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
HERE.
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! |
