8th August 2006

Go Wild in September!

Why do we need to cut and rake wildflower meadows? What is the purpose of coppicing woodlands? How does removing scrub and saplings help heathland?

Countryside conservation is the simple answer to all three questions and as September is the month when practical conservation work begins again in earnest after the spring and summer lull, the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are urging local residents to take part in ‘Go Wild in September’.

 “There are  a great many wildlife areas in the Blackwater Valley and our local conservation groups do a terrific job looking after them,” explains Sue Dent Countryside and Access Officer at Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, “Go Wild is a month-long event designed to encourage more people to get out and find these local nature reserves and green spaces, to meet the people who look after them and to volunteer to have a go at some of the tasks.”

This year 14 local groups in the Blackwater Valley will ‘Go Wild’ through a series of ‘have a go’ sessions that explain the importance of countryside conservation, such as grassland management, coppicing, pathway creation and heathland restoration. The month-long event is co-ordinated by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership to highlight the work of the conservation groups in the area as well as to encourage more people to come along to volunteer.

“Volunteering means I can get out and discover what’s on my doorstep, whilst also giving a bit back now that I’m retired,” commented Dave Pilkington who has been going out regularly with Blackwater Valley Conservation Volunteers for over four years: “It’s very sociable, because you meet up with all the other volunteers and it’s also a fun way of exercising a real Green Gym.”

A special programme of practical conservation tasks and events will be held throughout September, so if anyone would like to find out about the countryside on their doorstep they are invited to come along. Full details can be found on the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership website www.blackwater-valley.org.uk or phone 01252 331353.

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For more information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331335.

Did you Know?

• The Blackwater Valley is around 23 miles long and offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation and relaxation. It has over 30 wildlife sites and 120 lakes and ponds
• Over 300,000 people live within a mile and a quarter of the River Blackwater,
• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.
• Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Town and Borough Councils of Blackwater & Hawley, Bracknell Forest, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham and Yateley.