In the Footsteps of Gilbert White at Selborne

Selborne, and its beautiful surrounding countryside, were made famous over two centuries ago by the writings and reputation of the clergyman and pioneer naturalist Gilbert White who published The History and Antiquities of Selborne in 1789. Based on 40 years of observation and meticulous recording of the flora and fauna around the village, it is one of the few books on natural history to gain the rank of an English classic. White poetically describes his day-to-day experiences of nature in the Hampshire countryside through a series of letters to his friends Thomas Pennant and Daines Barrington.

Born in the village in 1720, White was the grandson of a vicar of Selborne, and, having been ordained after attending Oxford, he returned to live in the village to serve as a curate at neighbouring parishes and at Selborne in 1751. From the age of ten until his death in 1793 he lived at The Wakes, a large house that overlooks the village green (the Plestor) and church. Although the village has changed, White would find the surrounding landscape that he knew and loved so well largely unspoilt and now preserved by the National Trust.

This walk literally follows in White's footsteps, exploring the lofty, beech-clad hills or 'hangers' that rise steeply behind his home, and the lush 'lythes' or meadows beyond St Mary's Church, both beautiful areas through which he would stroll and passionately observe and note the wildlife around him. The walk comprises two loops around the village, so if you are short of time (or energy) you can enjoy the classic climb onto Selborne Common and still have time to visit Gilbert White's home, now a museum.

The walk begins with a long ascent to the top of Selborne Hill and Common, a task made easier by the hard work put in by Gilbert White and his brother John in 1753, when they constructed the famous Zig-Zag path up the steep scarp face. White described the Common as 'a vast hill of chalk, rising three hundred feet above the village; and is divided into a sheep down, the high wood, and a long hanging wood called The Hanger'. You are rewarded with peace and tranquillity when you reach White's Wishing Stone, and magnificent views over the village. You can explore the maze of paths that criss-cross the Common, but the main route threads through the glorious beech hangers to White's favourite viewpoint. Here White would pause to absorb the breathtaking cameo that took in his home, the church and the serene wooded landscape.

Back in the village, locate White's grave in the churchyard and visit St Mary's Church. Here you will find White's fine memorial window depicting St Francis of Assisi preaching to 82 birds, all of which are mentioned in his book. The second loop heads east through the Oakhanger Valley, following the Hangers Way to Priory Farm, the site of Selborne Priory.

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