Events - October 2009 

FAMILY EVENT: The Big Draw: Drawin’ Darwin The Natural World

Join the nation and have fun drawing. A free event. No age limit and no experience necessary. At the West End Centre in Aldershot. Two sessions  10.30am -12.30pm & 1pm-3pm. Organised by The West End Centre in conjunction with the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and Hampshire Museum Service. For more details visit www.westcentre.co.uk or call 10252 330040.
 

EVENT: Harvest Home at the Rural Life Museum

A special day to mark the end of the farming year with a harvest service in the Eashing chapel and activities around the museum. Time: 10am-5pm. Admission charges apply. Rural Life Centre, Reeds Road, Tilford, nr Farnham GU10 2DL. For more information contact 01252 795571. Email: info@rural-life.org.uk or visit www.rural-life.org.uk
 

FAMILY EVENT Green and Global Fun Day

Free fun day at the Princes Hall in Aldershot with lots of activities for all the family including crafts, film shows, workshops and live entertainment. Meet TV celebrity, Richard Strawbridge from ’It’s Not Easy Being Green’ and ’Scrapheap Challenge’. Children from Shuffles Dance Studio in Farnborough will be helping to create a ‘buzz’ at the event by taking to the stage to perform dressed in colourful bumble bee costumes. The first 200 visitors will also receive a free Fairtrade gift!  11.00am - 4.30pm. For further information visit www.rushmoor.gov.uk/greenandglobal.

WALK: Wildlife at Frensham

Come and walk around Frensham Little Pond near Farnham with the National Trust warden to look at nature at this fantastic site. There will be approx. 3 miles of easy walking. Time: 10am-1pm. Cost: Adults, £4, children, £2. Advance booking required by 1st October. Dogs on leads permitted. For more information contact 01372 220644. Email: surreyhills@nationaltrust.org.uk or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events
 

WALK: The Countryside in Autumn - A Route Around the north

This is one of a series of regular mid-week circular walks organised by the Bracknell Forest R.o.W. Ranger. There are three categories: Moderate, Rambler and All Day. Today’s walk is an all-day walk, which will cover between 10 -14 miles, returning by 4pm at the latest. Meet for a 10.30am start at The Old Farmhouse, West End Lane, Warfield RG42 5HR. Map ref: SU 866 711.  Please bring your own food and drink. For more details contact the R.o.W Ranger on 07776 160812.
 

TALK: Butterfly and Moth Wing Scales

Guildford Natural History Society present an entertaining and informative illustrated talk by Professor Maurice Moss who will explore the role and nature of colour and pattern on the wings of butterflies and moths, visitors welcome. Time: 2.45pm. Cost: Members free, visitors £2. Meet: Guildford Institute, Ward Street, Guildford, (over the Royal Bank of Scotland opposite the Public Library.
 

WALK: Fungi Identification for Beginners

Join Tim Ackroyd, Elvetham Heath Ranger, on a walk at Elvetham Heath Local Nature Reserve to find out more about our local mushrooms and toadstools (fungi). Please note this walk is aimed at beginners and we will not be picking or removing any fungi from the site. Time 10am. Meet: By the village pond, Elvetham Heath, just past Morrison’s supermarket. Grid ref: SU 801 554. For more information ring 01252 623443 or email countryside@hart.gov.uk
 

WALK: Fungus Walk at Wildmoor Heath

Discover the fungi at the reserve with BBOWT Wildlife Trust. The purpose of this walk is identification, not collection, of fungi. Will cover about 1 mile over uneven ground. Dogs on leads welcome. Time: 2pm-4pm. Cost: Free. Meet: Wildmoor Heath Nature Reserve car park, off Crowthorne Road, Crowthorne RG45 7PP. Booking essential on 0118 9414750
 

WALK: Friends 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 at Sandfords Lane car park opp Black Swan Sailing Club, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berks RG10 0TH.
 

TALK: The Wildflowers of Bracknell

Local expert David Rowe will guide you through the interesting and sometimes unique plants that grow in East Berkshire. Time: 8pm-10pm. Cost: £3. Meet: The Recital Room, South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berks RG12 7PA. Organised by Bracknell Forest Natural History Society. Contact: Gill Cheetham on 01344 423440. Suitable for children 10+ and adults.
 

HEALTH WALK: Three Hills

Get ‘active for life’ and keep fit by taking a steady 3-mile walk at 3 mph every second Wednesday of the month. Each walk is led by a Ranger so just turn up at 10am. This month meet at Longhill Park car park, off Longhill Road, Bracknell RG12 9UE. Organised by the Bracknell Forest Rangers, contact 01344 354400/354441 for more details.
 

WALK: Up, down and around Farnham

Put on those walking boots and experience three different landscapes on this pleasant walk. See the ancient woodlands of Rowhill Nature Reserve - which is also the source of the River Blackwater - and see some of Farnham’s historic parklands and the open heathlands of the area. This 6/7 mile hilly walk should be muddy after rain so please dress accordingly.  Meet for a 10am start at Rowhill Nature Reserve car park, Cranmore Lane, Aldershot. GU11 3BD. Grid ref: SU 849 499. Wet weather clothing plus suitable footwear are recommended. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more details ring 01252 331353.
 

WALK: Nature’s Larder - A Walk into the Past at Alice Holt

Take a walk through Alice Holt Forest with Chris Howkins, ethnobotanist and find out just how much food nature provided for our ancestors and what a feast there is for the birds and beasts. You’ll also discover the nasty poisonous things you need to avoid. Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm (approx.). Cost: Adults £5. Advance booking essential. Ring 01420 23666. Email: kathleen.calver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
 

WALK: The Countryside in Autumn - Ridges and around

This is one of a series of regular mid-week circular walks organised by the Bracknell Forest R.o.W. Ranger. There are three categories: Moderate, Rambler and All Day. Today’s walk is moderate, which will cover up to 4 miles and take about 1^3/4 hours. Meet for a 10.30am start at Ambarrow Court, A321 Wokingham Road, Sandhurst GU47 8JB. Map ref: SU 824 627.   For more details contact the R.o.W Ranger on 07776 160812.
 

WALK: Fungal Foray at Alice Holt

An opportunity for adults to investigate the amazing fungi to be found in Alice Holt Forest at this time of year and to gain a few facts about them. Adults only. Time: 10am-12 noon. Meet: Alice Holt Forest Education Centre. Advance booking essential. Ring 01420 23666. Email: kathleen.calver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
 

EVENT: Stars in your Skies

Members of the Reading Astronomical Society will be in Dinton Pastures Country Park with telescopes to help you interpret what you see in the night sky. Cost: Free. Time: 7.30pm till late. Meet: Main car park, Dinton Pastures Country Park. Contact: Gerry Bond (0118) 986 4032 or visit gerry@ryhill.net
 

EXHIBITION: Tales of the Riverbank

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. Surrey Heath Museum, Knoll Road, Camberley GU15 3HD. Tel:01276 707284. Open Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 5pm.  Exhibition organised jointly by Blackwater Valley Country Partnership and Surrey Heath Museum.
 

TALK: Astronomy

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

COURSE: Basket Making

Learn how to use traditional English basket making techniques to make baskets that are robust, functional, unique and very beautiful. Suitable for beginners. Advanced students may choose their own project. Tutor: Christine Brewster, basket maker. Cost: £60 (includes all materials and refreshments). Course will be held in the Loddon Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park. Time: 10am to 4pm. Booking essential. Contact: Christine (0118) 966 2250 or visit www.StripeyBasket.co.uk
 

WALK: Fungus Foray

Join Gordon Crutchfield from the Thames Valley Fungus Group, for a walk through the woods to find out some fascinating facts about these amazing life forms. Cost: £3. Meet: Main car park, California Country Park, Coombes Lane, off Bearwood Road, opposite Sandy Lane. Booking essential. Contact: (0118)934 2016 or email countryside@wokingham.gov.uk
 

FOR CHILDREN: Autumn Leaves & Hibernating Hedgehogs

Make a woodland model from plaster of Paris. Weave an autumn dream catcher, or make a hedgehog to take home. Wear old clothes and come prepared for a short walk. Best suited for 5-11 year-olds. Cost £3.50 for materials. Time 2pm-4pm. Meet Copse suite, Jock’s Lane Recreation Ground B3018 Binfield Road, Bracknell RG12 2BH. Organised by Bracknell Forest rangers, pre-booking essential on 01344 354400/354441.
 

FOR THE FAMILY: Nature’s Superstore at Dapdune Wharf

During half-term have fun with hibernation at the National Trust Dapdune Wharf! How does nature get ready for winter? Come and find out through trails and craft activities. Time: 11am-5pm. Cost: Additional charge of £1.50 per child. Meet: Dapdune Wharf, Guildford. For further information contact: 01483 561389 or visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
 

FOR THE FAMILY: Make a Halloween Chinese Paper Lantern

California Dreaming will be selling a Halloween craft kit to keep the kids busy during half-term. Decorate and make your own paper lantern and enter the free colouring competition!  Cost: £2 per child. Time: 11am to 3pm. Meet: California Dreaming Café, California Country Park, Coombes Lane, off Bearwood Road, opposite Sandy Lane. Contact: California Dreaming Café on (0118) 934 2016.
 

FOR CHILDREN: Autumn in the Woods at Alice Holt

As the nights draw in and days get cooler many of the creatures at Alice Holt Forest prepare to hibernate. On this discovery walk we will play games and look out for the many signs of autumn. For ages 5-7 years. Time 10.30am-12 noon. Cost: Accompanied child: £4. Meet: Alice Holt Forest Education Centre. Advance booking essential. Ring 01420 23666. Email: kathleen.calver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
 

FOR CHILDREN: Underground Adventure at Alice Holt

Come along to the Forest and enjoy some fun and games in the great outdoors! Explore ‘underground’, hibernate some mice, search for bugs, find your ideal woodland home, check out some wormery facts and discover the life of the secretive mole. And you can join in Mole Watch at home too. Suitable for children from 8 years. Time: 10am-12 noon. Cost: £5 per child. Advance booking essential. Ring 01420 23666. Email: kathleen.calver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
 

ACTIVITY: Fungal Foray at Lilly Hill Park

Forage for fungi in Lily Hill Park with an expert from the Thames Valley Fungus group. Time: 2pm-4pm. Cost: £2 per person. Meet: North car park, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell RG12 2RX. Organised by Bracknell Forest rangers, pre-booking essential on 01344 354400/354441.
 

FOR CHILDREN: Fun with Professor Fungus at Alice Holt

A great chance for you to explore the woodland floor at Alice Holt Forest with Professor Fungus and learn more about the fantastic world of fungi... the good, the bad and the ugly! Suitable for adults and accompanied children aged from 6 years. Time 10am-12 noon. Cost: £5 per child. Advance booking essential. Ring 01420 23666. Email: kathleen.calver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
 

FOR CHILDREN: Last Den Build of 2009 at Alice Holt

Join us at Alice Holt Forest for the final flourish of fabulous forest shelters in 2009. Suitable for children aged from 8 years. Time: 1pm-3pm. Cost: £5 per child. Advance booking essential. Ring 01420 23666. Email: kathleen.calver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
 

ACTIVITY: Harvest Mice & Mammals

Discover more about the lives of tiny mammals in our countryside with a chance to get hands on and close to these beautiful creatures. Time: 10am-11.30am. Cost: Free. Meet: Englemere Pond car park, Swinley Road (B3017) Bracknell SL5 8BA. Organised by Bracknell Forest rangers, pre-booking essential on 01344 354400/354441.
 

FAMILY EVENT: The Big Draw ‘09 - Making a Maze and Creating with Colour

Free for all ages. Help us create a large Celtic style ground maze in the Forest using natural materials from the woodland. We’ll use the maze during the lantern procession at dusk (see below). Find us working on site and join in or book in advance and meet us at the classroom at 11am and 1pm. Ring 01420 23666. Email: kathleen.calver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt. More information about The Big Draw at: www.campaignfor drawing.org
 

FOR CHILDREN: Lantern Procession through the Woods!

Make you way to Alice Holt Forest and get into the spirit of Halloween with a woodland lantern procession followed by apple bobbing and a hot drink. Bring along a torch or lantern to light the way. Suitable for accompanied children from 5 years. Time: 6pm-7pm. Cost: £2 per child. Advance booking essential. Ring 01420 23666. Email: kathleen.calver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
 

WALK: Autumnal Stroll at Lily Hill Park

Join the Lily Hill Park staff on this seasonal guided walk through the site. Time: 11am-12 noon. Cost: Free. Meet: North car park, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell RG12 2RX.  Organised by Bracknell Forest rangers. For more information ring 01344 354400/354441.
 

EVENT: Fright Night at California

It’s Fright Night at California Dreaming Café , join in the witch hunt, unlucky dips and wall of horror. Free to pop down, a small fee applies to all activities. Children must be supervised. Time: 4pm-7pm. Meet at  California Dreaming Café, California Country Park, Coombes Lane, off Bearwood Road, opposite Sandy Lane. Contact: California Dreaming Café (0118) 973 5519.
 

• Event organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership[