23rd March 2012

Spring Walk Around Lakes & Ridges

Join the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust on Wednesday 25th April for a pleasant spring circular walk taking in the River Blackwater, Finchampstead Ridges and the lakes, woods and countryside in-between.

About 35 years ago the area including Horseshoe Lake - where
the walk begins -  and Moor Green Lakes, was mainly rough pasture used for grazing horses and cattle. Then in 1976 and for the next six years the area was used for gravel extraction before being restored. Today Horseshoe Lake is a water sporst activity centre and neighbouring Moor Green Lakes nature reserve  the premier birding site in the Blackwater Valley and a haven for wildfowl and wading birds – over 200 species of bird have been recorded in the area since 1977

Leaving from Horseshoe Lake the walk starts with a steady climb
uphill away from the lakes, passing through Coalpit Copse and Finchampstead Ridges, where it is hoped the bluebells will be out in all their glory. The Ridges belongs to the National Trust and was one of their earliest acquisitions purchased by public subscription in 1913 for £3,000.

The walk continues on passing through the pleasant rural countryside around Finchampstead before going down past Moor Green Lakes and along the Blackwater Valley Path, before ending up back at the starting point.  All in all it will cover about five miles and should last about two to three hours, depending on the number of walkers, the weather and the amount of chatting that takes place en route.

If you are interested in joining the walk meet for a 10am start at Horseshoe Lake car park, Mill Lane, Sandhurst GU47 8JW, grid ref SU 821 620.  There are some slopes and uneven ground and parts could be muddy so please wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Any children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and dogs must be kept on a lead. For more details ring 01252 331353.

The walk is free to Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust members, non-members are invited to come along and make a donation. However, please reserve your place by phoning 01252 331353.  For more details visit the website

END

For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.

NOTES

• Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve is an important habitat for wildlife. It covers 90 acres (36 hectares) and comprises three lakes with gravel islands and beaches and a number of scrapes that attract a wide variety of wildfowl and wading birds: over 200 species of bird have been recorded in the area since 1977. The Reserve was opened in 1993 following the careful restoration of gravel workings and is owned by CEMEX and managed by the Moor Green Lakes Group with the help of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.  
• Set up in 2002 the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust gained charitable status in 2006 and seeks to raise funds to enhance the valley for the benefit of the people and wildlife in the area. Anyone interested in the countryside on their doorstep and the local wildlife can join for just £5 per year for family membership by contacting the Trust at Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2PS, telephone 01252 331353 or visit the website