Martin Down

Leader – Simon Ashley

Yuvalr, CC BY-SA 3.0, Turtle Dove

Car share trip leaving from Cheapside Carpark in Stroud at 8:00am – Arriving at Martin Down  top carpark around 10:30am.

This often an excellent trip and probably offers the best chance of one seeing a turtle dove this year.  The turtle dove is a species in trouble. It has seen a dramatic reduction in numbers due to habitat loss, changes in agricultural practices, and hunting pressures during migration. The UK population of turtle doves has decreased by around 98% since 1970.

Not just about Turtle doves though, Martin Down National Nature Reserve (NNR) is a stunning expanse of chalk downland located on the Hampshire-Dorset border in southern England. Covering over 350 hectares, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity and historical significance. We can expect to witness a vibrant array of flora and fauna.

The reserve is particularly famous for its wildflowers, with species such as the burnt tip,  pyramidal and common spotted orchids, together with clustered bellflower in full bloom. These flowers create a colorful tapestry across the landscape, attracting numerous butterflies, including the rare marsh fritillary and the vibrant Adonis blue.

There are good numbers of  skylarks, yellowhammers and corn bunting.  There are no facilities at Martin Down so please bring a packed lunch. We’ll try to minimise to walking by driving to lower carpark after our morning visit to upper part of reserve.