St Catherine's Hill
Monthly Update
The reserve can look bleak in winter, but there is still some colour among the shrubs. Most striking is the fruit of the splindle with its orange seeds held within a pink case. More palatable for the birds are the red rosehips and haws (hawthorn berries), a favourite with passing flocks of thrushes, such as redwing and fieldfare. Despite the cold weather the cattle are still able to feed on the grass over the hill and are roaming more widely than the sheep. The cattle will stay on the reserve until February.
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OS grid reference SU 484 280 A 58 hectare flower-rich chalk grassland with an abundance of wild flowers and butterflies. This is a great place to enjoy wildlife, ancient monuments and the most spectacular views over Winchester, the Itchen Valley and the surrounding countryside. St Catherine’s Hill is a fabulous place to enjoy a summer walk and picnic. |
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Getting there
- OS grid reference SU 484 280. The reserve is one mile from Winchester city centre. There are regular trains to Winchester from Southampton, Portsmouth and Basingstoke.
- From Winchester city centre take the bus to St Catherine’s Park’n’Ride. On Garnier Road head downhill to the river.
- There is parking off Garnier Road, just ¼ mile west of M3 J10. Follow the road signs on local roads.
Getting around
- The hill stands 70m above the river valley with 100+ steps on the north and south sides. There is a flatter route via the surfaced footpath parallel to the Itchen Navigation, then along the unsurfaced bridleway along Plague Pit valley.
- There are worn grass paths that crisscross the hill, valley and ridge. Beware of rabbit holes if venturing off the paths
Contact information
For further details of conditions on site contact the Reserves Officer on 07831 692963. There are also volunteer warden opportunities at St Catherine's Hill, please click for more information.
