10th December 2007

The 12 Days of Christmas

If your Christmas usually involves too much sitting around eating and drinking, here are a few ideas of things to do in and around the Blackwater Valley that will get you out of the house between Boxing Day and Twelfth Night (January 6th).

Wednesday 26th

Go for a walk

Get out of the house and take a walk along the Blackwater Valley Path.
It runs for 23 miles from Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot to Swallowfield.
Buy the Blackwater Valley Path book for full route details and interesting snippets of what you’ll see en route. Costs £2.50 plus 50p p+p from Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership Ash Lock Cottage Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.
See a map of the Valley to find out where you can access the path.

OR… Join an organised walk

The Ramblers’ Association’s annual Festival of Winter Walks is open to everyone and runs until 2nd January. There are many leisurely walks all with experienced walk leaders taking place in the Blackwater Valley area including a circular walk on Wednesday 26th along the River Blackwater and Basingstoke Canal starting at 10am from Frimley Park Lodge. Contact the North-East Hampshire group on 01252 31482 for more details. You do not have to be a member of the Ramblers to take part, although if you decide to join after the festival walk, you get a 20% discount. Visit www.ramblers.org.uk for more details.

OR... Join a countryside ranger-led stroll around Dinton Pastures Country Park
followed by mince pies and mulled wine. Mobility Scooters available (please phone beforehand to check availability). Meet in the main car at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst, Berks for a 2pm start. The walk will last about 1½ hours and is free although parking will cost £1. No need to book just turn up.
Organised by Wokingham Countryside Service, ring 0118 934 2016 for more details.

Thursday 27th

Take the kids to a show

Meet the Good Science Fairy and Naughty Goblin in an amazing fun and interactive science show The Who Stole Christmas Show for all the family at the Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7QW. Something for all the family although it is particularly suited for 3-11 year-olds. Show times are 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm daily and tickets cost £1.70. No pre-booking just turn up on the day. Daily performances until 6th January 2008. Ring 01344 354400 for more details.

Friday 28th

Learn about Bark ’n’ Twigs

Improve your tree identification skills at Frimley Lodge Park. During this one-hour stroll, Ranger Bernard Simpson will offer tips on identifying some of the more common trees in the park. Meet outside the Warden's office, Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Frimley Green at 2pm. There is no charge and dogs on leads are welcome. Organised by Surrey Heath Rangers, ring 01276 479582 for more details.

Saturday 29th

Explore Farnham Park & Museum

Take a trip to Farnham and have a walk around Farnham Park.
The 320 acre medieval deer park has an impressive tree avenue over 1km long and is partly managed for wildlife and partly for amenity.
Afterwards pay a visit to the Museum of Farnham and visit the special ‘Bah Humbug!’ exhibition which looks at how Christmas is treated in various literary works. Families can take part in the special Christmas Character Trail around the museum and claim a seasonal treat and children of all ages will find a variety of Christmas things to make and do at the activity table.
Farnham Museum is open Friday 28th and Saturday 29 December, then open as normal from Wednesday 2nd, 10am to 5pm. For more details ring 01252 715094.

Sunday 30th

Stroll along the Canal

Take a leisurely morning stroll along the Basingstoke Canal and through woodland, taking in the birdsong and fresh morning air on an organised walk which should last about two hours. No prior booking is required and there is no charge. Dogs on leads welcome and children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. Please wear
appropriate footwear as the route includes unmade pathways, hills and gates.
Meet at the Warden's office, Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Frimley Green at 10am.
For more details ring 01276 707100

OR... Have a woodland wander…

Follow the 1½ mile circular nature trail around Rowhill Nature Reserve, the source of the River Blackwater and one of the few areas of semi-ancient woodland in the Valley. The site covers 55 acres and offers a variety of habitats including mixed woodland with coppice. If you visit on a Sunday you can pop into the Visitor Centre for a cup of tea or coffee as it is open from 2pm to 4.30. Ring 01252 319749 for more details.

Monday 31st

Go skiing or snowboarding

Snow in any quantity is unlikely, but you could still go skiing or snowboarding at the Alpine Snowsports centre in Aldershot. It’s open from 10.30am-9.45pm Sunday to Friday and from 12.30-6.30pm on Saturday, although it’s always best to book beforehand. Reception opens for bookings and enquiries from 9.30am Monday-Saturday and 10am on Sundays. Bookings can be made over the telephone, ring 01252 325889 for more details.

Tuesday 1st

Try birdwatching

Get out your binoculars and go birdwatching. Winter is a good time to see the many migrants that visit the Valley’s lakes – especially the elegant white Little Egret – and there are a number of sites in the Valley worth a special visit. Moor Green Lakes at Sandhurst and Tongham Pool at Aldershot are both noted for their bird populations, whilst the lakes by Frimley Hatches is another spot worth a visit.

Wednesday 2nd

Look for flowering plants

Yes it is winter but you may be surprised at exactly how many wild flowers are in bloom at this time of year. You’re almost certain to see yellow Gorse and white Dead Nettle but in addition you could see Chickweed, Dandelions, Daisies and Primroses.
Sheltered sunny parts of the Valley are where you are most likely to find them. Do remember to send us details of any flowering plants you discover for our sightings page.

Thursday 3rd

Find out about the area’s historical past

Visit Surrey Heath Museum and their special Light on Lightwater exhibition on the village of Lightwater, looking at how it developed from a few scattered cottages, farms and mills set in open heathland. The exhibition includes some remarkable Iron Age and Roman material from a site at Windlesham Arboretum, excavated by Surrey Heath Archaeological and Heritage Trust. The Museum is open from Wednesday 2nd - Saturday 5th
from 11am-5pm. Admission free. Ring 01276 707284 for more details.

Friday 4th

Join the ancient tree treasure hunt

Ancient trees are found anywhere and everywhere, so this is a treasure hunt that everyone can take part in. Look for them in and around towns and villages, in woods, fields and hedgerows and along the river valley. These trees provide a home for our most endangered wildlife, but they themselves are under threat from development, neglect, intensive agriculture and forestry.
The Ancient Tree Hunt (ATH) run by the Woodland Trust invites you to find and map all the fat, old trees in the area to create a comprehensive database. To find out more visit www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk. The website will also help you find details of recorded ancient trees in this area to go and see.

Saturday 5th

Visit the countryside

Enjoy a crisp winter stroll around the stunning lakes, river and wood at Horseshoe Lakes with the Bracknell Forest Rangers. Mid-way round toast the New Year with refreshments and a magical musical interlude. Pre-booking is essential. Costs £3.50 for refreshments. Meet for a 1pm start in Horseshoe Lake car park off Mill Lane, Sandhurst and please wear suitable footwear. Ring 01344 354441 to book and for more details.

Sunday 6th

Take part in conservation work

If you want to try your hand at some practical conservation work join the Snaky Lane Community Wildlife Group on their first session of the year when they will be carrying out various site management tasks. Snaky Lane is a seven-acre site bordered by Stratford Road and Meadow Close in Ash Vale, and comprises grassland, hedges, trees and a pond. Come along any time between 10.30am-3pm, but please wear old clothes.
Ring 01252 331353 for more details.

OR... Have a woodland wander…

END

For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.