Selborne Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Selborne Hill |
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View of Zig-Zag Walk from Selborne Hanger.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 211 m (692 ft) |
| Prominence | 53 m (174 ft) |
| Parent peak | Butser Hill |
| Geography | |
| Location | Hampshire, England |
| Parent range | Hampshire Downs, East Hampshire Hangers |
| OS grid | SU736331 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger |
Selborne Hill is one of the highest points in Hampshire, England. It is part of the East Hampshire Hangers, which are a line of tall hills on the eastern side of the Hampshire Downs. Selborne Hill reaches about 211 meters (692 feet) above sea level. It is also known as a "Tump" because it rises 53 meters (174 feet) above the land around it.
This hill sits above the village of Selborne. Its top area is home to Selborne Common, which has woodlands and old pastures. The hill's peak and its steep slopes are covered in trees. The part called Selborne Hanger to the northeast drops sharply down towards the fields near Selborne. A famous path called the Zig-Zag Path winds down the eastern side of the hill. This whole area is special because it's where Rev. Gilbert White, a world-famous naturalist and a pioneer of birdwatching, wrote his well-known book, The Natural History of Selborne.
Contents
What is Selborne Hill?
Selborne Hill is a significant landmark in Hampshire. It is part of a chain of hills known as the East Hampshire Hangers. These hills form a clear edge along the eastern side of the wider Hampshire Downs area. The hill's height makes it stand out in the landscape.
How High is Selborne Hill?
Selborne Hill reaches a height of 211 meters (about 692 feet) above the sea. This makes it one of the tallest points in Hampshire. Its "prominence" is 53 meters (about 174 feet). Prominence means how much a hill rises from the lowest point connecting it to a higher peak. This measurement helps show how important a hill is in its local area.
What is Selborne Common?
At the top of Selborne Hill, you'll find Selborne Common. This is a special area with lots of trees and old grassy fields where animals used to graze. It's a place where nature thrives. The common is managed to protect its unique plants and animals.
Exploring Selborne Hanger
Selborne Hanger is the name for the steep, wooded slope on the northeast side of Selborne Hill. It drops very suddenly towards the fields below the village of Selborne. This area is covered in dense woods, making it a beautiful and wild place.
The Zig-Zag Path: A Famous Walk
One of the most famous features of Selborne Hanger is the Zig-Zag Path. This path winds its way down the eastern side of the hill. It's a popular route for walkers and offers great views of the surrounding countryside. The path was made famous by Gilbert White, who often walked here.
Gilbert White and Selborne Hill
Selborne Hill and the surrounding area were very important to Rev. Gilbert White (1720–1793). He was a local clergyman and a keen observer of nature. He spent his life studying the plants, animals, and weather around Selborne.
The Natural History of Selborne
Gilbert White wrote a famous book called The Natural History of Selborne. This book is a collection of his letters and observations about the natural world in his village. It was first published in 1789 and is still read today. White's detailed notes on birds, insects, and plants helped create the study of natural history and even birdwatching. His work showed people how important it was to observe nature closely.
