Stockbridge Common Marsh wildlife walk
Come and enjoy the wide open spaces of Stockbridge Common Marsh, which is situated alongside one of the jewels of Trust ownership – the River Test.
Look out for water voles swimming busily up and down the river banks in autumn.
The marsh offers access to the river's edge, in a valley which otherwise has little or no river frontage, and provides an ideal location for walking and picnicking.
Map
Start:
Lion's Den car park, grid ref: SU 35655 34647
1
As you enter the car park you will see a set of gates directly in front of you. Enter the gates, cross the Test Way and proceed through the next set of gates onto the grassy peat-rich meadows of the common. A well-worn path will lead you straight towards a white hand-railed bridge.
Bridge to Stockbridge
The bridge that accesses the marsh from Stockbridge was built in the 1950s by soldiers doing their National Service. If you look closely, you can see where the men made their mark on the bridge while the concrete was still wet (direction 1).
2
When you reach the bridge turn left and follow the river along the length of the common. (Note: If you turn right and cross the bridge, you will leave National Trust land and follow a path which takes you into the centre of Stockbridge village.)
Insects
The gin-clear, unpolluted waters of the River Test support a huge array of aquatic insects including the mayfly, which can be seen on the wing during May and early June. Dragonflies, like the broad bodied chaser, can also be seen on warm, sunny days in summer, patrolling up and down the river bank. They spend most of their lives as nymphs under water, where they can stay for more than two years. When they emerge in summer, the adults live for about four weeks (directions 2 and 3).
3
As you walk along the bank of the Test tributary look out for the famous River Test trout. If you are fortunate you may also encounter water vole busily swimming from bank to bank. The water vole has been in decline in recent years, not least due to unsympathetic bank management and the introduction of American mink to the area. In winter, spot wildfowl and wading birds in marshy areas. Kingfishers can often be seen along the river. Reed, sedge and cettis warbler have also been seen within the reed beds, which occupy the far bank of the river.
Fishing
Trout, grayling and occasional salmon can be seen in the clear waters of the River Test. The characteristic chalk stream plant life and the fast running flows over gravels offer the perfect conditions for these fish to live. Many trout anglers visit the River Test from across the globe during the spring and summer, providing a vital source of income for the valley. Please note: fishing is not permitted within the National Trust boundary (directions 2 and 3).
4
After 1 mile (1.6km) or so, the path will bear left into the meadow. Look out for cattle and horses grazing within the meadows, which are used to graze the area sensitively for the benefit of wildlife.
Livestock
Livestock can be seen grazing this important site throughout the year, from May until October. The stock belongs to local commoners, and there have been commoners rights on the marsh since the 1300s (direction 4).
5
After a short distance of around 175yd (160m), you will come to the Common Marsh boundary fence. Go through the pedestrian gate and proceed left along the Test Way footpath and cycle route.
6
The path will lead you back to the Lions Den car park, which is situated on your right after a mile (1.6km). It is here that you can either go directly to your car or alternatively, follow points 1 and 2 again, this time crossing the bridge to walk into Stockbridge village.
End:
Lion's Den car park, grid ref: SU 35655 34647
