Events - August 2011  

ORIENTEERING: Open Event Anytime between 1pm -3pm

Enjoy a taste of orienteering on the permanent course set up at Lily Hill Park. Test your physical and mental fitness by reading maps, finding points and solving the puzzles. Turn up anytime between 1pm - 3pm. Event takes place at Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell, Berks RG12 2RX. Organised by Bracknelll Forest Rangers for more information ring 01344 354441 or visit the website.
 

FOR CHILDREN: Pond Dipping 11am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 3.30pm

Fun and informative Ranged-led pond dipping sessions. Dip and find the amazing and sometimes crazy swimmers and crawlers that live in the lakes at Dinton Pastures. Ony suitable for children of five and above. All children must be accompanied. Sorry NO pushchairs. Meet at the cafe gardens at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH. £5 per child, booking essential. Ring 0118 934 2016 or email. Organised by Wokingham Countryside Service.  Also on Wednesday 10th, Tuesday 16th and Monday 22nd.
 

WALK: A Date With Nature 9am – 12.30pm

Join the Wokingham and Bracknell branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on a monthly walk around Dinton Pastures Country Park. Suitable for beginners to experienced bird watchers. Children  must be accompanied. Meet in the main car park at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH. Cost: £1, children free (proceeds to RSPB).
 

WALK: Hazeley Heath Grazing & Heathland  10am

Join Hart Grazing Ranger Laura Keighly on a walk to look at the two grazing plots on the heath as she highlights the benefits it is having on the flora and fauna. Meet in the lay-by opposite Arrow Lane, Hartley Wintney RG27 8NR, on the B3011.  Grid ref: SU 760 575 . Organised by Hart District Council Countryside Service. For more information tel: 01252 623443,  email or visit their website.
 

WALK: Fleet Pond Past, Present & Future  10.30am – 12.30pm

Join Colin Gray, chairman of Fleet Pond Society, to explore Fleet Pond’s 1,000 years of history. Find out about its use as an ancient fishery and training ground for soldiers, its present condition and status as an SSSI and what the future holds for Hampshire largest freshwater lake. Meet at Fleet Pond main car park, off the A3014 Fleet to Cove Road GU51 2RT. Grid ref: SU 825 553. All abilities welcome. Donations to Fleet Pond Society and the Clearwater Campaign welcome. For more details contact Colin Gray. Tel: 01252 616 183, or email or visit the website
 

WALK: Sherfield on Loddon 10.30am – 1pm

Ruth Cairns will lead a walk to explore the countryside around Sherfield on Loddon. Meet at the car park of the Garden Centre, Wildmoor Lane. Grid ref: SU 676 565. Suggested donation £1.50. Organised by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, for more details contactRuth Cairns. Tel: 01252 326364 or visit the website
 

WALK: Farnham Town Walk    11am-1pm

Join a local guide and take a walk of around 2-3 miles to discover more about the history of this Georgian town. Costs £3 for adults, children free. All the money goes to local charities. Meet at the Wagon Yard car park at the bottom of Downing Street, Farnham. For more details ring 01252 718119 or visit the website. This walk is held on the first Sunday of each month.  
 

HEALTH WALK WITH A RANGER: Lake, River & Ridges     10am

Get active, keep fit and take a walk. Steady 3 mile walk at 3 mph every second Wednesday of the month. This month meet at Horseshoe Lake car park, off Mill Lane, Sandhurst GU47 8JW. Organised by Bracknell Forest Rangers. More information on the website.
 

FAMILY WALK: Damselflies and Dragonflies of Caesar’s Camp 10.30am – 12.30pm

Join Elliott Fairs from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife trust on a walk to see the dainty and dangerous looking damselflies and dragonflies, with the possibility of some pond dipping to see larval stages. There could be up to 20 different species flying at this time of year.  Details on parking and map references will be given on booking. Booking essential. Suggested donation £2 per person or £5 per family. NOTE: Walk may be cancelled due to military training, check with Elliott beforehand on tel: 01256 381190.  Visit the website.
 

FOR CHILDREN: Pond Dipping 11am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 3.30pm

Fun and informative Ranged-led pond dipping sessions. Dip and find the amazing and sometimes crazy swimmers and crawlers that live in the lakes at Dinton Pastures. Only suitable for children of five and above. All children must be accompanied. Sorry NO pushchairs. Meet at the cafe gardens at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH. £5 per child, booking essential. Ring 0118 934 2016 or email. Organised by Wokingham Countryside Service.  Also on Tuesday 16th and Monday 22nd.
 

FOR CHILDREN: Friendly Bug Day 11am

Go along to Birdworld and you will have the chance to get up close and personal with some of their more creepy-crawly residents. If a slithering snake is not for you, then go along and have fun at the Punch and Judy shows or join in with the free craft and trail activities. PLUS: Face Painting, Bouncy Castle and more, (weather permitting). Charges apply. This event will be held at: Birdworld, Holt Pound , Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LD.  Tel: 01420 22140.
 

FOR CHILDREN: The Great Outdoors 2pm - 4pm

From folklore to fire, learn about the wonder of trees and plants and have a go at campfire cookery. Activity best suited for children 6+ years. Cost £2. Booking essential on 01344 354400/354441. Organised by Bracknell Forest Rangers. Meet in the main car park off Lily Hill Road, Bracknell, Berks RG12 2RX. For more information ring 01344 354441 or visit the website.
 

HEALTH WALK: Swinley Forest Amble 10am – 11am

A gentle circular walk along mostly man-made tracks, through trees and skirting the lake. This is one of a programme of supervised health walks offered by Surrey Heath Walking for Health. This walk is ideal for new walkers, the unfit or anyone recovering from illness / injury. Meet opposite the entrance to Hawley Lake Sailing Club, GU17 9UD. Grid ref: SU 830 574. Sorry no dogs. For more details contact Surrey Heath Walking for Health at Surrey Heath Borough Council. Tel: 01276 707100, email or visit the website.
 

CRAFT: Flint Knapping Demonstration   11am -4pm

Find out how different stone age tools and blades were created from flint. Suitable for all ages, drop-in session at Surrey Heath Museum, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3HD. For more information telephone: 01276 707284 email or visit the website.
 

BIRD WALK: Friends of Lavell’s Lake    9am -12 noon.

Family bird walk organised by the Friends of Lavell’s Lake. Members free, others £1 donation. Meet at Sandfords Lane car park opp. Black Swan Sailing Club, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst Berks RG10 0TH. Visit the website.
 

HEALTH WALK: Lookout Heritage Trail 10am – 12 noon

Easy medium length walk in Windsor Forest. Visiting the iron age fort at Caesar’s Camp and military redoubts dating back from Napoleonic Wars.  This is one of a programme of supervised health walks offered by Surrey Heath Walking for Health. This walk is aimed at regular walkers and those reasonably fit. Meet at the Lookout Discovery Centre, Bracknell RG12 7QW. Grid ref: SU 876 661. Sorry, no dogs. Surrey Heath Walking for Health at Surrey Heath Borough Council. Tel: 01276 707100, email or visit the website.
 

FAMILY EVENT: Meadow Beasts of Blackwater   2pm

Join Surrey Heath Ranger Peter Maynard for an afternoon of mini-beasting in a lush wildflower meadow next to the River Blackwater. Delve between the grasses in the hunt for Assassin Bugs, Soldier Beetles and Leaf Hoppers! Nets provided but limited so it's first come, first served! Cost: £2 per child. Sorry no dogs. This event will be held at: Admiralty Way, car park area, behind Gas Storage Towers, Camberley. For more information contact Surrey Heath Borough Council. Tel: 01276 707100,  email or visit the website.
 

FOR THE FAMILY: Pond-dipping 2pm-4pm

Join the Yateley Common Rangers for one or more of their guided summer holiday events, guaranteed outdoor fun for all the family! Today tit will be pond dipping. Other activities on Wednesday 17th.
All events will take place around the Wyndhams Pond area, meeting on the grassy patch near Wyndhams car park. Although the activities will be aimed at 5-12 year olds, all ages are welcome to come along, and  activities will be tailored to whoever is booked on. Cost: £1.50 per child (for each 2 hour session). Booking essential on 01252 870425 . Please note: All children must be supervised by an adult who will be responsible for their safety and behaviour. Please remember to dress for the outdoors, and prepare for the weather. For more details visit the website  
 

HEALTH WALK: Minley Lake 10am

A gentle, circular walk along mostly man-made tracks, through trees and skirting the lake. One of a programme of supervised health walks offered by Surrey Heath Walking for Health. This walk is ideal for new walkers, unfit or recovering from illness / injury. Meet opposite the entrance to Hawley Lake Sailing Club, GU17 9LP.  Sorry no dogs. Surrey Heath Walking for Health at Surrey Heath Borough Council. email or visit the website.
 

WALK: Discover the Countryside in Summer - Travels to the North 10.30am - 12.30pm

Part of a regular series of monthly mid-week walks. This month is a moderate walk of up to 4 miles. Meet at junction of Nuptown Lane and Hawthorne Lane, Warfield RG42 6HU. Grid ref: SU 890 736. Organised by Bracknell Forest Rangers. Tel: 01344 354400 / 354441. For more information visit the website
 

FOR CHILDREN: Pond Dipping 11am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 3.30pm

Fun and informative Ranged-led pond dipping sessions. Dip and find the amazing and sometimes crazy swimmers and crawlers that live in the lakes at Dinton Pastures. Ony suitable for children of five and above. All children must be accompanied. Sorry NO pushchairs. Meet at the cafe gardens at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH. £5 per child, booking essential. Ring 0118 934 2016 or email. Organised by Wokingham Countryside Service.  Also on Monday 22nd.
 

WALK: Wildlife and Heritage 10am – 1pm

oin the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area staff for a 5-mile walk through the picturesque countryside around Hartley Wintney to learn about some of the area’s history and wildlife. Meet at the pay and display car park, High Street, Hartley Wintney, RG27 8NJ. Grid ref: SU 767 570. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Sorry no dogs.Suggested donation £1.50. Organised by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. For more details contact: Amanda Ingham. Tel: 01256 381186 /  07796 387872. Website.
 

FOR THE FAMILY: Shelter Building 2pm-4pm

Join the Yateley Common Rangers for a guided summer holiday event,   guaranteed outdoor fun for all the family! Today it willl be shelter building. Other activities on Monday 22nd and Wednesday 24th.
All events will take place around the Wyndhams Pond area, meeting on the grassy patch near Wyndhams car park. Although the activities will be aimed at 5-12 year olds, all ages are welcome to come along, and  activities will be tailored to whoever is booked on. Cost: £1.50 per child (for each 2 hour session). Booking essential on 01252 870425 . Please note: All children must be supervised by an adult who will be responsible for their safety and behaviour. Please remember to dress for the outdoors, and prepare for the weather. For more details visit the website.
 

HEALTH WALK: Lightwater Country Park   10am – 11.30am

A challenging  walk following the country park trails with a steep climb to fantastic views. This is one of a programme of supervised health walks offered by Surrey Heath Walking for Health. This walk is for regular walkers and those reasonably fit. Meet at Lightwater Leisure Centre, Lightwater Country Park, GU18 5RG. Grid ref: SU 918 620. Sorry, no dogs. Organised by Surrey Heath Walking for Health at Surrey Heath Borough Council. Tel: 01276 707100, email or visit the website.
 

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER: Creatures Of The Night   7:30-9pm

Join the Rangers at Lily Hill Park as the sun sets and search for the bats and moths found on site emerging as day turns to night. Suitable for all. Bring a torch. Costs: £2. Meet at main car park, off Lily Hill Road, Bracknell, RG12 2RX. Booking essential. Organised by Bracknell Forest Rangers. For more information ring 01344 354441 or visit the website.
 

FAMILY EVENT: Magical and Mythical Mushrooms 10am – 12 noon

Join Elliott Fairs on a walk around Bramshot Heath looking for fun and fascinating fungi. Learn about fungi folklore and mushroom mythology as well as how we use fungi in all manner of ways today without even knowing it. Details on parking and map references will be given on booking. Booking essential. Suggested donation £2 per person or £5 per family. Note: Walk may be cancelled due to military training, check with Elliott beforehand. Organised by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Contact: Elliott Fairs. Tel: 01256 381190 or visit the website.
 

WILDLIFE EVENT:  Open Day at Moor Green Lakes   9am - 1pm

If you like the idea of getting up close to wildlife, then come along to Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve. You can join a bird walk and see some of the visiting and resident birds; find out what’s involved with bird ringing and watch a group in action; get close-up to moths; find out more about dragonflies and damselflies; look for small mammal and reptiles; or learn about the site’s management. If that’s not enough to keep the children occupied they can also go on a bug hunt, try their hand at pond dipping or even do some quizzes or colouring-in. And it’s all free! Site walks including a close encounter with the bird ringers leave every 30 minutes from 9am to 11am and are restricted to 20 people per group, so if you would like to book a place please phone 01252 331353.  Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve car park is off Lower Sandhurst Road, Finchampstead RG40 3TJ. Access by foot via the footbridge over the River Blackwater from Moulsham Green. Event organised by Moor Green Lakes Group and Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.                                   More details >>>
 

FAMILY EVENT: Countryside Activities For All     10am - 4pm

Join the Rangers at Yateley Common Country Park  for a free day of guided activities, accessible to all ages, aimed at families with disabilities. Ranger-guided activities include:

• Pond-dipping (morning)
• Bug-hunting (morning)
• Make Your Own Bird Feeder from Recycled Materials (afternoon)
• Gruffalo Story Telling with feelers and hand puppets (afternoon)

Also featuring:

• Beanbag Picnic! (bring your own picnic!)
• Watch Pond Animals with our Underwater Camera!
• Bird-Watching (focus-free binoculars available)!
• All-terrain wheelchairs available for exploring Yateley Common!

All events will be held around Wyndhams Pool, grid ref: SU 822 596. Marquee available if it rains - but please dress for the outdoors and prepare for the weather! Booking required for ranger-led activities. Telephone: 01252 870425. Visit the website.

WALK: Heathland in Bloom 1pm – 3pm

Join the Ranger for an afternoon stroll and enjoy the views and scent of the nectar-rich heather. Find out about the rare wildlife found here and how the Rangers manage this endangered habitat. Meet outside the Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park, Lightwater Surrey GU18 5YL. Grid ref: SU 918 620. Sorry no dogs. Organised by Surrey Heath Rangers. Tel: 01276 707166, email or visit the website.
 

FOR CHILDREN: Pond Dipping 11am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 3.30pm

Fun and informative Ranged-led pond dipping sessions. Dip and find the amazing and sometimes crazy swimmers and crawlers that live in the lakes at Dinton Pastures. Ony suitable for children of five and above. All children must be accompanied. Sorry NO pushchairs. Meet at the cafe gardens, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH. £5 per child, booking essential. Ring 0118 934 2016 or email. Organised by Wokingham Countryside Service. Visit the website.
 

FOR THE FAMILY: Bug Hunting 2pm-4pm

Join the Yateley Common Rangers for a guided summer holiday event, guaranteed outdoor fun for all the family! Today it willl be bug hunting. Other activity on Wednesday 24th.
All events will take place around the Wyndhams Pond area, meeting on the grassy patch near Wyndhams car park. Although the activities will be aimed at 5-12 year olds, all ages are welcome to come along, and  activities will be tailored to whoever is booked on. Cost: £1.50 per child (for each 2 hour session). Booking essential on 01252 870425 . Please note: All children must be supervised by an adult who will be responsible for their safety and behaviour. Please remember to dress for the outdoors, and prepare for the weather. or more details visit the website.
 

WALK: At Your Leisure Round Farnborough 10am

If you’d like a pleasant morning walk in the fresh air along some of the lesser known paths in the Farnborough area then join this walk organised by the BVC Trust. The walk will be an easy stroll and may take you to parts of Farnborough you never knew existed. You do need to reserve your place in advance however so please ring 01252 331353. The walk is free for memberbers of the BVC Trust, with a suggested donation of £3 for non-members. Meet for a 10am start at Farnborough Gate.                                        More details >>>
 

FOR THE FAMILY: Orienteering 2pm-4pm

Join the Yateley Common Rangers for a guided summer holiday event, guaranteed outdoor fun for all the family! Today it willl be orienteering. All events will take place around the Wyndhams Pond area, meeting on the grassy patch near Wyndhams car park. Although the activities will be aimed at 5-12 year olds, all ages are welcome to come along, and  activities will be tailored to whoever is booked on. Cost: £1.50 per child (for each 2 hour session). Booking essential on 01252 870425 . Please note: All children must be supervised by an adult who will be responsible for their safety and behaviour. Please remember to dress for the outdoors, and prepare for the weather. or more details visit the website.
 

^{WILDLIFE WALK: Reptiles at Hazeley Heath 9.30am}

Join Hart Ranger Leigh Neville to learn more about the reptiles found on this heath. Please note this walk may be cancelled at short notice due to bad weather. Meet in the layby opposite Arrow Lane , Hartley Wintney RG27 8NR, on the B3011.Grid ref: SU 760 575. Under 16-year-old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Wear suitable footwear and bring waterproof clothing. Booking essential. Organised by Hart District Council Countryside Service. Tel: 01252 623443, email or visit the website.
 

WILDLIFE EVENT: Marsh Gentian Count and Picnic 10am – 12.30pm

The recovery of the rare and beautiful marsh gentian has been a major success for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust at Bartley Heath. Help take part to count and record its spread and change in numbers. Meet at Bartley Heath Nature Reserve. Grid ref: SU 726 533. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Bring water to drink and a picnic lunch. Sorry no dogs. Suggested donation £1.50. Contact: Peter Vaughan. Tel: 01256 764225 /07905 906914. Or visit the website. 
 

HEALTH WALK: From Basingstoke Canal Centre   10am for 10.15am start

Come along for a steady paced 2 mile walk. This is a regular health walk taking place on the last  Sunday of every month. Meet at the Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, GU16 6DD. Sorry, no dogs. Organised by Rushmoor Healthy Living – Step into Nature. Contact: Christine Pieters.  Tel: 01252 362662 or email.
 

FAMILY EVENT: Heathland Minibeasts 11am

Free event. Come along and explore Farnham Heath reserve seeing out the small creatures that are easily overlooked. This event is suitable for accompanied 7 – 12 year olds. Meet at Farnham Heath RSPB Reserve. GU10 2DL Organised by the local RSPB group. Tel: 01252 795632, email or visit the website.
 

• Event organised by Blackwater Valley Countryside