Events - May 2008   

WALK: Aren’t Birds Brilliant

Join the Wokingham & Bracknell branch of the RSPB on this regular monthly walk around Dinton Pastures. Meet 9am at the main car park Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst, Berks. Adults £1, accompanied children free (proceeds to RSPB). Ring 0118 934 2016 for more details.
 

EVENT: Surrey Heath Show

Visit this great NEW Show, a fun day out for all the family
Become a part of your community and visit or take part in the new Surrey Heath Show, a fun day with lots of activities and events for all the family, held at Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Frimley Green, Surrey GU16 6NS. There'll be plenty of bouncing for children, demonstrations and exhibitions, live music, competitions, arts and crafts, Millers Ark with animals to cuddle and a companion dog show. Frimley Lodge Park has lots of open space, and the Basingstoke Canal runs alongside it. The miniature railway will be running or perhaps you prefer a canal boat ride. There will also be a diverse range of food available on the day. From 10am-4pm. For more details contact enquiries@surreyheathshow.org
 

BIRD WALK: Lily Hill Park

Join local ornithologist, Brian Clews to identify the many birds found at Lily Hill Park, as part of Bracknell Bird Bonanza. Bring a pair of binoculars.There are two sessions at 10am and 11.30am and it costs £2 per person. Pre-booking is essential.  Ring The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400 / 354441 or call in at Reception (open 10am-5pm to record your contact details. Payment can be made prior to the event or on the day, this is non-refundable. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
 

BIRD WALK: Dawn Chorus at Dinton Pastures

Join the Wokingham & Bracknell RSPB for a stroll during the most energetic and bustling time of the day for birds, but you’ll need to be there for a 5am start! Wear sturdy shoes and warm /waterproof clothing and bring binoculars. Adults £1, accompanied children free (money to RSPB). Meet in the main car park Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst Berks RG10 0TH. Why not pre-book a full English breakfast for after the walk at the café by ringing 0118 934 2016. Served at 7.30am.
 

BIRD WALK: Spring Morning Birdsong at Yateley Common

To celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day, come along on this bird walk at a more sociable hour and discover and learn about the many different birds here, ranging from common garden birds to heathland specialists. Bring binoculars, if you have them. No dogs please. Meet at Wyndhams Pool car park off Cricket Hill Lane, Yateley. Grid ref SU 822 596. Organised by Hampshire County Council Countryside Service Ranger. Ring 01252 870425 for more details.
 

Sunday 4th & Monday 5th

EVENT: Woodland Crafts Weekend          

Find out more about traditional woodland crafts, see a display of fascinating old woodland tools and watch crafts people at work. Whilst you’re here take the opportunity to walk around the reserve. This special event takes place at Rowhill Nature Reserve, come along to The Field Centre, Cranmore Lane, Aldershot. SU 849499. From 10.30am - 4.30pm. All welcome. Refreshments available.
More about Rowhill >>>
 

WALK: Bird Walk

An opportunity to join a guided walk around the public footpaths of Bramshill Wood to look and listen for birds. Led by Colin Wilson the walk has been organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust. Meet for a 9.30am start at the car park on the road between A327 at Eversley and B3011 Hartley Wintney to Heckfield road. Grid ref: SU 740 613. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear as the paths might be muddy in places. Bring binoculars, if you have them. No dogs please. For more details ring the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust, on 01252 331353.
 

TALK: Australia

An illustrated talk by Jill Carey. Talk starts at 7.30pm at The Field Centre, Rowhill Nature Reserve, Cranmore Lane, Aldershot. Members free, non-members welcome for a donation (minimum £1). For more information call 01252 319749.    
 

WALK: Dawn Chorus

Join Conservation Ranger Peter Bickford for an early morning stroll down the Basingstoke Canal. This is the perfect opportunity to listen and learn about bird songs. Meet at 4.30am at Howfield Cottage, Brookwood. Grid ref: SU 944 569. Will last about 2 hours. Costs £3. Pre- booking essential. For more details and to book ring The Canal Centre on 01252 370073. www.basingstokecanal.co.uk
 

Saturday 10th
& Sunday 11th
 

WALK: Walk the Path Weekend                  

If you’re looking for a walk with a difference this is the one. Starting at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, and the source of the River Blackwater, the 23-mile route follows the Blackwater Valley Path to Swallowfield, enabling participants to see how much the valley’s landscape changes and to appreciate the green spaces and wildlife found within the area. Organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and now in its fourth year there are walk leaders, refreshments and check points en route and on both days transport is provided to the starting point. Costs £6 for one day, £10 for both days. Pre-booking essential.   More details >>>                                                          

BIRD WALK: Lavell’s Lake

Family bird walk organised by the Friends of Lavell’s Lake from 9am to 12 noon. 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.
 

WALK: Devil’s Highway Figure of Eight

This is one of a series of regular Tuesday morning circular walks organised by the Bracknell Forest R.o.W. Ranger. Today’s Moderate walk will cover up to 4 miles and take approximately 1¾ hours. Meet for a 10.30am start at Devil’s Highway car park, Brookers Corner, Crowthorne. Map Ref: SU 847 644. For more information please call the Rights Of Way Ranger on 07776 160812.

HEALTH WALK: South of Longhill

Get active and keep fit on this regular monthly walk, covering 3 miles at a steady 3mph with a Bracknell Forest Ranger. This month the walk goes south of Longhill. Meet in Longhill Park car park, off Long Hill Road, Bracknell RG12 9UE for a 10am start. Ring 01344 354441 for more details.
 

WALK & TALK: Bats

 A great chance to learn about bats with members of the Hampshire Bat Group at Alice Holt Forest. The evening will start with an illustrated talk and then it’s off into the woods for a short walk to see and hear bats in action. Transport required to travel short distance from the classroom to the best bat location. Suitable for children aged 9 and over - to be accompanied. Meet at 8.15pm for 2 hours plus at the Alice Holt Forest Classroom, Bucks Horn Oak, near Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LS. Grid ref: SU 811 417. Adults £5; children £.50. www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
 

ACTIVITY: Night-time Newt Hunt (Part I) at Rachel’s Lake & Harvest Hill Pond

Join our Biodiversity Officer to set up a survey and investigate the secret world of newts. Bring a torch and suitable outdoor footwear. Meet at Westmorland Park car park, off Westmorland Drive, Warfield RG42 3QP. From 8.30-9.30pm. Organisesd by Bracknell Forest Rangers. Pre-booking essential. Ring The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400 / 354441 or call in at Reception (open 10am-5pm to record your contact details. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
 

ADULT WORSHOP: Nature & Wildlife Photography

A chance to learn more about how your camera works and to get some tips and ideas on improving your composition and technique. A mainly practical session in the beautiful setting of Dinton Pastures Country Park. Suitable for all types of camera (including digital). Organised by Adult & Community Education, Bracknell & Wokingham College. Pre-booking essential on 0845 3303343. From 9.30am-3.30pm.
 

WALK: In the footsteps of James Bond

This walk round the Hawley Common and Minley area takes you to areas that were used in making the James Bond film Die Another Day. En route you will see a manor house built in style of a French chateau, a Bronze Age mound, a forgotten runway and bridge, plus some outstanding trees and views. The walk is just over 6 miles with one hill and one small boggy stretch and no stiles. Meet for a 10am start, the walk should last about 2½-3  hours, in Woodside, Blackwater GU17 9JJ (this is a road off the A30/Hawley Road roundabout, turn right into Woodside and proceed down until you find some roadside parking. SU 843 592. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Under 16s welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
This is a Blackwater Valley Walkers’ Link Walk.
More about the BV Walkers’ Link
 

ACTIVITIES: Summer half-term events at Alice Holt

Overnight Survival, Den Building, Spring into Action, Flower Power, Go Wild in the Woods, Fairy Forest, Slugs and Minibeast trails. At Alice Holt Forest there’s a whole lot of fun to be had for children ages 3 and up, and for accompanying adults. If you’re over 10 you can learn how to survive in the wild and stay overnight in a shelter you’ll build yourself. There’ll be games, crafts, den building and lots more during the week - don’t miss out! Activities at the Alice Holt Forest Classroom, Farnham. Pre-booking essential. Alice Holt Forest Classroom, Bucks Horn Oak, near Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LS. Grid ref: SU 811 417. www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
 

EVENTS: Surrey Heath Week 2008

Back by popular demand, a week of fun activities for all the family on a heath near you. Most activities are free and are run by organisations including Surrey Heathland Project, Surrey Wildlife Trust, RSPB and Natural England. For more information ring 0208 541 9149 or visit www.surreyheathlandproject.org.uk
 

Tuesday 27th

FAMILY EVENT:  Bug Hunts at Frensham Common

Hunt for bugs and discover the fascinating world of heathland insects and spiders with experts Mike Edwards and Peter Hodge, and the Surrey Heathland Project. Bring the family for the morning or afternoon at Frensham Common; or bring a packed lunch and stay the whole day! Butterfly nets and bug pots provided. Morning  session from 10.30am- 12 noon, afternoon session from 1.30-3pm. Booking recommended on 020 8541 9149. Meet by the Ranger’s office at Frensham Great Pond, Bacon Lane, Churt, near Farnham. Grid ref: SU 844 406. For more information ring 0208 541 9149 or visit www.surreyheathlandproject.org.uk

WALK: Day’s End at Sandhurst

Enjoy a 2 mile evening walk exploring the Sandhurst training area near Camberley with Surrey Heathland Project. Discover heathland birds and other wildlife and listen out for the eerie call of nightjars at dusk.Warm clothes, a torch and binoculars recommended. Meet at the Northern end of King’s Ride, Camberley. Grid ref: SU 875 621. Event runs from 7.30 to 10pm. Contact Christina Smith, Surrey Heathland Project on 020 8541 9149. www.surreyheathlandproject.org.uk
 

Sunday 25th

WALK: Late Spring in Lightwater

With summer almost upon us, why not visit Lightwater Country Park to enjoy the abundance of wildlife at this time of year. Join Gordon Voller to search for wild flowers, insects and elusive reptiles. Meet outside the Heathland Visitor Centre in Lightwater at 11am, will last about 1½ hours. This event is suitable for adults and older quieter children. Sorry no dogs. Orangised by Surrey Heath Rangers. Ring 01276 479582 for more details. 
 

Thursday 29th

CRAFTS: Fairies and Wizards in the Woods at South Hill Park

Celebrate Walk in the Woods Month with a chance to create wizard wands, fairy wings and all manner of beautiful things. Costs £3 for materials. From 2-4pm. Meet outside main entrance to South Hill Park Arts Centre, off Ringmead, Bracknell. RG12 7PA. Pre-booking is essential. Ring The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400 / 354441 or call in at Reception (open 10am-5pm to record your contact details. Payment can be made prior to the event or on the day, this is non-refundable. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
 

Firday 30th

WALK: Nightjar Jaunt to Caesar’s Camp.

Discover the sights and sounds of this amazing bird that emerges at dusk as part of Heath Week and the Bracknell Bird Bonanza. Bring suitable warm clothing and footwear, insect repellent, torch and binoculars. It will involve a 3-mile walk on uneven ground. Dogs welcome on leads. Meet outside entrance to The Look Out Discovery Centre RG12 7QW. Pre-booking is essential.  Ring The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400 / 354441 or call in at Reception (open 10am-5pm to record your contact details. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
 

WALK: Rhododendron Walk at Lily Hill Park

Join local garden enthusiast, Andrew Radgick looking at the stunning collection of hybrid Rhododendrons found in Starch Copse. Meet for an 11am start in the North car park, off Lily Hill Road, Bracknell. Organised by Bracknell Forest Rangers ring 01344 354400/354441.

FAMILY EVENT: Bug Hunt on the Heath

Hunt for bugs and discover the fascinating world of heathland insects and spiders with the experts. Bring the family for a morning on Sheet’s Heath near Pirbright Camp, or the afternoon at Pirbright Common. Meet from 10.30am- 12 noon at the cattle grid on Sheet’s Heath, off Billesden Road nr Plover’s Rise, Pirbright Camp, grid ref : SU 942 572. Or meet from 1.30-3pm at Pirbright Common, Chapel Lane car park, grid ref: SU  954 557. Contact Christina Smith, Surrey Heathland Project on 020 8541 9149. www.surreyheathlandproject.org.uk
 

• Event organised by Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership

• A Surrey Heath Week event