Birds and wildlife of the heath

Wildlife Experience

Thursley Heath and Hankley Common come to life in the Spring. Resident breeding birds such as Woodlark and Dartford Warbler are joined by migrants returning from Africa and Southern Europe which include Tree Pipit, Cuckoo and Common Redstart. In the wooded margins there is the possibility of that gorgeous sprite, the Firecrest and the declining Curlew may be on territory. Later in the spring, the dashing Hobby will be hawking dragonflies over the wetter areas with the possibility of Crossbills in the pines. We will be deploying pheromone lures in the hope of seeing the beautiful Emperor Moth which flies in April and early May and will also attempt to see the rare wasp-mimicking moth, the Large Red-belted Clearwing. Spring also sees the first butterflies on the wing and the heaths offer the chance to see the stunning little Green Hairstreak. These heaths are nationally important for their rare and scarce dragonflies and with luck, we will see these from the boardwalks. Possibilities in the spring are the Keeled Skimmer, the beautiful Downy Emerald and the rarer, iridescent Brilliant Emerald. Commoner species will also be present such as Four-spotted Chaser and Large Red Damselfly. As with all our day walks - there is no charge for kids. Meet at the Moat Pond Car Park, Thursley Road GU8 6LW and please dress accordingly.