Events - February 2010  

WALK: The Countryside in Winter -Across the Race Course and Around  

One of a series of regular mid-week walks, today it is a ‘Rambler’ walk, which will cover up to 7 miles and take about 2½ hours.
Meet at Ascot Library car park, Fernbank Road, Ascot at 10:30am. Map ref: SU 910 698. For more information please call the Bracknell Forest Rights of Way Ranger on 07776 160812.
 

EXHIBITION: Capturing our Natural World

Winning images from the Local Parks Photo Competition, plus an extended exhibition of photographs that were honorary mentions. At the Community Gallery, South Hill Parks Art Centre, Ringmead, RG12 7PA. Check out the winner on www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parksinpictures and get snapping for the 2010 competition.
 

WALK: Bluebells and Blue Mountain

Get active and keep fit. Take a steady walk for 3 miles at 3 mph on this monthly walk with the Rangers on the second Wednesday of every month. This month meet at 10am at Farley Wood Centre car park, Turnpike Road, Amen Corner RG42 1FW. Organised by Bracknell Forest Rangers. For more details contact The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400 / 354441, call in at Reception (open 10am-5pm)or visit the website www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/walking/3x30
 

TALK: In a Monastery Garden

This month the Rowhill Nature Reserve Society talk is by Susan Allshorn who will be asking how effective herbs are in a modern world. Time: 7.30pm. Place: The Field Centre, Rowhill Nature Reserve, Cranmore Lane, Aldershot GU11 3BD. Visitors are always welcome
and are invited to make a donation. For more information ring 01252 319749.
 

ACTIVITY: Make Your Own Besom Broom at Caesar’s Camp

Come along to this large and very special area of heathland, to take part in the historic industry of besom broom making. You will find out about other uses of plants on the heath and you will be able to take home your broom.  10am - 12 noon. Meet at the car park on the south side of the Bourley Road, between Aldershot and Fleet. Grid ref: SU 844 509.  For further details, please contact Alex Cruickshank on 01256 381190 or email: alexc@hwt.org.uk. Suggested donation £2.  This event may be subject to cancellation in the event of MOD training.
 

COUNTRYSIDE CRAFTS: the Hedgerow and Woodland Conservationists [HAWCS]

This local group are dedicated to the traditional art of woodland coppice management and hedge laying. Meet at Shepherd Meadows, Sandhurst. Map ref: SU 848 606. Time from 10am – 4pm. Tea & coffee provided. Thornproof waterproof clothing and boots recommended. Tools provided. For further details please contact Bracknell Forest Rangers on 01344 354400/354441.
 

WALK: LODGE TO THE LOCK

A walk from Frimley Lodge Park to Deepcut Locks and back, suitable for all the family and dogs on leads. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for uneven pathways. Please bring binoculars if you have them and duck food. Meet for a 2pm start at Frimley Lodge Park Cafe, Sturt Road, Mytchett GU16 6HY. Organised by Surrey Heath Rangers. For more details contact Surrey Heath Borough Council. Tel: 01276 707100 or email: enquiries@surreyheath.gov.uk
 

CRAFTS: Mothers Day Gift Cards

Make a special Mothers’ Day gift at California Dreaming Cafe, California Country Park! Kits will be available to buy and make. Children must be supervised. From 11am - 3pm.  Costs £2. Please phone California Creaming Cafe for details on 0118 973 5519.

CRAFTS: Lantern Making

Come and make a withy lantern at Dinton Pastures. Using bendy willow twigs and tissue paper we will make glowing lanterns, decorated with natural objects which will help brighten up the dullest day! Children under eight must be accompanied. Children eight and over can be unaccompanied , but adults are welcome to stay.  Sessions at 11am and 2pm. Costs £4 per children. Booking essential. Organised by Wokingham Countryside Service/ Email countryside@wokingham.gov.uk or call 0118 934 2016.
l

WILD ONES CRAFT/ ACTIVITY: Blooming Marvellous

Discover the magical secrets of flowers, make your own everlasting mini-wildlife garden, decorate a plant pot and sow your own seeds at Sandhurst Community Hall, Sandhurst Memorial Park, Yorktown Road, Sandhurst GU47 9BJ. Best suited for 5-11 year olds. Bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. 10am-12 noon. Costs £3.50 for materials. Booking essential. Organised by Bracknell Forest Rangers, for more details contact The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400 / 354441, call in at Reception (open 10am-5pm).
 

WILD ONES ACTIVITY: Spring-time Safari

Explore all that nature has to offer on this journey, with outdoor games and activities for children at Ambarrow Court. Meet in the car park at Ambarrow Court (off the A321) Wokingham Road, Sandhurst GU47 8JB. Booking essential. Organised by Bracknell Forest Rangers, for more details contact The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400 / 354441, call in at Reception (open 10am-5pm).
 

WALK: Allotments and Hatches Around Frimley

Come along on this pleasant five-mile walk around the Frimley area taking in the canal towpath, riverside footpath, woodland and heathland organised by the BV Walkers’ Link and led by Bob. Please meet for a 10.30am start at Frimley Lodge Park car park, Sturt Road, Mytchett. Grid ref: SU 887 562. Booking unnecessary just turn up, friends welcome. Dogs permitted but please keep on a lead where advised.
 

FAMILY WORKSHOP: Make a Bird Nest Box

If you would like to build a nest box for your garden birds, come along to the Field Centre at Rowhill Nature Reserve, Cranmore Lane, Aldershot GU11 3BD from 10am to 12 noon. There is only a limited number of boxes available so phone 01276 22574 to book a place, ideally by Saturday 13th February. Alternatively just turn up on the day, it will be first come, first served.  Each nest box kit will cost £5 and  includes an information sheet on siting and maintenance from the British Trust for Ornithology and a free hole protector that would normally cost £2.50. All materials are provided, but if possible please bring a hammer with you. Refreshments will be available.  Event organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust, for more details visit  www.bvct.org; for more information on National Nest Box week visit www.bto.org/nnbw
 

WORKSHOP:  Willow Sculptures   10am-4pm

Learn how to scribble with willow in 3D to make your own dramatic sculpture to stand in your garden. Deer, pig, cat, goose, swan – the possibilities are endless! Tutors: Christine Browser, basket maker, and Sue Wright, artist, sculptor, and basket maker. To be held at the London Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH. Costs £70 per person (includes all materials and refreshments). Pre-booking essential. For more information or to book a place please contact Christine on 0118 966 2250 or visit www.StripeyBasket.co.uk
 

WALK: The Countryside in Winter - Englemere and Swinley Park

One of a series of regular mid-week walks, today it is a ‘Moderate’ walk, which will cover up to 4 miles and take about 1.75 hours.
Meet at Englemere car park, Swinley Road, Winkfield at 10.30am. Map ref: SU 901 684. For more information please call the Bracknell Forest Rights of Way Ranger on 07776 160812.
 

COUNTRYSIDE CRAFTS: the Hedgerow and Woodland Conservationists [HAWCS]

This local group are dedicated to the traditional art of woodland coppice management and hedge laying. Meet at Shepherd Meadows, Sandhurst. Map ref: SU 848 606. Time from 10am – 4pm. Tea & coffee provided. Thornproof waterproof clothing and boots recommended. Tools provided. For further details please contact Bracknell Forest Rangers on 01344 354400/354441.
 

FAMILY EVENT: Scary or just Hairy?

Does a sign on the gate saying ‘Cattle Grazing including a Bull’ make you feel unsure? Ever wondered how to walk through a reserve with cattle in it?  Or how best to behave when you come across a cow with calf on your walk? The the Grazing Project Staff of Hampshire Wildlife trust ease your fears by introducing you to the cattle at Pondtail. Get up close to the cows, learn about attitudes (yours and the cows’) and how to adapt your behavior to negotiate a herd safely and confidently. Meet on the heath at the end of Pondtail Road, grid ref: SU 826 541. Please park with consideration to local residents. From 1-3.30pm. Booking essential. For further details and to book your place please contact Laura Fairs on 01256 381190 or email LauraF@hwt.org.uk. Suggested donation £1.50. Please note: This event may be subject to cancellation in the event of MOD training.
 

TALK: Astronomy

Are you fascinated by the night sky? The Reading Astronomical Society holds a regular series of basic astronomy talks. Advice on using telescopes always available. Cost: Free. Time: 7pm. Meet: Loddon Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park. For more information contact Gerry Bond (0118) 986 4032 or email beginners@readingastro.org.uk
 

FAMILY ACTIVITY: Home Sweet Home

Now is the perfect time to put up a bird nesting box in your garden. Come along to the Heathland Visitor Centre and make one for your own garden. All timber is supplied on a first come, first served basis. Bring a hammer if you have one. Family event - sorry, no dogs. Starts at 11am. Costs £5 per box. Lightwater Country Park, Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater, Surrey GU18 5RG. For more details contact Surrey Heath Borough Council. Tel: 01276 707100 or email: enquiries@surreyheath.gov.uk
 

• Event organised by Blackwater Valley Countryside