1st August 2006

Shady Byways & Red Kites

River Blackwater nr Swallowfield Get away from the traffic and the hustle and bustle of urban life and discover one of the most rural parts of the Blackwater Valley on a circular walk organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on Saturday 19th August.

Starting from Swallowfield Parish Hall car park, the walk will give you a chance to explore some of the more rural paths and country lanes to be found in the area, with an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful countryside landscapes and attendant wildlife. The route will take in many shady byways, including the Blackwater Valley Path, crossing the River at Thatcher’s Ford, which forms part of a Roman road and is the boundary point between Berkshire and Hampshire. It will cross fields, pass along country footpaths and take in some of the architectural landmarks of the area including Swallowfield Manor, All Saints Church and the distant Madejski Stadium home of Reading Football Club.

Don’t forget to bring along your binoculars because there is a good chance you will see some Red Kites, a very graceful bird of prey with a reddish-brown body, angled wings and deeply forked tail. By the late 1700s Red Kites were virtually hunted to extinction, but following a reintroduction programme in the 1980s numbers are gradually increasing.

The walk will cover about 5 miles, so meet for a 10am start at Swallowfield Parish Hall car park, Church Road, Swallowfield SU 726649, it should last about 2½-3 hours. Wet weather clothing and sunscreen plus suitable footwear are recommended. The going will be relatively flat, and there are no serious hills, so the walking is relatively easy, but be prepared to cross about six or seven stiles. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more details ring 01252 331353/

END

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

Notes

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.