explore surrey spring/summer 2013

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exploreSurrey

Spring/Summer 2013www.surreycc.gov.uk/explore

Discover yourlocalcountryside

Wonderful walks

Discover the Surrey Hills

Getting active outdoors

2 www.surreycc.gov.uk/explore

Escape to Polesden Lacey With over 1,400 acres of countryside to explore, Polesden is a great place to get outdoors and closer to nature. We have a number of waymarked scenic walks, a geocaching trail and also run monthly guided walks for dog walkers.

Escape to Polesden Lacey With over 1,400 acres of countryside to explore, Polesden is a great place to get outdoors and closer to nature. We have a number of waymarked scenic walks, a geocaching trail and also run monthly guided walks for dog walkers.

Registered charity No. 205846.

For more information call 01372 452048

or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey

Alice Holt Forest,nr Farnham

or call 0845 094 8819 quote AHES10

*Offer valid in 2013, excluding Sats & Bank Holidays.

Offer valid at Alice Holt Tree Top Adventure only.

Book at goape.co.uk

10%OFF PER*

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Explore Surrey halfpage ad.pdf 1 05/02/2013 10:31

www.surreycc.gov.uk/explore 3

Alice Holt Forest,nr Farnham

or call 0845 094 8819 quote AHES10

*Offer valid in 2013, excluding Sats & Bank Holidays.

Offer valid at Alice Holt Tree Top Adventure only.

Book at goape.co.uk

10%OFF PER*

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Explore Surrey halfpage ad.pdf 1 05/02/2013 10:31

Did you know that the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers a quarter of the county? Or that more than 115 different species of birds thrive in one Surrey nature reserve?Surrey’s countryside is blooming during the spring and summer months and this magazine aims to inspire you to get out and about and make the most of what your local countryside has to offer.

In this issue you’ll find ideas for exploring the varied landscape of the Surrey Hills by foot or bike, as well as details of what’s on offer at the county’s many nature reserves. There’s also a feature about Surrey’s rich food heritage and a self guided walk with pull-out map for the beautiful Banstead Woods.

Surrey County Council looks after our countryside by working with a range of organisations and volunteers to protect and maintain it. If you’re interested in getting involved, visit the council’s

new webpages at www.surreycc.gov.uk/explore to find opportunities in your local area.

Throughout the magazine you’ll find plenty of ideas, events and activities suitable for the whole family to get you out in the fresh air over the coming months. We’d love to hear what you think about the magazine, so please complete and return our reader survey on page 19 and you could win vouchers for Cotswold Outdoor. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or call 03456 009 009.

Rob FairbanksSurrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Director

Welcome Banstead Woods bluebells

Inside 4 Explore the Surrey Hills

8 Visit a partnership run nature reserve

10 Walk in beautiful Banstead Woods

12 Get active in the countryside and improve your health

14 Discover Surrey’s rich food heritage

16 What’s on from April to September

18 Countryside noticeboard

19 Complete our reader survey to win Cotswold Outdoor vouchers

Produced by Surrey County Council Communications Team. Printed on FSC paper from recycled and sustainable sources. Please recycle this magazine. 03/13/NW/CS2480.

Email us: [email protected] to us: Countryside Team, Whitebeam Lodge, Merrow Depot, Merrow Lane, Guildford, GU4 7BQCall us: 03456 009 009Minicom: 020 8541 9698Visit us online: www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploreEvery care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but Surrey County Council cannot accept responsibility for mistakes or omissions. Surrey County Council also does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers. Publication does not imply recommendation.

Advertise in Explore SurreyOur next issue will be out from late September 2013. If you would like to advertise, please get in touch at [email protected].

➜

If you’re looking for variety, the Surrey Hills has it all –

rolling chalk downs, rich grasslands and a mosaic of woodland, rivers and acid heath.

This patchwork of beautiful landscape covers a quarter of Surrey, stretching from Farnham in the west above Guildford, Dorking and Reigate, through to Oxted in the east – making it easily accessible from anywhere in the county.

As well as the highest point in South East England – where the Greensand Hills rise to form Leith Hill – the area boasts extensive walking routes, open commons, breathtaking views and picture postcard market towns and villages to explore.

The Surrey Hills is nationally protected, designated an Area of

Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1958 and now one of 34 protected landscapes across England given special legal status to ensure their preservation ‘for the nation’s benefit’.

Actress Penelope Keith has been patron of the Surrey Hills since 2003 and is an avid advocate for the area’s beauty.

“I am delighted to be involved in raising awareness of a landscape that has inspired some of the country’s greatest artists and writers, including George Eliot, John Keats and Ralph Vaughan Williams,” she explained.

Factfile40% of the Surrey Hills is covered by woodland, making it one of the most wooded AONBs in the country.

25% of the Surrey Hills is publicly accessible open greenspace. An estimated 10 million people visit the Surrey Hills every year.


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Surrey has two Areas of Outstanding Natural

Beauty. As well as the Surrey Hills, a small part of the High Weald AONB starts in Tandridge. The word ‘Weald’ means wilderness or forest and the

historic countryside’s rolling hills eventually lead to the Kentish coast. It

was designated an AONB in 1983. For more information visit

www.highweald.org.

natural beauty…

1 June Linear walk from Box Hill to Leatherhead Five miles, approx three hours including break for lunch at Bocketts Farm and walk back to Leatherhead. Meet Kingston Ramblers to catch the 10.16am train from Leatherhead to Box Hill. Payable parking available. Details on 01932 784866. www.kingston-ramblers.org.uk 30 June Downs and Weald Rambling Group Surrey Hills Walk New members walk of around nine miles. From Albury to Shere, via St Martha’s. Details on 07531 963530.

Top ticket



Get involved with the Surrey Hills Society Surrey Hills Society volunteer Jo Tollow explains why she loves the area.

“Growing up in Farnham, I’ve always enjoyed cycling and walking in and around the Surrey Hills, which led to a natural interest in promoting this special area for others to enjoy,” she explained. “Shortly after the birth of my daughter, I came across an advert for the Surrey Hills Society looking for volunteers to help. The society aims to encourage people to discover, protect and enjoy our special landscape. I joined and I’m now actively involved in its work and really enjoy representing the society at local shows, as well as going along to as many events as I can with my family.”

To find out more about the society and its volunteering opportunities visit: www.surreyhillssociety.org.

“The Surrey Hills is truly an area for us all to

respect, cherish and enjoy”.The hills embrace a variety

of countryside, from the chalk downs of yew and box woodland and flower rich grasslands, to the acid heath and woodland of the Greensand Hills.

Famous beauty spots include Box Hill, Leith Hill and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, while the river valleys of Wey, Tillingbourne and Mole also wind through the area.

There are lots of opportunities to explore the area; follow one of the many walking routes through the Surrey Hills such as the Mole Gap Trail where you can amble along next to the soothing

sounds of the River Mole. Or try the Frensham, Churt and Tilford walks which combine dramatic heathland with spectacular views and the opportunity to dip your toes in the Frensham ponds.

While you’re out and about look out for a series of unusual looking oak sculptures. Created by artist Walter Bailey, they help to raise awareness of the Surrey Hills landscape and are all based upon the seedpod which makes-up part of the Surrey Hills logo.

Walks vary in length and difficulty, allowing visitors to cover as much or as little as they like and many routes pass handy pit stops including local pubs and cafes.

There’s plenty on offer for

cyclists too. The area has seen lots of cyclists visiting over the last year, due in part to the Olympic Cycle Road Race passing through the Surrey Hills. Whether you’re a mountain or road bike enthusiast, there’s something available for all abilities.

For foodies, there is an abundance of local food and drink available at farmers markets and

direct from artisan producers. The Surrey Hills Love Local initiative encourages visitors to support small scale businesses and keep rural communities thriving. Allow yourself to be tempted by tangy blue cheese,

award winning wine, locally reared meat and fresh bread and pastries. Take a look at the directory of local food and drink at www.surreyhillslovelocal.co.uk.

To find out more about the Surrey Hills AONB, including a range of downloadable maps and walking route descriptions, visit www.surreyhills.org.

The Surrey Hills stretch from Farnham to Oxted, covering a

quarter of the county.

Actress Penelope Keith is patron of the Surrey Hills.

Views from the Greensand Way

Surrey Hills AONB

Come and walk with one of our 17 local groups in Surrey’s countryside and other parts of the South East and beyond.

Our walks vary in length to suit all tastes and abilities.Meet new friends who share a common interest in the countryside.Help protect paths and open spaces by joining one of our local group working parties.

As a member of a national organisation you are free to go on a walk with 480 Ramblers local Groups across Britain. Visit www.surreyramblers.org.uk.

Surrey Ramblers

Hike, Bike and Kayak through the Surrey Hills Exhilarating adventures as you explore beautiful Surrey on this six day adventure holiday. £899 per person which includes six nights accommodation, all food, equipment hire and tuition. Monday 10 - Sunday 16 June

Hike, Bike and Kayak through the Surrey Hills Exhilarating adventures as you explore beautiful Surrey on this six day adventure holiday. £899 per person which includes six nights accommodation, all food, equipment hire and tuition. Monday 10 - Sunday 16 June

Registered charity No. 205846.

01372 220644 for more information

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surreyhills

wonderful wildlife, breathtaking views and top picnic spots are just

some of the gems on offer at Surrey’s countryside sites.

Surrey County Council owns or manages access to 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) of countryside which stretches across the county, so you don’t need to go far to explore a beautiful nature reserve.

The land is managed on the council’s behalf by Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT), through a ground breaking 50 year partnership which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. By working in partnership, the land can be looked after for wildlife and visitors in a more cost effective way.

Here’s a taster of the sites you can explore across the county.

Newlands Corner, near Guildford, offers breathtaking views of

the surrounding countryside. In spring and summer, the chalk grassland is carpeted with stunning wild flowers and the woodland has some ancient yew trees which are more than 100 years old. Call into the visitor centre for more details and to collect leaflets for a variety of walks at this and other sites.

Wisley & Ockham Common is an internationally important site for dragonflies and rare bird species. The combination of wet heath and valley mire support a variety of interesting grasses. A short walk through the woodland from the car park and cafe/visitor centre will take you up to the Semaphore Tower.

Norbury Park, near Leatherhead, was the first site bought by a local authority to protect the

countryside. Take a walk through the mixture of woodland and grassland to discover an abundance of wildlife.

Sheepleas near Horsley is an excellent place for butterflies. The mixture of open grass and woodland supports more than 30 species.

Chobham Common, the largest National Nature Reserve in south east England, is home to an array of wonderful bird life – more than 115 different species have been recorded, including the rare Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark and hobby. On warm summer evenings you may hear the eerie ‘churr’ of the nightjar.

Chinthurst Hill, near Guildford, offers visitors a great place to escape from it all. Walk up the hill


Discover the wildlife on your doorstep at the county’s nature reserves.

partnershipA natural

From left to right: Bluebells blooming, spot foxes, bog on Wisley Common, green woodpecker, view at Newlands Corner, horse rider at Chobham Common, silver washed fritillary butterfly

to explore a stone folly built in the 1930s and visit in spring to see a fine display of bluebells.

Staffhurst Wood, in the east of the county, has a fine mix of oak, ash and beech with areas of hornbeam and hazel coppice. The wood is a fragment of the old ‘Wildwood’ that once covered much of southern England.

For more information about these and other SWT managed reserves visit: www.surreywildlifetrust.org.

partnershipTop ticket

29 MayWild Wednesday – Young Rangers at Newlands CornerCome and join the team at half term and try your hand at being a Surrey Wildlife Trust Ranger. Suitable for accompanied children aged five to 10 years. £6 child. Booking essential - call 01483 795471.

15 and 16 JuneSurrey Wildlife Trust BioBlitz 2013A fun, family friendly day at Wisley Common where you can learn more about the wildlife that lives there, how it’s protected and how to identify and record it. Make a day of it and bring a picnic. £2 adults; £1 child. Details on 01483 795471.

19 JulyNightjars and Other Strange ThingsJoin Chobham Common Rangers for a three mile evening walk to see creatures of the dusk. 8.30pm to 11pm, no charge but donations welcomed. Booking is essential - call 01276 858013.

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toBacknatureBanstead Woods’ recorded

history stretches back nearly 1,000 years to the time of

the Domesday Book (1086 AD). Today it offers walkers 250

acres of ancient woodland to explore and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England because of its spectacular wildlife.

Owned by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and managed in partnership with the Downlands Countryside Management Project, the woods

offer walkers the chance to see a variety of trees, some thought to be around 300 years old.

The Nature Trail shown opposite is approximately 3 miles long with some slopes and will take the average walker between 1.5 to 2 hours. It starts from the Holly Lane car park, with the nearest train station at Chipstead. For information about local bus services contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.traveline.info.

The benches at Holly Lane and

nearby information boards about the area make a great lunch pit stop, or the Ramblers Rest pub is about half a mile away. This area is covered by OS Explorer map 146.

A new leaflet for the walk will be available in late spring – for a copy call 01737 737700. Full details will be available to download at www.surreycc.gov.uk/explore surrey.

A. On entering the wood there is a strange looking old oak tree that could be 300 years old. This is a pedunculate oak and its odd appearance is because it has been pollarded (an ancient way of pruning). B. Here you can see an orchard that has been restored by protecting the old trees and planting traditional varieties of apple and pear trees. C. The few beech trees left here are all that remain after many were destroyed in the Great Storm of 1987.D. Look out for an ash tree to the left of the path. Ash is commonly found on chalk soils, so

this tree indicates that there is a chalk outcrop here.E. Rowan, a small native tree with attractive red berries, is an important winter food for birds. This is also a good area to look out for flocks of finches in the winter.F. The massive sweet chestnut coppice stool here is probably around 300 years old, with its large size due to fast growth rather than old age. Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management producing small diameter timber for hedge-laying, fence posts and charcoal-making. G. The pond was created in medieval times as drinking water for animals that were hunted in the wood.H. The fields were once part of the woodland, but were originally cleared to grow food during World War I. Now the area has been replanted with trees so it can return to woodland. This is a great place to see summer migrant birds, including the willow warbler, linnet, garden warbler, blackcap and whitethroat.I. This is one of the best places to see carpets of bluebells during the spring (see left).

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Top ticket10 May and 21 JuneGlorious Banstead WoodsGuided walks at 10am with Marion Davis, volunteer for the Downlands Project. The trees will be in full leaf and the woodland floor hopefully carpeted in bluebells. The walk takes 2.5 hours with some slopes and includes some of the nature trail. Details on 01737 737700 or www.downlandsproject.org.uk.

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Are you interested in walking or other activities but don’t know where to start? For information on what’s available in Surrey, including free taster sessions, visit www.activesurrey.com and search the online Activity Finder or call Active Surrey on 01483 518944.

fresh air…A breath of

Make the most of Surrey’s outdoor gym


Active Surrey’s ideas for outdoor exercisel Sky Rides offer free bike rides you can join in your local area.

From beginners to experts, there are rides to suit everyone, plus you can find new routes and make new friends.

l Take Back the Reins is a new campaign to get people interested in horse riding back in the saddle, showing it’s never too late to rekindle or discover a love of horses.

l Adventure Running is a mix of orienteering and adventure racing, giving you the opportunity to learn navigation skills and get fit.

l Community Games are run by and for local communities. Why not run your own street party to relive the joys of 2012 and take part in some classic activities such as sack races or even play a game of rounders?

l For more details about all of the above, visit www.activesurrey.com.

way to meet new people. We find sometimes people aren’t sure what exercise activity would suit them or what they would enjoy, so we’ve pulled together details of hundreds of free taster sessions on our website that people can try to help them find their perfect activity.”

One of the easiest ways to exercise in the countryside is to enjoy a stroll. There are a number of Walking for Health schemes in Surrey which offer programmes of short walks across the county.

Walks vary in length and difficulty, with many suitable for beginners who want to become more active.

For details of a Walking for Health group near you, or for self guided walking routes throughout the county, visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/healthywalking

whether a leisurely stroll or a challenging bike ride, research suggests

spending time exercising in the great outdoors is good for the body, mind and soul.

Evidence shows there are a range of health and wellbeing benefits to getting active in the countryside, from reducing blood pressure and tackling obesity to cutting stress, increasing energy levels and making you feel good.

So, if you’ve been inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Tour de France, or simply want to get some fresh air, there are plenty of options to get active while enjoying Surrey’s stunning scenery.

Hannah Sprake is a Senior Sports Projects Officer at Active Surrey, an organisation dedicated to promoting sport throughout Surrey.

“Our aim is to encourage residents to get involved in sport and live active lifestyles, and the Surrey countryside offers a fantastic way to do just that, often for free,” Hannah explained.

“Getting active doesn’t just improve people’s health and fitness, it’s also fun and a great

Top ticketVolunteer with the Lower Mole and Downlands Projects Join our groups of countryside management volunteers to help with conservation and improving access. www.surreycc.gov.uk/countrysidevolunteering

fresh air…A breath of


the county’s rich culinary heritage offers visitors a feast of options to explore while

enjoying the countryside. From historic foodie figures and recipes to the UK’s largest vineyard, Surrey has something to cater for every palate.

Award winning producersHistorically, the county

played an important role in supplying fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products to London’s markets, but in more recent years Surrey’s producers have found an international market for their produce.

Multi-award winning Denbies Wine Estate, near Dorking, planted vines in the 1980s (although research suggests the Romans originally planted vines in the area in AD 100) and has since won international renown for its wines.

You pass the vineyard when following the Olympic cycling route and could call in for a tour or to visit the farm shop. Visit www.denbies.co.uk to check tour

times, availability and prices. As well as famous modern

producers, the county also boasts home-grown historic talents. Taking a walk across Epsom Downs, you can see where esteemed Victorian cookery writer Isabella Beeton spent her childhood. Mrs Beeton grew up in the old grandstand at Epsom Racecourse, although her original home was replaced by a new grandstand in 1927.

She compiled the Book of Household Management, which included recipes with coloured

engravings as well as advice on household management, childcare, etiquette, entertaining and employing servants.

Two hundred years earlier, Loseley Park near Guildford was a hive of Elizabethan feasting. Family archives held at Surrey History Centre, in Woking, contain accounts of food and feasting in the Surrey home. The park offers a range of walks as well as an impressive Elizabethan house.


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Surrey’s award winning produce has a strong pedigree

gloriousfoodFood,

Flavours of SurreyFor those with an appetite to learn more about Surrey’s culinary past and present, Surrey Heritage and partners are presenting ‘Flavours of Surrey.’ The initiative features a series of events across the county exploring Surrey’s food history, traditional recipes, present day producers, healthy eating and new cuisines.

“From Tudor recipes and Georgian political dinners to the weekly menus of the county’s workhouses and mental asylums, there’s a rich feast of resources for those interested in Surrey’s gastronomic past,” Julian Pooley from Surrey Heritage, explained. “Family papers, military records and scrapbooks of the Womens’ Institute can all be explored at the centre and provide a fascinating insight into how food has been produced, prepared and consumed in the county over more than six centuries.”

See ‘top ticket’ (right), visit www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk or contact [email protected] for more details about Flavours of Surrey, including events at local libraries and a travelling exhibition by Surrey Heritage about the county’s past and present foods.

Top ticketAprilSurrey Museums Month Runs throughout April and links to Flavours of Surrey. Discover food related events, exhibitions and activities including the free Food Foragers i-spy Challenge - find the 20 foodie artefacts in our museums for an invitation to a special tea and a prize. For details, pick up a leaflet in local museums or libraries or visit www.surreymuseums.org.uk

2 to 13 April Surrey History Centre, Woking Find out what people ate in the past and enjoy free Easter family craft activities while learning about different foods. All children to be accompanied by an adult. Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreyhistorycentre for details.

21 to 29 SeptemberSurrey Farm and Food WeekA popular programme of farm walks and events held at harvest festival time. Meet the farmers and discover how they manage their land to produce our local food. For details visit www.surreycountyshow.co.uk


foodFood,


29 March to 14 AprilEaster Eggstravaganza at Bocketts FarmEnjoy a great day out with new born lambs, cute chicks and bunnies and an Easter Egg Hunt Trail as well as a full programme of fun activities. www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

26 April Stroll in King’s Wood, SandersteadGentle two hour stroll with Downlands Project. Meet at 10am where Orchard Road enters the woodland (off Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead). Details on 01737 737700 or at www.downlandsproject. org.uk

27 AprilWildlife at Painshill, CobhamLearn about wonderful wildlife - go on a minibeast safari, try pond dipping and make a fat ball for birds in your garden.

10am to 1pm. Charges apply. Advance booking on 01932 868113. www.painshill.co.uk

1 May - 22 SeptemberGuildford Lido Outdoor Swimming PoolsOpen for its 80th season from 10.30am to 6.30pm daily. The perfect place for a cooling dip or family picnic. www.guildfordlido.co.uk

5 May Gatton Park Gardens and Park Open DayDiscover wonderful Capability Brown gardens near Reigate. Bird hide open, guided tours and free activities for children. 1 to 5pm. Adults £4. www.gattonpark.com

10 MayWildlife Watch at Night, CroydonSpecial event looking at badgers in the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area with Ranger Sarah Clifford. To book/for details call 07771 715812.

19 MayGodalming to Shackleford circular walkJoin members of Surrey and Beyond Ramblers for a leisurely, seven mile walk. Meet 1.30pm at Godalming Crown Court Car Park, GU7 1EE. Includes a pub stop at the Cyder House, Shackleford. Details from [email protected]. www.saww.org.uk

25 May to 2 JunePolesden Lacey fun family trail10am to 3.30pm. Normal NT admission plus £1 per trail. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden lacey

Bank Holiday Monday 27 MaySurrey County Show, GuildfordSurrey’s largest one-day agricultural show.Visit the Explore Surrey countryside team at the Visit Surrey marquee to pick up walks leaflets from across Surrey. www.surreycounty show.co.uk

29 May Five miles of Surrey Countryside Walk with Woking Ramblers through woods and along the Wey. Meet 10am at Ripley common car park. Details on 01483 763606. www.wokingramblers.org

8 and 9 JuneSurrey Wildlife Festival

Get up close to your local

wildlife at Juniper Hall, Box Hill. Limited

disabled parking, public car park close by. Charges apply. Details from

Man wild orchid

Dragonfly at Painshill

What’s on…Here’s just a flavour of the walks and events taking place in Surrey. For more visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/events. April – September

What’s on…April – September

Events

www.field-studies-council.org/centres/juniperhall

23 June Round the Hogs Back Cycle Ride As part of National Bike Week. Meet 9.15am at Guildford Borough Council Offices at Millmead. The ride follows quiet rural roads and off-road cycle paths, suitable for young cyclists. Details from Martin Taplin on 01483 504926.

23 JunePolesden Lacey Run to Live event10K run around the beautiful Polesden estate. 9.30am start, entry details and prices at www.eventstolive.co.uk

6 and 7 July Mayfield Lavender

Festival, Banstead10am to 6pm, free entry. Activities for all (some charges) at our first lavender festival including lavender produce and cream teas in our alfresco tea shop. Field open for general admission 1 June to 1 September. www.mayfield lavender.com

6 to 28 JulySurrey Sculpture Society Exhibition at Painshill ParkExhibition of creative and imaginative sculptures by members of Surrey Sculpture Society. Included in normal admission price. www.painshill.com

7 JulyWildlife Aid Open Day, LeatherheadChance to see behind-the-scenes at Surrey’s

largest wildlife hospital, home of TV’s ‘Wildlife SOS’. Entrance £10 per car. Full details at www.wildlifeaid.org.uk

4 AugustRide London comes to SurreyTwo-day festival of cycling to create a long term legacy for the 2012 Olympic Games. Events take place in Surrey on 4 August. Full programme details and route map available at: www.ridelondon.co.uk

23 AugustHolmwood Common Wild Adventure with the National TrustJoin us for a day living in the woods, build your own shelter and cook lunch on a campfire. 10.30am to 3.30pm. £20 per child seven to 12 years. Booking essential on 01372 220644.

15 SeptemberBanstead Countryside DayFamily-friendly Countryside Open Day run by

Downlands Project at Holly Lane, Banstead - part of the Heritage Open Days weekend. For details 01737 737700.www.downlands project.org.uk

12 to 15 SeptemberHeritage Open WeekendDiscover more about Surrey’s heritage on your doorstep. Free. Details of events at www.heritage opendays.org.uk

21 September Fairlands Festival of Fun, Guildford Guided local history and nature walks. 10am to 5pm. £3 (advance booking). Also family trail and free day of entertainment for all. Details on 01483 234667 orwww.fairlands.org.uk


Banstead Countryside Day

Mayfield Lavender field


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Easy access at Queen’s Park and Colley Hill

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Making Surrey a better place

Find your wayDid you know there are more than 2,000 miles of public paths (known as rights of way) across the county? Finding your way over farmland, woodland and downland can be a challenge but our new leaflet, Arrows and Acorns – a Guide to Exploring Public Rights of Way, explains the different signs and markers to help you on your route.Due out this spring, you can pick up a free copy from your local library, by calling 03456 009 009 or visiting www.surreycc.gov.uk/rightsofway

New walks A new trail has opened allowing easy access to Colley Hill’s popular chalk grassland.The new ¼ mile path from the car park at Margery Wood has a hard surface, thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding, suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or those with access issues. A new leaflet has been produced by the Downlands Project to marks its opening. The leaflet is one of two recently produced, the second of which explores the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area, including chalk downland, open fields, woodland and the Bourne river valley. For a free copy of either leaflet, call 01737 737700 or email [email protected].

A dead end comes to life A new section of bridleway has been opened in Westcott to link the areas of Ranmore and Leith Hill. The bridleway in Lince Lane used to end at the Pippbrook river but the landowner has allowed it to continue along a public footpath as part of a larger scheme to provide a bridleway link between Westcott and Dorking. Now walkers, cyclists and horse riders can use the route, which forms part of the Greensand Way.

CALLING YOUNG PEOPLEAre you aged 16 or 17 and interested in a new challenge this summer? The Challenge Network offers the chance to learn skills, meet new people and give something back to your community. The course involves outdoor activities like volunteering with countryside management projects, working with community groups like care homes and children centres and designing and delivering projects to help a community issue. For details visit www.the-challenge.org.

Explore Surrey online Our new-look web pages

packed with ideas to

discover the countryside

on your doorstep are

now available at:

www.surreycc.gov.uk/

explore. We’d love to hear

your views so please take

a look and tell us what you

think by completing our

short survey (opposite).

www.surreycc.gov.uk/explore 19✄

Win a £50

voucher for Cotswold Outdoor

Readersurvey

*You

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ed so

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by

Expl

ore

Surre

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Please fill out this brief questionnaire and return it to: Explore Surrey, Whitebeam Lodge, Merrow Depot, Merrow Lane, Guildford, GU4 7BQ or complete it online at www.surreycc.gov.uk/explore.As an added incentive we’ve teamed up with Cotswold Outdoor so everyone who completes the questionnaire will go into a draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on their huge range of products.

Explore Surrey magazine1. Do you think there is a good mix of content in this issue? Yes n No n Don’t know n

2. What would you like to see more or less of in future publications?

________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

3. Do you have ideas for particular features you’d like to see included?

________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

4. Do you feel better informed about Surrey’s countryside after reading this issue?

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5. Where did you pick up this copy of Explore Surrey? ________________________________________

6. If you would like to receive our e-newsletter about exploring Surrey’s countryside, please provide your email address*:

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Explore Surrey website1. How easy do you find the website to use?Very n Quite n Neither n Not very n Not at all n

1b. If ‘not very’/ ‘not at all’, why? ________________________________________ ________________________________________

2. Which sections are you interested in? ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

3. Was there anything you would like more information about, but couldn’t find?

________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

4. Do you have any ideas for information you’d like to see included?

________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

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explore surrey spring/summer 2013

Documents

surrey hills8

surrey nature reserve

surreys countryside

acres of countryside

local countryside

guided walks

alice holt tree

alice holt forest