Wildlife in the City | 1.5 miles (Walking Weekend)

A chance to spot thriving wildlife in this hidden oasis just 10 minutes from the bustling city centre of Winchester. 

We'll discover a complex varied habitat which supports an amazing array of plants, insects, fish, amphibians, birds and mammals.

The route starts from the cathedral close - from where Peregrine Falcons can often be seen when nesting on the higher towers of the famous building - and follows a lightly trafficked course to the entrance to Winnall Moors Nature Reserve. It passes on the way the Winchester City Mill where otters are regularly seen and filmed in the mill race a mere stone’s throw from a busy main road.

Once in the reserve we will follow a well surfaced trail or at times a boardwalk through the lush reed beds and carr with a chance of seeing, hearing or smelling some of the natural inhabitants!

Having completed a circuit of the tranquil wetland our route takes us back via the contrasting hectic activity of the city to the starting point in the cathedral close after about a hour. 

Consider bringing some drinking water and sun protection as the sun can be fierce in mid-June. No dogs are permitted in the nature reserve.