Chilbolton Cow Common SSSI — Attraction in Test Valley

Chilbolton Cow Common is a Site of Special and Scientific Interest (SSSI) and rightfully so with it's unspoiled habitat providing a home for many wild flowers, insects and birds. The Common is rich with the fauna and flora that only grows in ground unfarmed and left to it's own devices for a very long time. As intimated by it's name, the Common is home to a small herd of cows for 6 months each year from approximately May to November. These cows help keep the grasses down and enrich the pasture at the same time. On fine Summer days the common can get VERY busy with visitors coming from a wide area to enjoy the scenery. As well as picnics they also bring rather unsuitable body boards and inflatable boats which test the facilities of the River Test (sorry for the pun) that passes through two sides of the Common. A great many small children enjoy paddling in the shallow river, fishing for minnows and generally having a lovely time. It is noticeable though to local residents using the Common all year round that much of the wild life, especially egrets and heron, depart and find quieter places during these months. The Common is open to all, local residents just ask that is it treated with the care and attention...

We have been coming to Chilbolton for almost 11 years. It's a lovely place to walk the dogs all year round and a great place for the summer too. It looks like they recently carried out some renovations to the banks which now gives it a beach-y but natural feel next to the main water part. We have small dogs so it means they can go in the water easily and enough space it doesn't get crowded like it normally would with other dogs and people. Can't wait to bring them back on warmer days later this year. Very well maintained. They have also changed the parking which wasn't great so we followed the signs for the other parking which was only a 10-15 minute walk, probably not good for those with mobility issues mind you. It also took us through a lovely park which I never knew was there....

Bad timing. Hot day.Car Park stuffed with cars and the river bank and around the bridge looking more like Skegness. Beach tents, lots of children etc and dogs running around. To be fair it was the school holidays. We parked at the pub as we were going for lunch after our walk. After running the gauntlet over the bridge we walked around the common and to the other side where another bridge crosses the Test near Wherwell. Much quieter and had an enjoyable paddle with our dogs. Would definitely go there again but not in school holidays. There are a couple of nice walks...