What's all this about?

Blue sky, banks of yellow cowslips, skylark overhead — this is the meadow grassland of Noar Hill looking beautiful in the early summer sunshine.

The repetitive call of a chiffchaff from the green canopy high above, the fluting call of a blackbird from the undergrowth, and the powerful scent of garlic from the ramsons growing in profusion on the hill slopes — this is the Noar Hill woodland in its late spring splendour.

Scattered beeches and oaks surrounding grassy clearings, butterflies of various colours wherever you walk, the constant backdrop of birdsong — finches, tits, song thrushes, the occasional yaffle of a green woodpecker — this is Selborne Common looking magnificent in the May sunshine.

And these are the places that our next church walk will be visiting! There will be different flowers in bloom — we particularly look forward to the magnificent range of orchids on Noar Hill — and the weather may be different too . . . . but don't miss the . . .

Summer Stroll on Tuesday 19th June

We'll set off from the Selborne Arms at 5pm, and return there by 7.30pm for an evening meal, having enjoyed a 4-mile walk. It won't be flat (the name "Noar Hill" gives you a clue!) and there are two stiles on the journey; underfoot should be firm, unless we've just had a few days' rain.

To join us for the walk, simply turn up! But if you would like to eat with us in the Selborne Arms — whether you've walked or not — please write your name on the list in the foyer, so that we can make a table reservation.

David Allan (84739).