The Woodland Trail

Did you know there is an unnamed stream that runs from near Woodland Close in Dibden Purlieu to the Solent?

The stream flows through remnants of the woodland that once covered this area, an area now largely covered by housing.

Once the reedbeds merged with the salt marshes on the Solent shore, but the railway from Fawley to Totton now confines it to a tunnel underneath the line.

Enter the trail under the railway arch opposite the Boat Club. Shore Road and turn left.

1 Langdown Marsh
In early summer you can hear the chiffchaff. Its song sounds like its name, or you may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher. Sea Club rush and Sea Arrow grass growing there are a sign of brackish water (part fresh, part saline) Yellow loosestrife and water mint grow among the reeds.

Turn right after the bridge down a narrow track.

2 The Wet Woodland
As the reeds merge into the wet woodland alder and goat willow grow. Some years you will see little evidence of water, but clumps of marsh marigold, yellow iris and various sedges survive these dry spells. Wet woodlands are a rarity in this part of the county.

About half way along this area you will need to go onto the playing field to avoid wet feet. At the corner of the field continue in the same direction and follow a circular route around part of Tates Copse.

3 Tates Copse
Mr Tate bought land including the woodland from the Langdown Estate in the IXth century. The multi-stemmed hazels are the remnants of coppiced trees. In spring bluebells abound and in autumn you enter a colourful forest glade.

Return to the field corner, cross the causeway over the last of the wet woodlands and follow the stream.

4 The Streamside Walk
This is a typical meandering New Forest stream. Frogs and newts breed here and eels swim 'up river'. On a summer's evening you can hear the cry of bats swooping on insects hovering over the water.

At Roseberry Avenue turn left up the road until you reach Fernhills Road. Enter Upper Butts Ash Wood here.

5 Upper Butts Ash Wood
Follow the high path across to a fine stand of Douglas firs. Down the slope to your left is a typical New Forest mire. After the clearance of rhododendron, birch, holly and rowan are recolonising the area. Local school children have planted slips of native trees including hawthorn and blackthorn.

Now descend the steps to Lytton Road. Turn left along it and you will rejoin Roseberry Avenue. Turn right and walk down to just before the stream where a left turn will take you into Lower Butts Ash Wood.

6 Lower Butts Ash Wood
A rare black poplar guards the entrance to this wood. Notice the roots of the fallen sweet chestnut. Its dark under the laurels, but the small beech wood beyond provides a bright contrast. Greater spotted and green woodpeckers., tawny owls and tree creepers live here as well as horsetail. A plant from prehistoric times it thrives in the water of the rivulets that feed the main stream.

The nature trail finishes here, but the walk continues alongside the stream all the way to Woodlands Close. Walk along Foxbury Close. a half turn right and then in the same direction onto to Butts Bridge Hill. Turn right and you will meet the Beaulieu Road with bus stops outside The Croft or the hospital. To rejoin the pathway, turn left at Butts Bridge Road. A short way down on the opposite side is the start of the path. Do watch the traffic as you cross the road.

The land for HYTHE & DIBDEN COMMUNITY WOODLAND was given to the people of Hythe by the N.F.D.C. nearly ten years ago. Subsequent work has cleared and augmented the trail, constructed a bridge and several boardwalks all with volunteer labour.

Today, while continuing maintenance and extension of the path the emphasis is on the interesting variety of ecological sites.

We are looking particularly at the marsh area, the need for flood abatement set against a healthy reedbed with its attendant wildlife. We hope to do further work in part of Tates Copse and reintroduce coppice trees. Various surveys of the flora and fauna are being undertaken.

The areas specialness has been recognised and it is a candidate for SING status (Site of interest for Nature Conservation).

We are especially indebted to HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL through the COMMUNITY ACTION FUND for money for the trail marking and leaflet and together with HYTHE & DIBDEN PARISH COUNCIL for further money to extend and maintain the path. Thanks also to NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL to whom most of the land belongs who have given valuable professional help and to B.T.C.V.

If you would like to join in any aspect of this work ring 023 8084 5022 or 023 8084 1411.