Welcome to Minchinhampton Walking and Wildlife Group

 Minchinhampton Common north side

The group was formed to share knowledge about the unique wildlife habitats in the parish of Minchinhampton and to enjoy the local environment in the company of like-minded people. We also monitor and investigate local habitats in conjunction with conservation organisations. Knowledge that we gain is shared on this website and by creating documented walks around the parish.

Also find us on Facebook.

 

 

Introduction

The watercourses in the Stroud Frome Catchment support a range of features of international and national value including:

 

  • Scattered and threatened populations of White-clawed Crayfish;

  • An assemblage of bats of at least national importance;

  • Strong populations of Otters, Bullheads and Dippers ;

  • Tufa deposits and natural springs;

  • Rich assemblages of aquatic invertebrates.

     

Details
Category: Activity

This walk involves descending to the Thames and Severn Canal from Rodborough Common, which runs into Stroud from the East, and then climbing back again (about 675ft, 210m). Although only 6km in length (4m) it is definitely for those who wish to be a little more energetic. However, you will be rewarded by a surprising variety of scene and some interesting wildlife observation opportunities. In Spring there are usually find fine displays of orchids in the open stretches of this Common which is also noted for its invertebrates, including the rather rare "Duke of Burgundy" butterfly. The canal is mainly derelict, but in the process of being restored, working from Stroud eastwards. (The Stroudwater Navigation, which runs into Stroud from the West, has already seen a great deal of restoration out to Eastington.)

We must admit to finding the overgrown channel and banks more interesting from a wildlife viewpoint than the restored sections. This walk covers part of the canal that is next on the schedule for restoration, so do the walk before the changes occur. There are, however, several sections of this old canal that are worth walking, all the way through to beyond the Sapperton tunnel, which we will no doubt document on this website in time.

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Details
Category: Local Walks

This is a fairly level walk that follows the outer boundary of Minchinhampton Common. It can be started from a number of places, including the Bell Lane car park, the Common Road car park, the Beaudesert car park, and for local residents pretty much anywhere within Minchinhampton itself with the addition of a few minutes street walking to reach the Common.You can hardly get lost as long as you stick to the Common, and it can be made shorter by cutting corners. The views all around are excellent and the going normally very dry, unless after recent rain, and mostly on short grass. At the right season you will see abundant orchids and may come across relatively rare butterflies. The suggested route keeps you clear of the golfers on the Common - beware of walking across the fairways if golfers are active! It passes sufficiently close to two pubs in Amberley (the Amberley Inn or the Black Horse) to make the diversion negligible if you want to combine a walk with a pub lunch, or take a drink part-way round an evening walk.

The total length is about 4 miles (6.5 km) and the height variation no more than about 90ft (30 meters).

Details
Category: Local Walks

The Shard Stream
Dear All
You will remember that some of us enjoyed a damp evening walk with Chris Uttley earlier this summer, when he showed us why he is excited about the streams which converge on our land at Bubblewell. The attached is a draft report of a visit by Chris and a colleague of his from Natural Engalnd. He has called the stream which rises in the Old Vineyard Field 'the Shard Stream'. We have recently named it 'the Hampton Stream'.
 
As you will see, the streams are:
Details
Category: Ecology

The Minchinhampton Walking and Wildlife Group encourages an active interest in the local wildlife. 

On the last Sunday of each month we normally meet at 10:30am in the Minchinhampton Bell Lane car park (see map) for a two-hour walk, with plenty of opportunities to look at local flora and fauna. The walk often ends with Sunday lunch at a local pub.

The Group discussing local history at Newington Bagpath
Discussing the local history of Newington Bagpath

From time to time we venture further afield (though not usually very far) to look at nearby localities with particular wildlife interest.

Anyone is welcome to join us: there is no subscription. No special knowledge is required: most people come along casually to learn a bit more about what they can see around them on walks. Visitors to the area are welcome to join any of our walks. Just turn up. (However, if you intend to stay for the pub lunch, contact the walk organiser in advance so we can book enough room at the tables.)

See the Events list for details of the next walk.

N.B. During the COVID-19 pandemic normal service is suspended!.

You are very welcome to email natural history photographs to me from your private walks, that I can post on this site - or else join our Facebook group.

Some of our members are also actively involved in regular monitoring of local sites, for example checking the health of local native crayfish populations. We may also make comments on local planning applications where there will be an impact on the local natural environment.

Details
Category: General
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