Orange Balsam was found on the bank of
the canal path just south of Titchfield towards Titchfield
Haven Nature Reserve. Whilst it does not grow here in
abundance it can be found in several places out of reach of
dogs and their owner on the bank farthest from the footpath.
The best place to see this plant here is about half a mile or
so down the path from the car park at the north end of the
canal.
Listed as 'Walk Ten' on the Fareham
Borough Council website, the only car park with direct access
to the canal path is to be found just off Bridge Street, where
there is sufficient parking for around a dozen cars - don't
worry it doesn't get too busy. Bing Map Link:
https://binged.it/2jCK5HF. It is possible to reach the
canal path from the larger car park at Meon Shore, but it
takes about 30 minutes and requires some walking along a
narrow road, which I wouldn't recommend unles you are also
visiting the Nature Reserve.
The
walk recommended by Fareham Borough Council heads south along
the canal path for around 2 km's, then after a quick right
turn heads north along country lane and through fields. The
path can get flooded in come areas during bad weather, but is
not too bad if it the water has had time to soak in. I would
however avoid the return path through the fields during the
winter months and nistead choose to double back along the
canal path. Link to Walk Ten info page:
http://www.fareham.gov.uk/leisure/out_and_about_in_fareham/guidedwalk10.aspx
For those heading out with a camera,
there is a variety of flora along the canal path including
Teasels, Hemp Agrimony, Rough Hawks Beard, Cow Parsley, Marsh
Woundwort, Bull Thistle's, Creeping Thistle's, Great
Willowherb and of course Orange Balsam. These wildflower
obviously do attract insects and there is certainly not
shortage down here, with Comma Butterflies being particularly
prevalent, but you will also see both Peacock and Small
Heath Butterflies, and lots of Honey Bee's feeding on the
flora.
Towards the south end of the path, the
canal widens and you will see plenty of dragonflies, and if
you are patient the occasional Water Vole. Along the return
path through the fields you may be lucky and spot Roe Deer,
which tend to head south in the morning and make their return
journey in late afternoon or early evening. Whilst I tend to
stay away during winter, I would recommend a visit any time
between March and October - Enjoy!
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