Viewpoints from your doorstep: 10. Bassetts Mead
Welcome to the first in a series of pictorial guides from Warden Mike. He’s showcasing his top ten favourite viewpoints, selected from our ‘Greenspace on your doorstep’ directory.
Number 10: Bassetts Mead nr Hook in Hampshire
This magnificent view of the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from the comfort of a strategically placed bench at a high point. Click on the image for the full size version.
On my visits to Bassetts Mead I have been richly rewarded by its flora and fauna.
My favourite plant in the meadows is marsh woundwort, known for its medicinal properties – very soothing for cuts and grazes.
The botanical interest in the meadows is maintained in autumn & winter by the conservation grazing of British White cattle.
In the hedgerows I have enjoyed one of my only two bullfinch sightings in Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire in the last six years!
My favourite attraction at Bassetts Mead is the meandering River Whitewater, a fast-flowing chalk stream of shimmering pool-riffles…
…where, under the sun-dappled willow trees, reed buntings forage along the luscious banks.
For directions, information and more photographs, go to the Bassetts Mead Country Park entry in ‘Greenspace on your doorstep’.
Warden Mike
Picture credits: Marsh woundwort © kayclark123, bullfinch © Jonathan Campbell, reed bunting © Mark Kilner.
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