Events - March 2011 

HEALTH WALK: Minley Lake

A gentle one hour circular walk along mostly man-made tracks through trees and sksirting the lakes. This is one of a new programme of supervised health walks offered by Surrey Heath Borough Council and is ideal for new walkers, anyone unfit or recovering from illness/injury. Meet at 9.45am opposite the entrance to Hawley Lake Sailing Club GU 17 9LP. Sorry no dogs or children. For more details contact Gary Clifford, Cultural & Commercial Services,  Surrey Heath Borough Council, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3HD.  Tel: 01276 707272. Email or visit the website.
 

WALK: St David’s Day round Lakes and Ridges

Part of a regular series of monthly mid-week walks. This is a moderate walk up to 4 miles.  Start time 10.30am. Meet at Ambarrow Court car park, off A321, Wokingham Road, Sandhurst, GU47 8JB. Grid ref: SU 825 627 For further information contact Bracknell Forests Rights of Way Ranger or visit the website
  

HEALTH WALK: From Ash

A regular walk on the first Tuesday of each month organised by Rushmoor Healthy Living - Step into Nature. The walk will be at a brisk pace around the local area, sorry no dogs. Meet at Ash Parish Council Offices, Ash Hill Road, Ash GU12 5Dp at 10.45am for an 11am start. For more details contact Christine Pieters at Rushmoor Healthy Living. Tel: 01252 362662. Email or visit the website
 

BIRD WALK: At Dinton Pastures

Organised by an RSPB volunteer group or group members and interested members of the local community this all day three-mile walk will take place at Dinton Pastures Country Park starting at 10am. Facilities and number of places may be limited so please ring the organiser in advance. You do not need to be a member of the RSPB (or the local group), and birdwatching experience is not necessary. Bring lunch and binoculars. For more details contact Robin Borwick from the Guildford group of the  RSPB on 01428 717848 or visit the website
 

TALK: Astronomy

Are you fascinated by the night sky? The Reading Astronomical Society holds a regular series of talks on astronomy basics, including advice on using telescopes always available. Meet on the first Saturday of the month (except July and August), Loddon Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park. Time 7pm. Cost free. For further information contact Gerry Bond on (0118) 986 4032 or email
 

HEALTH WALK: From Frimley Lodge Park

A peaceful two-hour walk beside the Basingstoke Canal to Ash. This is one of a new programme of supervised health walks offered by Surrey Heath Borough Council and is is classified as moderate for regular walkers and those who are reasonably fit. Meet at 9.45am at the cafe at Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Mytchett GU16 6HY. There will be a refreshment stop at The Swan at Ash Vale before returning. Sorry no dogs or children. For more details contact Gary Clifford, Cultural & Commercial Services, Surrey Heath Borough Council, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3HD.  Tel: 01276 707272. Email or visit the website. 
 

WILDLIFE WALK & ACTIVITY: Ancient Hedges and Waking Giants

Join this gentle walk over Foxlease Meadows, identifying shrubs in an informal hedgerow survey. Also spend time looking closely at some of the wonderful veteran trees and checking for signs of wildlife activity. Dogs on leads and children welcome. Suggested donation £1.50. Event should last about two hours. Please wear footwear suitable for muddy terrain. PLEASE NOTE: Event may be cancelled due to military training,  please check with Keith Blackmore on 07770 918372 beforehand. Meet for a 10.30am start at The Crown and Cushion public house car park, Minley Road, GU17 9UA. Grid ref: SU 835 571. Organised by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. For more details visit their website
 

WALK: Farnham Town Walk 

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 for an 11am start 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 and takes about two hours.
 

HEALTH WALK: Poets and Ponds

Get active and keep fit on this regular monthly walk, covering 3 miles at a steady 3mph with a Bracknell Forest Ranger. Meet at Pope’s Meadow car Park, St Marks Road, Binfield RG42 4AY for a 10am start. Ring 01344 354400/354441 or visit the website for more details.
 

TALK: The Glory  that is Rowhill

This month the Rowhill Nature Reserve Society talk is by Roy Champion, conservation officer for Rowhill Nature Reserve, who will be giving his annual update on the work that has been done on the reserve.
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.
 

HEALTH WALK: Swinfely Forest Trek

An hour’s trek through Swinley Forest to The Lookout then back again This is one of a new programme of supervised health walks offered by Surrey Heath Borough Council and is is classified as challenging for experienced walkers. Meet at 9.45am aoutside St Anne’s Church, Church Road, Bagshot, Surrey GU 19 5EQ. There will be a stop for elevenses at The Lookout and an optional lunch at the Harvester afterwards. Sorry no dogs or children. For more details contact Gary Clifford, Cultural & Commercial Services,  Surrey Heath Borough Council, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3HD.  Tel: 01276 707272. Email or visit the website. 
 

EVENT: Stars In Your Skies

Ever wanted to explore the Universe but can’t get a ride on a rocket? Join us for an evening of star gazing where local astronomers will use telescopes to guide you through views of the planets. This will be a good time to see Mars and Saturn and other delights of the night sky. This event will be held outdoors so warm clothing and sensible shoes are advised. The site is wheelchair accessible. Please note that what you see will depend on the amount of cloud cover on the night. Suitable for everyone.  Meet at the Loddon Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park. Time: 7.30pm. Cost: free. For more details contact Gerry Bond on 0118 986 4032 or email
 

WORKSHOP: Living Willow

Learn how to make living willow tunnels, domes, arbours, hedges and sculptures. We will be working outdoors planting willow, with an indoor discussion on obtaining materials, planting and after-care. The course will be held at the Loddon Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park, between 10am and 4pm. The cost will be £35. For more information and to book a place please contact Christine on 0118 966 2250 or visit the website
 

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

Lavell’s Lake is rich in bird life, which is attracted to the much extended reed beds, shallow scrapes and quiet surroundings. Bittern Hide offers extensive seating and standing room overlooking Tern Scrape, whilst Teal Hide offers great views over the scrape and a fine Sand Martin Wall. On the second Sunday of every month join the Friends of Lavell’s Lake for a walk around the Park. Cost: Members free, donation of £1 for non-members. Meet for a 9am start at Sandfords Lane car park opposite the Black Swan Sailing Club, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH. Should last until 12 noon. For more details ring 01189 342 016 or visit their website
 

WORKSHOP: Photographing Wildlife

Join Chris Bean from the BVC Trust, an experienced photographer, to learn techniques for developing and improving your wildlife  photography skills. Aimed at beginners / improvers. Bring your camera and, if possible, a support such as a tripod or beanbag. A charge of £5 will be made to non-members. Booking essential, please ring 01252 331353 to reserve your place or email giving your name and contact telephone number. The workshop will be held at Rowhill Nature Reserve Field Centre, Cranmore Lane, Aldershot GU11 3BD. If the weather permits there will be an opportunity to go out on to the reserve to try out your newfound skills. More details on the BVCT website.
 

TALK: British Amphibians and Reptiles – and their Conservation

An illustrated talk by Mike Preston, herpetologist, who has worked professionally in amphibian and reptile conservation for 20 years. Starts at 7.45pm – 10pm at King Edwards Hall, King Edwards Road, North Ascot SL5 8PD. Admission £2.50 on the door. Children 12+ years welcome. Suitable for wheelchair users  and people with limited mobility. For further information contact Carol Winder on 01753 854393. 
 

HEALTH WALK: Wildmoor Heath

Enjoyable and interesting two hour walk, where parts of the route date back to King John and the 13th century. This is one of a new programme of supervised health walks offered by Surrey Heath Borough Council and is is classified as moderate, for regular walkers and those reasonably fit. Meet at 9.45am at Wildmoor Heath car park, Crowthorne Road, Crowthorne. Grid ref: SU 842 627. Sorry no dogs or children. For more details contact Gary Clifford, Cultural & Commercial Services, Surrey Heath Borough Council, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3HD.  Tel: 01276 707272. Email or visit the website.
 

HEALTH WALK: Minley Lake

A gentle one hour circular walk along mostly man-made tracks through trees and sksirting the lakes. This is one of a new programme of supervised health walks offered by Surrey Heath Borough Council and is ideal for new walkers, anyone unfit or recovering from illness/injury. Meet at 9.45am opposite the entrance to Hawley Lake Sailing Club GU 17 9LP. Sorry no dogs or children. For more details contact Gary Clifford, Cultural & Commercial Services,  Surrey Heath Borough Council, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3HD.  Tel: 01276 707272. Email or visit the website.
 

WALK: Around Frimley Hatches and Allotments

Discover the ‘wild’ side of Frimley on this circular walk organised  by the BV Walker’s Link. Covering around five miles it will take you through a variety of different landscapes, including woodland and heathland and alongside both the River Blackwater and Basingstoke Canal. The route is fairly flat, although there are some slopes and steps and some of the tracks and paths could be wet and muddy, so please wear appropriate footwear. Meet for a 10am start at the car park at Frimley Lodge Park , Sturt Road, Mytchett, Surrey GU16 6NS. Grid ref: SU 887 562. Phone 01252 331353 for more details.
 

HEALTH WALK: From Basingstoke Canal Centre

One of the regular health walks organised by Rushmoor Healthy Living – Step into Nature, this monthly walk takes place on the last Sunday of every month. Meet at 10,45am for an 11am start at Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, GU16 6DD. Grid ref: SU 893 550. Sorry no dogs. For more details contact Christine Pieters at Rushmoor Healthy Living. Tel: 01252 362662. Email or visit the website
 

WALK: Spring Stroll at Lily Hill Park

Enjoy the highlights of Spring at Lily Hill Park on a Ranger-guided walk from 2pm – 3pm.  Meet at North car park off Lily Hill Road, Bracknell, RG12 2RX. No booking required. Organised by Parks & Countryside Service at Bracknell Forest Council. For more details contact The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400 / 354441, call in at Reception (open 10am-5pm)or visit the website
 

COURSE: Ethnobotany

Find out ways of exploring the relationships between people and plants with Chris Howkins, British ethnobotanist and writer. A talk and outdoor session will deal with How Did we use Plants in the Past?. The course has been organised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and will be held at Rowhill Field Study Centre, Cranmore Lane, Aldershot GU11 3BD from 10am to 4pm. Costs £25. Booking essential on 01489 774400 or email courses@hwt.org.uk. Bring a packed lunch; tea and coffee provided.

WORKSHOP: Willow Structures – Plant Supports and Obelisks

Learn how to make dramatic obelisks for sweet peas or other climbing plants, or to use as unique sculptures in your garden. No previous knowledge of working with willow required. The course will be held at the Loddon Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park, between 10am and 4pm. The cost will be £35. For more information and to book a place please contact Christine on (0118) 966 2250 or visit the website www.StripeyBasket.co.uk
 

• Event organised by Blackwater Valley Countryside