Blackwater Valley Countryside

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Events - January 2010   

Open till Saturday 16th January
 

EXHIBITION: Tales of the Riverbank

Come along to our special exhibition depicting the history and natural history of the Blackwater Valley, showing how man’s activity has helped to shape the riparian environment and the change from working area and resource to amenity landscape. Organised jointly by Blackwater Valley Country Partnership and Surrey Heath Museum. Venue: Surrey Heath Museum, Knoll Road, Camberley GU15 3HD. Tel: 01276 707284. Open Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 5pm.
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Saturday 2nd

WALK: A Date With Nature

Join the Wokingham and Bracknell branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on a monthly walk around Dinton Pastures Country Park. Children under 18 must be accompanied. Time: 9am – 12.30pm. Meet in the main car park at Dinton Pastures Country Park.  Cost: £1, children free (proceeds to RSPB).
 

Sunday 10th

WALK: Friend’s of Lavell’s Lake Bird walk

Lavell’s Lake is rich in bird life, which is attracted to the reed beds, shallow scrapes and quiet surroundings. Two hides are available for viewing. On the second Sunday of every month join the Friends of Lavell’s Lake for a walk around the Park. Time: 9am-12 noon. Cost: Members free, donation of £1 for non-members. Meet: Sandfords Lane car park opposite the Black Swan Sailing Club, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH.

Sunday 10th

FAMILY EVENT: Eco Aerobics! Burn off that Crimbo Pud!!

Join a Surrey Heath Ranger for an afternoon of conservation work on the endangered heathland of Turf Hill, clearing the invading pine saplings that threaten to smother the precious heather. It will be great exercise but you can work at your own pace! Hot drinks (and maybe even biscuits) will be provided! Meet at 1pm in the car park at the entrance to Turf Hill, Guildford Road, Lightwater, Surrey GU18 5SW.Organised by Surrey Heath Rangers. For more details contact Surrey Heath Borough Council. Tel: 01276 707100 or email: enquiries@surreyheath.gov.uk
 

Thursday 14th

TALK: Why the Wye?

This month the The Rowhill Nature Reserve Society talk is by Hugh Lambert. 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.
 

Friday 15th

TALK: The Wildflowers of Bracknell

An illustrated talk by David Rowe, amateur botanist and member of the Bracknell and District Urban Wildlife Group. Time: 7.45pm-10pm. Place: King Edwards Hall, King Edwards Road, North Ascot, SL5 8PD. Grid ref: SU 915 700. Admission £2.50 on the door, to include coffee & biscuits. Children 14+ welcome. For further information contact: Carol Winder, tel: 01753 854393. Organised by Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th 

COURSE: Frame Basket Making

Learn how to use willow to make unique and characterful gypsy baskets with tutor Christine Brewster. Suitable for beginners. Time: 10am to 4pm. Cost: £60 includes all materials and refreshments. Place: Loddon Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH. Advance booking essential. To book or for more information contact Christine on 0118 966 2250 or visit www.StripeyBasket.co.uk

Saturday 23rd

WALK: Horseshoe Lake Hike & Handbells

Enjoy a crisp winter stroll around stunning lakes, river and wood with the Bracknell Forest Rangers. Mid-way toast the New Year with refreshments and a magical musical interlude. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and foot wear - paths can be muddy. Should last around two hours. Costs £3.50 for refreshments. Meet at 1pm at Horseshoe Lake car park Mill Lane, Sandhurst GU47 8JW. Booking essential. Organised by Bracknell Forest Rangers. Ring 01344 354400/354441 to book and for more details.
 

Saturday 23rd

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
 

Sunday 24th

WALK: Hoary Hedges and Sleeping Giants

Join the Hampshire Wildlife Trust  for a gentle walk over Foxlease Meadows, identifying shrubs in an informal hedgerow survey. You’ll also spend time looking closely at some of the wonderful veteran trees and checking for signs of wildlife activity. Foxlease Meadows are off the A327 (Minley Road). Please park at the Crown and Cushion public house. Grid ref: SU 835 571. Dogs on leads and children are welcome. Please wear footwear suitable for muddy terrain.  Suggested donation £1.50.  This walk may be subject to cancellation due to military training, so please call to check a few days before the date. For further details, contact Keith Blackmore
on 07770 918372.
 

Saturday 30th

WALK/CRAFT: Wild One: Big Park Birdwatch

Discover more about the colours and calls of our feathered friends on this Wokingham & Bracknell RSPB guided tour in preparation for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend. Plus the chance to make a birdfeeder to take home. Suitable for families and adults. Costs £2 voluntary donation to RSPB. Bring binoculars if you have any and wear suitable outdoor clothes and footwear. Should last about two hours. Meet at 10am at North car park, Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell RG12 2RX. Booking essential. Organised in conjunction with Bracknell Forest Rangers. Ring 01344 354400/354441 to book and for more details.
 

Saturday 30th

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.
 

Saturday 30th

WALK: Stroll Through the Centuries

Explore the historic landscape of South Hill Park, a Grade II registered park and receive the latest update on the multi-million pound ‘Parks for People’ Project to restore the grounds. Walk will take about one hour. Meet for a 1pm start at South Hill Arts Centre main entrance, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Organised by Bracknell Forest Council. Ring 01344 354400/35444 for more details.
 

Sunday 31st

WAlk: Winter Birds

If you’re intersted in birds come along and find out more about the woodland and water birds found on and around Tongham Pool. This morning walk, lasting about two hours is led by Colin Wilson.  Meet for a 10am start at Aldershot Park (next to the Crematorium) Guildford Road, Aldershot. Grid ref: SU 878 492. Please wear suitable footwear as the walk could be very muddy in sections.  If you plan to attend please register your interest by ringing 01252 331353, or e-mail.  This will help us to warn people if the event is cancelled (eg because of bad weather). 
 

 

 

 

  • Event suitable for children.
  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Event organised by Blackwater Valley Countryside.