7th April 2006

Join our HEATHLAND HIKE

Hundreds of years ago much of the landscape around the Blackwater Valley was covered in heathland, which was past of a vast heathland area stretching from London westwards and down to the Dorset coast. Today only fragments remains and lowland heathland is now an internationally rare and declining habitat. Why not join a heathland hike, organised by Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on Wednesday 19th April, and see some of this historic landscape around Elvetham Heath and Fleet Pond.

This special circular hike first passes through part of Elvetham Heath nature reserve, an area that was planted up and used as a forestry plantation for a while, but it is currently being restored back to its previous condition as an area of wet and humid heathland and is now a Local Nature Reserve. It then continues around Fleet Pond, which is Hampshire largest freshwater lake comprising reedbeds, marshes, heathland and woodland and is home to over 2,000 species of plants and animals.

Fresh air, interesting scenery and fellow walkers is what this pleasant morning hike offers. It is open to all – although as it covers about 6½ miles it’s more likely to appeal to walkers rather than strollers.

Meet at Elvetham Heath Community Centre car park for a 10am. (grid reference: SU 798552). There will be some slopes and uneven ground which could be wet and muddy so wet weather clothing and suitable footwear are recommended. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more details contact the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk.

This walk is part of the ‘Discover the Blackwater Valley 2006 Programme’ organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and designed to encourage residents within the Blackwater Valley area to learn more about the countryside on their doorstep.

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For more information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353

Notes

Elvetham Heath Local Nature Reserve covers 19.5 hectares (48 acres) and is managed by Hart Countryside Service.
At 21 hectares (52 acres) Fleet Pond is Hampshire’s largest freshwater lake although the total area of the nature reserve is 57 hectares (141 acres), of which 48 hectares (118 acres) is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
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..