Hampshire

Stockbridge Common Marsh wildlife walk

National Trust sign for Stockbridge Common Marsh with walker and dog in field in background — Start of Stockbridge Common Marsh wildlife walk | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Come and enjoy the wide open spaces of Stockbridge Common Marsh, which is situated alongside the River Test. 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.

Near to

Stockbridge Marsh

Start point

Lion's Den car park, grid ref: SU3565534647

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.8 (km: 2.88)

Duration 35 mins to 1 hour

Dog friendly***

*Route is flat and mostly easygoing. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Grass paths can become muddy after wet weather. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs welcome under close control. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Parking

This walk can experience high visitor numbers, and parking is limited. Please park responsibly, and if the area is too busy on your arrival please come back another time.

Address
Lion's Den Car Park, Cow Drove Hill Road, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6JA
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
This walk crosses the Test Way, a national footpath of around 44 miles (70km) which can be walked from Eling, at Southampton, to Inkpen Beacon, near Andover.
Cycling
The Test Way, part of the National Cycle Network, passes the reserve boundary. Note: no cycling permitted on site.
For further details, see National Cycle Network website
By road
Romsey/Stockbridge road A3057. From Romsey, go round the roundabout back towards Romsey, then take your next right towards Marsh Court. The car park is on your right, after about 1,090yd (1,000m).
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Lion's Den car park, grid ref: SU3565534647
Stage 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 bridge with white railings.
Stage 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.
Common blue butterflies at Stockbridge Common Marsh | © National Trust Images/Catherine Hadler
Stage 3
Continue along the river's edge. 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.
Fish and fowl
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.
Stage 4
After 1 mile (1.6km) or so, the path will bear left into the meadow. You'll see cattle and horses grazing within the meadows, which are used to graze the area sensitively for the benefit of wildlife.
Stage 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.
Walkers at Stockbridge Common Marsh, Hampshire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Stage 6
The path will lead you back to the Lion's 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 steps 1 and 2 again, this time crossing the bridge to walk into Stockbridge village.
End point
Lion's Den car park, grid ref: SU3565534647
Trail map
Map of Stockbridge Common Marsh wildlife walk, Hampshire | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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