Autumn walking at White Horse Hill

Lots of new things to see and do at White Horse Hill this Autumn. Self-led and organised walks, picnic spots, wildlife and wild flowers across the countryside and ideas for family fun.

Wildlife

The hillside surrounding the White Horse has lots of wildlife hunting for food as the cooler months draw near. 

The common buzzard (Buteo Buteo) with its feather plummage of white and brown can be found hovering overhead.  It has subtle 'v' shaped wingspan and white feather necklace on its short neck, and occasionally if you listen carefully and it isn't too windy you can hear its mew noise, not too disimilar from a cat.  They are hunting for small mammals, but if they supply is low they are known to eat insects instead.  The best place to spot them is on the White Horse Hill or or Dragon Hill.

Birdwatching is number 44 in the '50 things to do before your 11 3/4'.

Wayland's Smithy

Nearby you can take a gentle stroll to Wayland's Smithy which is roughly 1 1/2 miles from the White Horse car park.  This Neolithic long barrown was constructed about 6,000 years ago and is a low grassy mound, shrouded by ancient knarled beech trees which provides an array of colour in the Autumn.  

The sarsan stones, or commonly known as sandstone blocks, were used to seal the burial chamber and still frame the entrance today.  Don't forget good footwear in wet weather as it can get a bit muddy underfoot.

It's the perfect spot to catch a falling leaf  and it is number 33, in the '50 things to do before your 11 3/4'.