NATURE
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are in: Southampton > Nature > Walks > Netley Shoreline > Stage
8 | | 
English woods | Stage
8
Wooded wonderland
Proceed past the chapel until the path turns left. Follow this path behind
the miniature railway through the native woodland area.
| |
| Or
you can choose to extend your walk at this point by turning right back onto the
beach and walking to Hamble
Common.
Look around at the different species of tree -
and if it's springtime, enjoy the carpet of bluebells. Britain is unique in Europe
for its large old trees and for its bluebell woods. Woodland covered most of Britain
until stone age and iron age man started to cut it to use the land for farming.
 | | Turkey
Oak |
The
strong English oak was very important for ship building - a major industry in
the Solent area.
In Tudor times, Henry VIII made a law to protect the
slow growing big trees from being cut down just in case he needed them in times
of war. Local people used to farm the woodland for coppice products like broom
handles, hurdle fences, spars and charcoal and weren't keen on the large shady
oak trees as they reduced the yield of their hazel coups. His flagship, Mary Rose
which sank in the Solent was made of English Oak.
Turkey Oak was introduced
to this country as people thought it would be a fast growing alternative to English
Oak, but its thin fibres mean it is not as strong, doesn't burn as well and our
native insects don't like it very much.
Our wildlife has changed over
the years as well - bear, wolf, beaver were all hunted to extinction. The grey
squirrel, which was introduced from North America in the 19th Century has replaced
our native red, except for isolated regions like the Isle of Wight. Alien species
such as rhododendron and Japanese knotweed are spreading to the detriment of our
native wildlife.
Follow this path until you pass the
miniature railway engine shed and head towards the Sensory Garden and tea rooms
which concludes your Walk through Time.
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Solent is hosting a special guided walk on October 16th along Netley
Shoreline - apply
for tickets online now.
If you would like to go on more walks
to discover more about Hampshire's natural history, website. Or visit our Natural
History Events page for more chances to get out and about.
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are in: Southampton > Nature > Walks > Netley Shoreline > Stage
8 | |
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phone: 023 8063 1311 | e-mail: southampton@bbc.co.uk | |
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