News and features
Looking After Nature . . . so nature can look after you
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Creative ways to get your kids active
There are plenty of fun and unexpected ways to encourage your children to get moving, even without them realising what they’re doing is exercise.
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What to do at Staunton Farm
Discover what there is to see and do at Staunton Farm, whatever the weather.
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What to do at Lepe Country Park
If you’re looking for things to do on your next visit, we’re here to inspire you.
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Hampshire’s best Boxing Day walks
if you’re looking for a new route, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite walks in Hampshire.
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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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Hidden Histories: Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Join Jess as she takes us on a walk through the thousands of years of history hidden within Queen Elizabeth Country Park, from the Bronze Age right through to the Twentieth Century.
Watch now our video about Hidden Histories at Queen Elizabeth Country Park -
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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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 -
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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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 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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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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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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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 -
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 -
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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5 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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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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4 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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5 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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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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5 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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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
Plan your visit to one of the wonderful National Nature Reserves.
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Stay safe in the sun this summer
Now summer's here, it’s a good time to think about how we use sunscreen and keep safe in the sun.
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8 ways to bring nature into your New Year’s resolution
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?
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Top tips for going on a seashore safari
A seashore safari is a great opportunity to explore your local shoreline, spot some amazing wildlife and connect with nature.
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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 -
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
Heading out into the great outdoors offers a whole host of benefits to our mind and bodies.
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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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Top spots for walks in Hampshire this autumn
Autumn brings with it some of our favourite walking conditions: beautiful low sun, stunning colours and tempting piles of crunchy leaves.
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6 super fun ways to enjoy Hampshire’s countryside this summer
This summer marks a great opportunity to explore and appreciate our nearby surroundings.
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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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Finding comfort in the great outdoors (advice from Solent Mind)
When uncertainty causes us to worry and become stressed, it can have a significant impact on our mental health.
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Get a sense of nature this spring
We’ve created a senses-based challenge which can be fun for the whole family.
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4 new ways to enjoy the great outdoors
There are all sorts of experiences on offer nowadays that bring us closer to nature and you can find many of them right on our doorstep.
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Why going outdoors in winter is good for mind, body and soul
Research shows that even a short time walking in nature during the chillier months has many benefits for mind, body and soul.
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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.
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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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Top spots for spring walks in Hampshire
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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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Dog Control
For our latest episode, Carly and Andy headed down to River Hamble Country Park.
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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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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 -
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.