home

Hockley Meadows Farm

North of Twyford
OS Explorer Map 132, Grid Ref SU480260
Meeting place: At the farm, on B3335
Client: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

This is the Trust's latest addition to its grazing lands in the Itchen Valley, purchased from a retiring farmer who is sympathetic to the farm's value for wildlife. Donations came from Trust members and supporters, including a generous legacy from Miss Patricia James. The site was previously known as White's Meadow Farm.
photo There are two semi-improved meadows covering 20 acres and a SSSI of 11 acres, called Tumbling Bay, between the River Itchen and the B3335. On the other side of the River Itchen is the Trust's existing Hockley Meadows nature reserve, which is 21 acres of former water meadows grazed by the Trust's cattle.
In the farmyard is a large cattle barn and a machinery barn, and so the farm can be used as a livestock hub for operations in the Winchester area, in the same way that College Copse Farm serves northern Hampshire. There is capacity for calving and lambing and space to respond to emergencies requiring swift removal of livestock from other sites. The two large meadows can be cut for hay, improving their botanical interest. Management of Tumbling Bay meadow is dictated by its SSSI designation, requiring light cattle grazing and management of invasive species such as ragwort.

We will continue with repairs to the fencing which is needed to contain the livestock.


Directions

Meet at 10am in the farmyard off the B3335. From the M3, J11 head south towards Twyford on the B3335. At the end of a straight piece of road, after the Hockley Golf Club, you will see some houses on your right. Just before the houses is the entrance on the right to the farm yard. If coming through Twyford on the B3335, pass through the village and round the bends until you come to the houses on your left. The farm entrance is at the end of the houses. Look out for our yellow signs.

Get Ordnance Survey map in new window

Home | Future Events | List of Sites