Oakhaven Activity Walk
Oakhaven Activity Walk
To register - please email community@nmsb.co.uk
Our Oakhaven Activity Walk is back, and now it features even more exciting activities to enjoy!
Join us on 30th September, come rain or shine, for a walk around our Downton Jubilee Walk and take part in a whole host of activities along the way!
We are teaming up with Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust, The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, and local conservationist Bob Lord to bring you workshops, demonstrations and talks.
These will include:
- Bug catching
- Making wildflower seed bombs,
- Create a bug hotel to take home!
- Bird spotting
- Meet Bruce, a very gentle Friesian horse.
Register now to take part in our Oakhaven Activity Walk, just send us a message, or email community@nmsb.co.uk and receive the full details.
Entry cost is £5 per person, (for children this includes one accompanying adult, and £2 per extra adult.) All proceeds donated to Oakhaven Hospice.
The Walk
The 1-mile walk will take place around the picturesque lakes at Downton Quarry, Milford on Sea between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 30th September.
The route will follow Downton Jubilee Walk, a new public footpath that opened to the public in April 2022, and will take participants around seven lakes on carefully restored land, allowing you to observe the natural wildlife in the area -- from badgers and bumblebees to bats and several species of birds.
There will also be a fun and educational wildlife activity trail for children to discover along the way and some promotional goodies on completion.
Entry Cost
Entry cost just £5 per person, or per child, which includes one accompanying adult, and £2 per extra adult. This can be paid in cash on the day and all money will be donated to Oakhaven Hospice.
Activities
Bird Spotting
Sign up for a walk and talk with Bob Lord.
Bob has been instrumental in helping us develop better habitats for birds around the new lakes at our restored quarry in Milford on Sea, such as the installation of the bespoke House Martin Tower in partnership with the New Milton 'Mens Shed' group.
With over 88 species of birds now seen, 11 of those attracted by the freshwater lakes, you might get the chance to see a House Martin, Little Grebe or even a Kingfisher or Firecrest, and of course the resident Canada Geese and pheasants!
Join Bob at 11am for a walk and talk around the top lakes as part of our Oakhaven Walk activities on Saturday 30th Sept 2023. Contact us at community@nmsb.co.uk to sign up.
Bug Hunting
Join Alison from the Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust for a bug hunt!
With long grass, wildflowers, wood piles and lots of woodland areas, there are plenty of places to go exploring. Alison will be running sessions at 10.00am / 10.45am / 11.30am / 12.15pm. Bug kits provided.
Wildflower seed ball workshops
Come and learn more about bumblebees, join the Bumblebee Conservation Trust at our Oakhaven Activity Walk on Saturday 30th Sept 2023 from 10am, and make your very own wildflower seed ball to take home.
Accessibility
For this occasion only, we will be opening the main entrance to our quarry for access*, please enter the quarry through the main entrance from Christchurch Road (200 yards along from the Royal Oak at Downton if you are driving from New Milton) and follow the directional signage towards the dedicated parking area.
As it is not too far, approx. 1 mile, we think children as young as 4 or 5 can join in. However, the ground is a natural path and slightly uneven which means younger children or anyone with limited mobility may struggle. Buggies or wheelchairs are not permitted as the ground could be too soft in areas.
The path is uneven underfoot so sturdy shoes are advisable, we will also ask all participants to adhere to the wildlife code of conduct as the path goes through many different natural habitats.
*Please note that the entrance is not usually accessible to the public as it is a working quarry, so please do not try to use that entrance at any other time. The walk is open to the public if you would like to see the walk before the 30th September we propose using the Milford entrance in Shorefield Road, off Blackbush Road.
Refreshments will be available on the day from Cool Coffee Cart.
