Suburban Safari: A drop in the Itchen   

by Katie Isham. Dip a toe into the Itchen Navigation. Not literally. Keep your walking boots on. But we’ll wander a small section of the trail that runs alongside the river to get a taste of what those dedicated long-distance walkers find so alluring.  Start in Bishopstoke, on the...

Suburban Safari: Leafy suburbs in Ashurst

by Katie Isham. Our Suburban Safaris have sprawled across the city of Southampton and beyond. They’ve visited parks, gardens, woodlands, beaches, cemeteries, streets, shops and many a café.  The definition of a suburb is an area outside, yet near a city, and consisting mainly of homes. For this safari,...

View from the Kingsland: Thanks and Farewell

by Nick Mabey. After what feels like months of speculation Ralph Hasenhuttl is no longer manager of Southampton FC. Tuesday 7th November saw him sacked with immediate effect following a run of results in 2022 that, spread over a season, would have seen Southampton relegated.  It’s a cut-throat business...

Suburban Safari: A Walk to Remember 

by Katie Isham. There’s some corner of an English field, in a park by the sea, where a gate leads to remembrance. Through an avenue of determined oaks and tired leaves clinging to the autumnal branches, a path cuts through a valley to the final resting place of many...

Suburban Safari: Cake by the Coast 

by Katie Isham. This Suburban Safari explores somewhere a little further afield. In fact, we’re venturing into a PO postcode. Don’t leave! I promise it’s for a good cause. Or two good causes in fact.  Next week sees the glorious relief of half-term for many students and teachers. Blessed...

View from the Kingsland: Where it all began (for me)

Photo: Southampton’s Sékou Mara, left, during the Premier League match between Saints and Everton on Saturday 1st October 2022, at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, England. Picture: Chris Moorhouse/Southampton FC. words by Nick Mabey. It has been a while since I posted. The football has taken a depressing turn and...

Suburban Safari: Netley Common  

 by Katie Isham.  The leaves of the calendar are falling as their tree-based counterparts tumble to the ground; October is here and the season is perfect for booted adventures through a forest. No need for extended rural journeys when you can safari through the suburbs and step straight into...

Suburban Safari: Bridge Club  

by Katie Isham. Southampton being a sea city, we’re never far from the coast or the numerous bridges spanning the city’s waterways. This safari takes a mooch about under the biggest bridge to marvel at the architecture, enjoy the scenery and maybe even join some activities occurring by the...