19th April 2007

Birds, Birds, Birds

Cuckoo, Wheatear, Cormorants and Grey Wagtails… If you’re interested in birds in general and wildfowl in particular then join a walk organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust on Thursday 10th May and find out more about the many birds found around Aldershot Park and the upper reaches of the Valley. The walk will take in the nearby gravel workings at Badshot Lea, where you may see some of the passage and breeding birds of this habitat. It will also pass Tongham Pool where there will be plenty of opportunity to look at the many water birds.

Led by Colin Wilson the walk will cover around two miles and last about two and a half hours – depending on the weather and the birds seen. Bring binoculars if you have them and see how many different birds you can spot. Wear suitable clothing and footwear as the route crosses uneven ground off the main paths. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, but no dogs please.

Please phone 01252 331353 in advance to book a place, so we have an idea of numbers. No admission fee although a donation to the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust would be most welcome. Launched in 2006, the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust is a charitable organisation which seeks to raise funds to enhance the valley for the benefit of the people in the area and the wildlife. Anyone interested in wildlife and walking, cycling or jogging can join for just £5 per year for family membership (£100 if corporate membership is required) by contacting the Trust at Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2PS, telephone 01252 331353 or visit the website at www.bvct.org.uk

This bird walk starts at 10am from the car park in Aldershot Park (next to the Crematorium) map ref: SU 878 492.  For more details contact the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353.

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.

NOTES

• Colin Wilson is Bird Report Editor & Records Co-ordinator of the Reading Ornithological Club which provides beginners and experts alike with birdwatching experiences in and around Berkshire and southern England throughout the year. For further details please see www.theroc.org.uk or email Colin at colin.wilson@theroc.org.uk