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

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

MLM Update 1st May 2026

Underneath one of the refugia I can confirm we have seen a male grass snake. Very lucky to get a photo as this species is notorious shy and will scarper quicky when disturbed. We have had sightings of grass snakes reported to us before on site, so to have more confirmation that they are still there is very important, as it demonstrates that we are keeping a healthy environment for them to thrive. This sighting has been recorded on the HIWARG webpage, as this is who I check the refugia’s for onsite (HIWARG – Hampshire and Isle of Wight Amphibian and Reptile Group – Hampshire and Isle of Wight Amphibian and Reptile Group (HIWARG) works to conserve and protect native amphibians and reptiles. With Hampshire’s diverse habitats, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in surveys, habitat management, and volunteer training. Record sightings, learn more about local species, and join our conservation efforts today!). 

For more info:  Grass snake | The Wildlife Trusts

I am also super excited to announce we have 4 Tawny owl chicks currently thriving on site too. I met up with a chap from the Hawk Conservancy in Andover (Wildlife day out in Hampshire, birds of prey conservation at the Hawk Conservancy Trust - Hawk Conservancy Trust) to assess the site for bird of prey box suitability, and whilst we were there, he took the opportunity to check the only box we have installed on site (he has the correct licences for such work). Inside were 4 beautiful Tawny chicks! He proceeded to bring them down to fit a ring onto their ankles, as he is also a qualified bird ringer with the BTO. This is such important work, as it gives us an idea as to their success this year, and helps the BTO and other similar organisations assess the distance in which these species travel, the size of territories they hold etc. Interestingly he said that owls in general are having a bumper year this year as the voles are thriving (their main source of prey). And 4 chicks are usually considered a very large brood, but because of the great year they are having, this has been ‘the norm’ so far.

For more info: Tawny owl | The Wildlife Trusts

I really wanted to share this news with you all because it demonstrates that the work you have helped me with on site is working. It is worth all those hours dressed head to toe in waterproofs, with horizontal wind and rain! Huge thanks to everyone who volunteers on this site – whether you are my eyes and ears for the site when I am not there, or you have donned your work gloves and been out with me for the day, all your efforts are appreciated and are worth it – THANK YOU!

Kind regards

Gemma Clinch PrCMA

Reserves Officer (South)

Community and Leisure

Test Valley Borough Council