5th September 2005

Snaky Lane Success

The first step towards turning Snaky Lane in Ash Vale into a haven for local people and wildlife, was realised on Sunday 4th September, when the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership held an open day at the site for local residents. A steady stream of people turned up to give their views about the site – which covers about seven-acres - comprising grassland, hedges, trees and a pond. Many of them also volunteered to help support the proposed local community group required to manage the area.

The open day had been organised with Keith Boulnois, who led the original group in the 1990s. Keith is keen to reform the group but needs more volunteers to get things going:
“I was delighted that so many people came along.  It was good to see some old faces but also very encouraging that there were new people who care about the site and are prepared to get involved.”

Questionnaires about the future of Snaky Lane had been sent out in advance and local residents were invited to return them at the Open Day. Sue Dent, Countryside & Access Officer with the Blackwater Valley Conservation Partnership said: “It was particularly interesting to find out how local people are using the site and what can be done to make it more accessible and user friendly.”

As well as having tea and cakes some of the visitors volunteered to get their hands dirty to help start tidy up the site. The level of interest shown indicates that there is enough support to re-launch the local group. 

“On the strength of Sunday’s turnout it looks as though we will have enough people to re-launch Snaky Lane Community Group,” continued Keith. ”Our next step is to have a work party at the site on Sunday 2nd October.  We will start by cutting and raking the main grassland area, this will remove any scrub and encourage wildflowers in the grass.”

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Snaky Lane and would like to either join the proposed community groups or come along to the work party on Sunday 2nd October should ring Sue Dent on 01252 331353.

Find out more about Snaky Lane...

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

Did you know?

• The area known as Snaky Lane was once the property of the Abbot of Chertsey Abbey when he was the Lord of the Manor of Ash. He was given the land in 1323 by a William Souter.
• By 1871 the area had been incorporated into Lynchford Castle Farm which covered a total of 70 acres and belonged to a James Nash.
• The road through Mr. Nash’s farm was named as Stratford Road in a list prepared for Ash Parish Council in 1907 although it was widely known as Snaky Lane, although we do not know why.
• The site is now owned by Guildford Borough Council.
• “Go Wild in September” is co-ordinated by Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and involves over 15 groups in the Blackwater Valley. It is held to highlight the work of local conservation groups and encourage more people to volunteer and get involved with their local wildlife sites.
• For a “Go Wild” diary of events phone Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353. There are over 20 events throughout the month. Anyone who is interested is invited  to visit their local wildlife area, meet their local group and try their hand at some of the many practical task involved.
• Participants in “have a go” sessions need not be super-fit; they can do as much or as little as they want and work at their own pace. As well as being a good way of getting out in the fresh air, volunteering provides an opportunity to meet new people and socialise.