The Meadows
Hocombe's two meadows are species rich. The North Meadow has a strong colony of Ringlet butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus) and an abundance of purple loosestrife. The meadows form the central area through the reserve. Wet during some months of the year, the ground conditions can prove difficult to walk them with ease. However, they provide a rich habitat for plants and wildlife and are home to a range of butterflies. Cattle graze the North meadow during the summer months whilst the south meadow is mechanically cut in sections.
Conducted walk suitable for all ages
Trees, Mosses and Ferns - Sunday 19 February at 10.00am
Hocombe Mead is an area of historic woodland and meadow, which is situated between Ashdown Road and Hocombe Road, under the ownership of Eastleigh Borough Council, South Hampshire. This varied site comprises an area of 8.33 hectares, which includes mixed woodland and ancient meadows, with small areas of valley bog and remnants of heathland.
One aim of the Hocombe project was to establish a group of volunteers who could carry on the good work at the reserve. This group, the Friends of Hocombe who meet once a month, are now well established and carry out practical conservation tasks as well as organising community events on the meadow.
Click below to find out more about the Friends of Hocombe, what they do and how to join them
The Hocombe Project
In August 2010 the partnership project betweenThe Grasslands Trust & Eastleigh Borough Council was completed. This project, funded by the Heritage Lottery ran from 2008 and with the help of volunteers successfully improved the access at the reserve, installing boardwalks and gates, carried out conservation work and held many community events.
Parts of the woodland are over 400 years old, featuring on old maps as far back as 1588, when it was known as Eagle's Copse. The meadow, which is also shown on the 1588 map, is the largest open space in Hocombe, which is relatively flat and in the summer is fairly well drained. Together, this wooded stream valley and meadow hold considerable value for both local amenity and wildlife.