lucky to have some incredible coastline to explore. A seashore safari is a great opportunity to explore your local shoreline, spot some amazing wildlife and connect with nature. It’s very simple to get involved – all you need is a container, some waterproof shoes and a spotter guide of some kind.
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A local beekeeper answers your questions
Ever wondered what it's like to be a beekeeper? We caught up with a local beekeeper to find out! We asked him your questions and learnt more about the day in the life of a beekeeper.
Watch now our video of a local beekeeper answering your questions -
Top tips for perfect plants from Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Adding some plants to your garden is not only a great way to brighten up your home but also a fantastic way to support our pollinators.
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Farming
We’re back with July’s podcast and we’re coming to you from Itchen Farm, Compton.
Listen now -
Video tutorial: How to build your own garden pond
A fantastic way to attract all sorts of wildlife to your garden is to build your own pond.
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Pollinators
For June we’ve headed out to Martin Down National Nature Reserve near Fordingbridge.
Listen now -
5 common UK pollinators and tips on how to attract them
There are over 1,500 species of insect pollinators in the UK. Here are five common pollinators you’re likely to spot in your garden this summer:
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Hedgerows
We’re finally back out in the wild! For May, we’re coming to you from Abbotstone Down near Alresford.
Listen now -
Trees and Seeds at Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Join Carly and Andy as they visit Queen Elizabeth Country Park to meet Ashlea, one of our brilliant rangers.
Listen now -
Four tips to make your garden more wildlife friendly
Are you keen to encourage more nature into your garden or outdoor space? These outside spots can be a haven for wildlife – and you can make a difference in whatever patch you have available. (A plant pot on your driveway, balcony or windowsill would work!)
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Dog faeces - why we need to bin it!
Gemma is back again to explain why it is so important that dog owners are responsible and clear up after their dogs. Dog poo can be dangerous to anyone but particularly to children so it is important we are prepared and responsible on dog walks.
Watch now our video about dog faeces and why we need to bin it -
Heathlands
April is here and so is the seventh episode of the Looking After Nature podcast.
Listen now -
Top Tips on How to Make Your Own Bug Hotel
In this video, Education Ranger Lottie shows us how to make a bug hotel. They can be made at any time of year using materials you can find outside in a forest or woodland.
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Bird Aware Solent
This month joining Carly and Andy we have David Long and Mark Appleton from the Bird Aware team.
Listen now -
A beginner’s guide to birdwatching: top tips to help you get started
One of the beauties of birdwatching is that it can be done from anywhere. You often don’t even need to leave your home – just stepping out into the garden or looking out the window can be enough to catch a glimpse
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Conservation Grazing
Joining Carly and Andy for this episode was Rob Groves who is the senior farm ranger at Manor Farm.
Listen now -
Urban Wildlife Photography Competition winners announced
We are delighted to announce the winners from our photography competition. We had many fantastic entries all across social media, with some stunning images submitted from adults and under-16s alike.
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Restoring a Cold War underground monitoring post at Lepe Country Park
In 1962, a Stone Point Royal Observer Corps post was installed at Lepe Country Park. In this video, we learn about the history of the underground post and how a grant was spent on restoring it to its former glory.
Watch our video about restoring a monitoring post now -
Five simple ways to eat more sustainably
Agriculture and food production, for example, is an industry with considerable global impact so it’s worth changing the way we consume and think about food. Here are some of our top tips for eating more sustainably
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How to connect with nature in your local area this winter
This winter, we’re likely to all be staying local when it comes to getting outdoors. When you know an area well, it can be easy to take it for granted but often there’s plenty to uncover if you take a moment to do so.
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Your Countryside Wrapped: Hampshire Countryside Service Highlights 2020
This year, our green spaces have become more important than ever as we have all looked for ways to continue to enjoy the countryside. Here are some of our highlights…
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Basingstoke Canal
This episode comes from the glorious Basingstoke Canal where we heard from the Canal Manager, Fiona Shipp.
Listen now to Basingstoke Canal podcast -
Three ways to bring nature into the home this Christmas
As the days get darker and the weather gets colder, we can often head into hibernation mode and keep hidden away from the outside world until it begins to warm up
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Slow Ways
This episode features an interview with Dan Raven-Ellison who is the founder of the fascinating Slow Ways project.
Listen now to Slow Ways podcast -
Let there be light: how to fight the winter slump by getting outside
Getting out into the great outdoors is sometimes easier said than done. Especially as the winter months draw in and the days get shorter, it can be hard to find the time – or even the inclination – to get outside
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Hidden Walks of Hampshire: Beautiful autumn walk - Harewood Forest, Andover
The first episode of our new series 'Hidden Walks of Hampshire' sees Gemma take us on journey through the stunning Harewood Forest in Andover. The forest looks stunning in the autumn and is the perfect place to explore on a cold, crisp morning.
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Lymington and Keyhaven
This month’s episode comes to you from Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve.
Listen now to Lymington and Keyhaven podcast -
Video: Build your own hedgehog home!
As we head deeper into autumn we may feel like hibernating. However, getting out in the colder weather has many benefits to our mental health. Some species do have to hide away until the spring though and one of those are hedgehogs
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Mindfulness with Jo
A series all about using nature to help us ‘be present in the moment’. These are brought to you by Jo Heath, a qualified mindfulness teacher.
Listen now to Mindfulness with Jo -
Top spots for walks in Hampshire this autumn
A brisk walk in the crisp autumnal air is a great way to make the most of the transition into winter
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Everything Trees!
The first full length episode of our Looking After Nature podcast is here.
Listen now to Everything Trees! podcast -
Six super fun ways to enjoy Hampshire’s countryside this summer
This summer marks a great opportunity to explore and appreciate our nearby surroundings. Think of it as a mini staycation, as local as you can get!
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Hidden Walks of Hampshire: A picturesque stroll through Amport
Gemma is back with another stunning walk through Hampshire's Countryside. This time she and Luna are taking a stroll around Amport taking in all the sights.
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Nature Journalling: What it is and how can you get involved
Throughout July, we’re encouraging our readers to enjoy the countryside as a temporary refuge from our everyday lives. One way to fully embrace nature is through keeping a nature journal. So, for this month’s blog post we hand over to one of our community and events officers, Janet, to find out more
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We’ve got a new podcast!
Just a quick one from us today, as we’d like to share our new podcast with you
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Video: Top tips for growing your own veg
It’s incredibly satisfying to grow something from scratch. The sense of achievement that you’ve nursed a tiny seed or food scrap into a fully-fledged, flowering plant. And it’s a real bonus when these plants provide delicious food for you to enjoy, which is great for both the environment and your mealtimes!
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Finding comfort in the great outdoors (Advice from Solent Mind)
One of the biggest challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic is the uncertainty and worry that it has created in our lives. When uncertainty causes us to worry and become stressed, it can have a significant impact on our mental health. We may find it hard to sleep, become irritable or find it difficult to concentrate.
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Public rights of way and their history
Now more than ever people are exploring their local area and discovering pathways and trails they never knew existed
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Get a sense of nature this spring
Now the clocks have moved forwards, spring is well and truly here to stay. And while we may not be able to get outside and enjoy this new season as much as we’d like to, we can still be inspired by the outdoors
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4 new ways to enjoy the great outdoors
As the saying goes, ‘variety is the spice of life’! And as we wave goodbye to the colder, darker, winter months it’s a great time to think of new ways to put a spring in your step
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Your guide to forest bathing
You’ve probably heard of forest bathing – it’s a hot topic right now – and if you haven’t then you’re about to!
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How to keep fit in the countryside
The New Year inspires lots of us to make positive changes in our lives. A new or improved exercise regime is a popular resolution and so is the plan to spend more time outside connecting with nature
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Why going outdoors in winter is good for mind, body and soul
Brrrr! It’s winter. Isn’t this the time of the year when we all stay inside and avoid the frost and the freeze? Surely it’s far too cold to be traipsing about in the great outdoors, right?
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Top Spots for Winter Walks in Hampshire
A lovely, long walk on a cold day is one of my favourite winter activities. After the often hectic lead up to Christmas and too much festive indulgence over the holiday, I find that walking helps reset my equilibrium
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3 ways to help hibernating hedgehogs
Autumn has landed! It’s time to get cosy with extra blankets, hot drinks and warming food. I always think of this desire to snuggle up on cold nights as a kind of human hibernation
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Bird Aware Solent
This episode comes to you from Hook with Warsash nature reserve.
Listen now to Bird Aware Solent podcast -
Video tutorial: How to make beeswax wraps
Did you know there’s an alternative to cling film that’s reusable and much kinder to the environment?
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Top spots for summer walks in Hampshire
There’s nothing quite like British summertime – when the weather’s good, of course. When the sun’s out and it’s lovely and warm, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than the Hampshire countryside
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Your 5-step guide to pollination
This year all us rangers at the Hampshire Countryside Service are each making a pledge to do something to help our pollinators
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Make a pledge to save our pollinators
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10 top tips for cutting your single-use plastic
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Top spots for walks in Hampshire this spring
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The easy way to attract pollinators all year round
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Mad About Moths!
We have a bonus episode here for all you who signed up to our #PollinatorPledge!
Listen now -
Wildlife Gardening
For August, we’re coming to you from the Sensory Garden at Lepe Country Park to discuss all things wildlife gardening.
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Marine Wildlife
For September’s episode, we were joined by Rachel and Ben from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
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Ancient Trees
October’s podcast episode is here and we’re right on the Hampshire-Berkshire border for this one.
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Trees and Climate Change
Carly and Andy are joined by James Lovegrove from our ‘Trees and Woodland’ team.
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Food Waste and Recycling
For our final episode of the year, we joined forces with our colleagues in the Smart Living team to discuss all things recycling and food waste.
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Garden Birdwatching
Carly and Andy met up with ranger Tara to discuss the type of birds you might see from your garden.
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Signs of Spring
February’s podcast is here and we have a familiar face (or voice!) joining us, Jo Heath, the former head of Hampshire Countryside Service.
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Dog Control
For our latest episode, Carly and Andy headed down to River Hamble Country Park.
Listen now -
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A Wander Around Whitchurch
We visit to Whitchurch where Andy and Carly meet Jonathan Woods, the strategic manager for the Hampshire Countryside Service.
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England Coast Path
Join Carly on a visit to Wicor Recreation Ground in Portchester to meet Allison, England Coast Path Project Manager.
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Rights of Way: British Horse Society
Carly and Gemma meet Petronella from the British Horse Society to see how people and horses can safely use rights of way paths.
Listen now to British Horse Society podcast -
Rights of Way: Ramblers
Carly and Gemma meet members of the Ramblers, a charity that promote walking for health and pleasure.
Listen now to Ramblers podcast -
Rights of Way: Walking With The Wounded
Carly and Gemma meet members from the Walking With The Wounded charity. They do some great work in helping us maintain the rights of way paths.
Listen now to Walking With The Wounded podcast -
Rights of Way: Parish Council
We head to Hurstbourne Tarrant to meet Mark, a parish councillor who has helped maintain the footpaths in the area.
Listen now to Parish Council podcasts -
Hidden Histories: Staunton Farm
Join Chris, head horticulturist, as he takes us on a tour of the hidden histories of Staunton Farm.
Watch now our video about Hidden Histories at Staunton Farm -
How to keep your dog safe around horses
Kathryn is here to tell us how to keep your dog safe around horses. This video contains information and demonstrations of what to do when a horse approaches you on a dog walk.
Watch now our video about how to keep your dog safe around horses -
How to explore the countryside for mental wellbeing
Getting out in nature is great for improving your mental wellbeing, but it can be difficult over the colder months to find the motivation. Community Engagement Ranger Ben is here to share his top tips on how to make the most of the countryside during the autumn and winter months, so wrap up warm and get outdoors!
Watch now our video about exploring the countryside for mental wellbeing -
Staying safe around horses and other livestock in the countryside
In this video, we’re joined by Community Engagement Ranger, Gemma and local good boy, Chester. They show us how to safely enjoy the countryside around livestock like cows, horses and sheep.
Watch now our video about staying safe around livestock -
Ticks - what are they and how can you prevent them?
This video tells you everything you need to know about ticks and how you can keep yourself and your animals safe while outside enjoying the countryside.
Watch now our video about preventing ticks -
Hidden Walks of Hampshire: A walk through Chilbolton Common
The second installment of out 'Hidden Walks of Hampshire' is here. This time, Gemma is taking a stroll through Chilbolton Common near Stockbridge. This walk includes West Down Nature Reserve, Chilbolton Observatory and Chilbolton Cow Common.