9th May 2006

Rural Roam with Literary Links

The countryside around Eversley and the River Blackwater is known to have inspired the novelist Charles Kingsley, who wrote his well-known children’s novel The Water Babies whilst he was the rector there. Join the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on a leisurely five-mile rural roam on Thursday 18th May for a 10am start and discover the peaceful landscape around this area.

The walk starts at Bramshill Forest, managed as a working plantation but containing areas of important heathland and wetland habitats and a haven for dragonflies, damselflies and many different birds. The route then continues along the southern bank of the River Blackwater and along field edges, offering a variety of interesting vistas of watery habitats and the open countryside. It passes by St Mary’s Church, where Charles Kingsley was rector for 31 years, before re-entering Bramshill Forest and returning to the start point.

Walking at a leisurely pace the roam should last around three hours and will provide a wonderful opportunity to see some of the more rural fringes around the Blackwater Valley. Although the route is mostly flat, it may be muddy and uneven in places so suitable footwear is recommended, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

If you would like to come along, meet for a 10am start at the small parking area off Bramshill Road near Lower Common, shortly after St Neot’s Road west of Eversley. Grid Ref: SU 760 613. For more details contact the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk.

This walk is one of 12 featured in Blackwater Valley Circular Walks a 56-page, full colour booklet produced to encourage people to learn more about the Blackwater Valley Path and the surrounding countryside. The booklet is available from Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (CW11), Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS for £4 including p+p.

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

Notes

• Bramshill Forest is managed as a working plantation by the Forestry Commission. The wood is harvested and sold for the production of paper.
• During the 19^th century preacher, author, naturalist and social reformer Charles Kingsley was the rector of St Mary’s at Eversley for 31 years and founded the village school.  He is buried in the graveyard.
• 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.