6th October 2006

Round the Ridges

Go back about 50 years and the view over the Blackwater Valley from Finchampstead Ridges was one of fields and agricultural activity. Since then mineral extraction has transformed the area into an extensive network of lakes now used for watersports and wildlife. Join the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on Thursday 19th October for a circular walk around this area and you will discover some of the history whilst enjoying some splendid views.

  Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve

Starting at Moor Green Lakes you will first see the lasting legacy a gravel extraction site can leave. Prior to 1976 the area was mainly rough pasture used for grazing horse and cattle, then for six years it was used for gravel extraction, before careful restoration turned it into the important nature reserve it is today. Now the three-lake complex making up Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve provides an important wildlife habitat and is one of the best sites for birds in the entire valley attracting record numbers of wildfowl and wading birds: over 200 different bird species have been recorded in the area since 1977.

Walking down to the river to join the Blackwater Valley Path, the route passes Manor Farm, one of the sites along the Valley where gravel extraction continues and which is already being transformed into a new wildlife area.

Moving away from the river it’s then on up to Finchampstead with its fine parish church, dating largely from the 12th century, although it is believed that a pagan temple once stood on the site. Did you know that Finchampstead's Anglo-Saxon name is said to have derived from the large variety of finches that still populate the area?

Heading up into the Ridges the walk will pass through dense woodland, mostly of pine trees, much of which – including Simon's Wood (of sweet chestnuts) – is owned by the National Trust. These dramatic hills give very picturesque views of the surrounding area.  Five hundred years ago this entire area was once on the western edges of the old Windsor Forest and part of the royal hunting grounds. In fact Henry VII is said to have brought his son Prince Arthur here to see his bride Katherine of Aragon for the first time. 

This pleasant morning walk will be at an easy pace covering about six miles and should take about three hours. Meet for a 10am start at Moor Green Lakes car park off Lower Sandhurst Road, Eversley (grid reference: SU 805627). 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.

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.