Walk & Talk 16-07-26, Mill Lane Meadows

16 Jul 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 Book here

Gemma the Reserves Officer for the southern sites at Test Valley Borough Council is hosting a guided tour of Mill Lane Meadows, to give you the chance to explore this nature reserve like you have never done so before!

The morning will start with introductions, followed by a guided walk around the nature reserve, stopping at intervals to talk and enjoy the scenery. The length of the walk is approximately 1hr, dogs on leads are welcome, and if we have any budding photographers attending you are more than welcome to bring your camera!

Huge thanks to Sherfield English Village Hall who have offered refreshments after the tour at the village hall. There are also toilet facilities here which attendees are welcome to use.

Important points to note:

• The walking route will be on non-surfaced paths

• The route is based on flat terrain

• If bringing a dog, owners are fully responsible for their dogs’ behavior and safety, and participating dogs should be up-to-date on vaccinations and in good health

• Severe weather may result in postponement or cancellation for safety reasons

• There are no toilet facilities on site

Meet & Parking: Mill Lane Meadows nature reserve carpark:W3W - wipes.discussed.hunt. Extra parking available at Sherfield English Village Hall: W3W - sobbed.over.sunblock (Please note, a short walk along footpath opposite Glebe Garage to reach MLM).

On arrival:

• Arrive promptly, meet in the carpark

• Please check in with Gemma on arrival

• Do ensure your dog is on the lead

What to bring:

• The walk will take place on nature trails—wear suitable footwear and clothing

• Water/refreshments - espeically if the morning is due to be warm

• Water for your dog if applicable

• Camera

Coffee Morning @Village Hall 16/07/26

10am - 12 noon, Thursday 16th July

Refreshments & Chat for ALL, just drop in, from 10am - 12 noon. After ranger led walk TVBC Countryside Rangers will also join us at the village hall if you'd like to chat but not walk!

10am - 11am, as part of Romsey festival, please book on link below. Additional parking & toilets available at the Village Hall.

Mill Lane Meadows - July '26

Today is the day to visit Mill Lane Meadows if you haven’t done so in a while, as it really is looking stunning. The wildflowers are in full bloom, including a selection of orchids (Southern Marsh and Common Spotted), which in turn is enticing many insects to frequent the site. On my last visit to the site a few weeks ago, I honestly lost a good couple of hours searching for orchids, wildflowers and insects – the meadows are thriving. So many Larger Skipper butterflies and Five-spot Burnet moths, and quite a few Peacock butterfly caterpillars. The absolute star of the show though was the small but mighty Crab spider – a spider which has honed the art of camouflage -incredibly changing their colour to match their surroundings! All of this I found at Mill Lane Meadows recently. So, I hope I have given you some inspiration to visit – take your time, enjoy the site for all it has to offer, look for the small, tiny critters which are in abundance, and most importantly, enjoy this beautiful nature reserve! Gemma Clinch