Whether you’re looking for free activities to entertain the kids or a chance to get out and try something new, Heath Week has a lot on offer. Join us to discover the heaths of Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire and share in the magic.
Heath Week 2024
Monday 29th July to Sunday 4th August. Click on a picture to start the 2024 story…
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Heath Week 2024 – Monday 29th July to Sunday 4th August!
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Heath Week got off to a cracking start at Lightwater Country Park on Monday! It was great to see so many of you enjoying the Sensory Scavenger Hunt…or a spot of origami in the shade! 🌞
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In the afternoon, RSPB Warden Mark got out his trusty butterfly net for a closer look at the inhabitants of Hazeley Heath.
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The spectacular sunshine was good for butterflies and they were able to identify Skippers, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Graylings and more.
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And Hazeley Heath was looking wonderful.
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The day wasn’t over until we’d heard Nightjars churring at Whitmoor Common and Horsell Common. The sun may have been a bit brutal during the day, but the evening was perfect.
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We braced ourselves for 30 degree heat on Tuesday. Tasha from the Surrey Heathland Partnership did a wonderful job of leading her Pirbright Safari via the shadiest locations. Tasha’s passion for her work on the Pirbright heaths came shining through too!
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There was great excitement when the Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service arrived at Wildmoor Heath for the Wildfire Roadshow.
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Thank you so much to the Crowthorne crew who came and helped us spread the #BeWildfireAware message. Smiles all round!
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At the ever-popular ‘Butterflies & Other Things with Wings’ event at Chobham Common, there were many special butterfly moments.
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Our wonderful engagement team loved introducing everyone to the Grayling, a rare heathland butterfly. Did you have a special moment with a Grayling butterfly that chose you to land on?
(Photo taken by Michael Jones prior to Heath Week at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham).
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In the afternoon, Andrew Halstead led one of his famous insect walks from Heather Farm to the Sand Pit on Horsell Common. Thank you Andrew.
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Reserve Manager James kicked off Wednesday with a tour of Thursley National Nature Reserve. The hot weather was fantastic for dragonflies and damselflies…and Wood Ants it seems (James is indicating a huge pile created by Wood Ants).
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We loved the Nightjar nests you created at the Family Nature Day at Wyndham’s Pool on Yateley Common too.
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Wyndham’s Pool is such an idyllic location for this wonderful family event hosted by the team at Hampshire Countryside Service.
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Wonderful day!
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Meanwhile over at another idyllic heathland location, Horsell Common, a Sensory Scavenger Hunt was in full swing.
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And more origami in our beautiful new gazebo!
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It’s great to see so many of you learning about Nightjars during Heath Week! These wonderful birds fly all the way from Africa to nest on the heaths of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire 🐦
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Nightjars are unique and fascinating birds. The way they appear to float as they fly, their curious churring song and the way they catch insects in their gaping mouths. They’re very different from other birds 🐦
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We’re spreading the word about Nightjars because they’re hardly ever seen during the day, so not everybody knows they’re there. They lay their eggs right on the ground and it’s very easy to accidentally disturb them. Just keeping to the main paths when walking on open heath is the best way to help them and other precious wildlife that makes a home on the heaths 🐦
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On Thursday morning, the Heathland Hounds were up early for an 8:30am walk to beat the heat.
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Walks with these Heathland Heroes are always very sociable and fun. This was a special on-the-lead heathland walk, but Heathland Hounds also have lots of off lead walks visiting ‘Greenspace on your doorstep’. Please do look them up on Facebook.
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One of the best things we can all do when visiting heathland, especially if we’re dog owners, is keep to the main paths during the nesting season, March to September. The ‘Good dog guide’ will keep us on the right…ahem…track!
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The Reptile & Amphibian Roadshow at Ockham Common is always popular. And we are very grateful to the Amphibian & Reptile Conservation team for bringing along live specimens to show people including Slow Worm, Smooth Snake, Sand Lizard, Toad and Grass Snake.
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It’s a wonderful day for getting everyone interested in local nature.
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Warden Richard was delighted to take part in Hart District Council’s Heathland History Walk…and now he can add ‘Tank Historian’ to his many talents.
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On Friday evening we were listening out for our favourite birds again! With free Nightjar walks at Chobham Common (pictured with Warden Steve) and Horsell Common.
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On Saturday we were delighted that @Graenwulf were able to join us with their fascinating living history display about Bronze Age life.
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Also on Saturday, the Treasure Hunt at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham was a big it!
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We were delighted so many of you solved the clues and found the secret word!
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Sunday was the day to enjoy Forestry Fun at Bramshill Plantation. Thank you so much to Forestry England for your support at this family event.
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It was great to see more of you getting involved and learning about forestry.
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We love meeting people during Heath Week, it’s our favourite week of the year!
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We especially love seeing all the artworks you make!
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It’s great to see you all getting stuck in!
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The Sunday event at Yateley Common was a joint venture with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian & Reptile Group (HIWARG).
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We’re incredibly grateful to HIWARG for bringing the live specimens to show you. Including this native Adder.
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And last but by no means least, was Warden Steve’s Trip to the Movies walk at Chobham Common. A unique tour of the filming locations that have been used at this spectacular heathland.
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And sadly that’s Heath Week over for another year.
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Please put a date in your diary, Heath Week 2025 will run from Monday 28th July to Sunday 3rd August. We’d love to see you again!
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We’d love to hear what you think of Heath Week! Please give feedback at: //arcg.is/0inWDH.
Bookmark our What’s on page to find more free, family-friendly activities!
Please tell us what you think of our Heath Week events this year!
Put a date in your diary, Heath Week 2025 will be Monday 28th July to Sunday 3rd August!
Heath Week 2023
Monday 24th July to Sunday 30th July. Click on a picture to start the 2023 story…
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Click here to see the Heath Week 2023 line up!
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A disappointingly wet morning for the start of Heath Week 2023! But we were ready for the off!
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The badgemaking and other activities went down a storm at Butterflies & Other Things with Wings on Monday at Chobham Common.
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Meanwhile at Wildmoor Heath in Crowthorne, a patiently waiting crowd were rewarded with a visit from Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service for a Wildfire Roadshow!
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Question 1 in our heathland bird quiz was: This nocturnal bird’s churring can contain up to 1,900 notes per minute. It nests on the heaths of Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire, making a simple scrape on the ground. What bird is it? 🐦
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On Monday evening, 12 lucky people accompanied Warden Steve on a Walk on the Dark Side at Whitmoor Common to listen for Nightjars. The delighted group were treated to a wonderful display.
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Meanwhile over at Chobham Common our Education Officer, Michael, was introducing a group of 16-30 year olds to the Chobham-based Nightjars. A walk led in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust. Photo credits: Surrey Wildlife Trust.
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There was good news and bad news on Tuesday. The good news: the sun shone for Warden Henry’s Historic Heathland at Yateley Common.
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The bad news: No fire engine was available to join us for the Wildfire Roadshow at Chobham Common. A huge thank you to Marli and the Surrey Fire & Rescue Service for putting on a great display and entertaining everyone who came to see us.
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Question 2 in our heathland bird quiz was: This common heathland bird is a birdwatcher’s dream, often perching on top of prominent gorse bushes. Its Latin name calls it a “bramble-dweller”. What bird is it? 🐦
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The interactive heathland Treasure Hunt at Horsell Common went down a treat. We had amazing feedback from everyone who came.
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And thank you to Mark from the RSPB, who led a walk at beautiful Hazeley Heath in the afternoon. The heather looks stunning!
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They had an absolute butterfly bonanza! The sunshine bought out plenty of Grayling, Small Copper, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown! Blue skies, the buzzing of pollinators and Bell Heather in bloom – perfect!
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There was excitement on Wednesday at Horsell Common when the Surrey Fire & Rescue Service arrived with their unimog for the Wildfire Roadshow.
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And we found lots of brilliant new recruits for the #BeWildfireAware campaign! Thanks girsl!
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Also at Horsell Common on Wednesday, entomologist and Horsell Common Preservation Society trustee, Andrew Halstead, led an Insect Walk to Horsell’s Sand Pit to observe Bee Wolves, solitary bees and other insects that make heathland so special.
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And meanwhile at Hazeley Heath, Hart District Council rangers were celebrating the history of this unique place. Can you guess what this structure was used for?
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Here’s a clue. Hazeley Heath was once used to practice winching tanks out of boggy ground!
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On Tuesday evening we said “Three Churrs for Horsell Common”! Here’s our Education Officer, Michael, leading one of his very popular walks to hear Nightjars churring at dusk.
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At Yateley Common we had a wonderful Wednesday morning of arts & crafts in the idyllic setting of Wyndham’s Pool. We had lots of brilliant artists visit us. Some did colouring and origami…
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…some made their own Nightjar nest!
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And some helped us with a beautiful artwork depicting heathland wildlife. When it’s finished, it’s going to hang in the Yateley Society’s heritage room.
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Question 3 in our heathland bird quiz was: These characterful heathland birds are very sensitive to cold winters. In a bad winter their population can crash and they were down to only a few pairs in the 1960s. Thankfully numbers have gradually recovered and a walk on the heath in spring is often accompanied by their scratchy song. What bird is it? 🐦
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Smiling faces at the Sensory Scavenger Hunt at Lightwater Country Park on Thursday! Well over 100 people came to explore the heathland trail, draw a picture or try out Warden Mandy’s fantastic origami. And just look at our gorgeous ribbon dancers! Hope you all had a great time!
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And in the afternoon, another chance to explore Horsell Common with entomologist Andrew Halstead. You’ll be amazed at what lives in the sandy banks of Horsell Common’s Sand Pit, including amazing bees like the wonderfully-named Green-eyed Flower Bee and Pantaloon Bee. The highlight for Andrew wasn’t an insect though, but a lucky sighting of an Adder.
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Thank you for all your hard work during Heath Week Andrew, we love your dedication.
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Question 4 in our heathland bird quiz was: This heathland bird isn’t often seen in the daytime, but at dusk can sometimes be seen patrolling its territory – a behaviour called ‘roding’. As it flies, it makes a mouse-like squeak. A nice one to listen out for. What bird is it?
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Warden Steve was in action again at Whitmoor Common on Thursday evening for another Walk on the Dark Side. The Nightjars put on yet another great performance!
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Our coiled Adder craft was a big hit at Ockham Common on Friday!
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The Adders look brilliant when they’re coloured in and the tongue’s attached!
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They uncoil too! Well done boys, beautiful work!
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We love it that Senior Warden Zoe made a pile of red tongues, ready for your Adders!
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The Smooth Snake ARC brought along, was the star of the show though!
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Question 5 in our heathland bird quiz was: A favourite of many, this is a pretty heathland bird. The males sport beautiful crimson markings. Although numbers have declined in recent decades, they’re still seen on the heaths of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area across Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire. Often in large flocks in winter. What bird is it? 🐦
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No fire engine was available for the Wildfire Roadshow at Whitmoor Common, but who could complain when the ever-popular Ed & Monty were there. Thank you so much for coming again!
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And a big, big thank you to the little boy who brought his own fire engine to show to the Fire Service! What a brilliant invention. Love the hose on the side!
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On Friday afternoon, Warden Kay and Elinor from Heathlands Reunited led a walk called Sensing Nature at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham. It’s a beautiful walk, with breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities to take a closer look at heathland nature.
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On Saturday morning Warden Kay was back in action, on a nature walk with a difference at Chobham Common.
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Kay’s walk, short in distance, but rich in detail, was the perfect way to forget our day to day cares and immerse ourselves in the heathland landscape.
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Meanwhile, the Chobham Commons Preservation Society walked through time to reveal some of the historical myths and mysteries of the southern part of the Common.
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At Bramshill Plantation, Forestry England set up a fantastic self-guided nature trail to explore this very special forest or you could step into our arts & crafts gazebo for a spot of painting.
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With arts & crafts celebrating the wildlife of the forest. Nice work!
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Bug hunting was a big hit too!
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And it’s good to see the special birds that nest in the forest clearings were on the table 🐦
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Question 6 in our heathland bird quiz was: This small, streaky bird is a summer visitor to the heaths. Like many birds, its population has sadly declined over the past 25 years, so we aren’t treated to its beautiful song, and parachuting display, as often as we once were. What bird is it? 🐦
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On Saturday morning Warden Steve took us on A Trip to the Movies, exploring some of the film and TV locations that have been used at Chobham Common. Photo credit: Rob Searle.
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Then on Sunday we joined the HIWARG (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian & Reptile Group) for a Reptile & Amphibian Roadshow at Yateley Common.
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With live animals to see, including this obliging Grass Snake.
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More beautiful coiled Adders were coloured in fantastic colours and many of you wrote a ‘Postcard to nature’. So many in fact that we almost ran out of postcards.
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Sunday was also an opportunity to finish off the beautiful painting we started on Wednesday. Thank you to all the brilliant people who helped us.
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The finished paining, depicting all the wonderful wildlife of the heath, will be displayed in Yateley by the Yateley Society.
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And then a little Heath Week Extra. Michael led one last Nightjar walk of the season. It had rained all day on Wednesday 2nd August, but the evening came good and we heard churring on and off for quite a while, and everyone saw at least one Nightjar fly at Horsell Common.
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Question 7 in our heathland bird quiz was: Last but not least in our #HeathWeek2023 heathland bird quiz, is our lyrical heathland songbird. Its beautiful song heralds spring on the heath, where it builds its nest in tussocky vegetation on the ground. As with other birds that nest on the ground, it’s terribly vulnerable to being disturbed. What bird is it? 🐦
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And as we drew Heath Week to a close, the heather lit up the heathland and turned it to a sea of purple.
We’d love to hear what you thought of Heath Week and your ideas to make it better, please take a moment to give feedback. Thank you!
Heath Week 2022
Monday 25th July to Sunday 31st July. Click on a picture to start the 2022 story…
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On Monday, the arts & crafts table at “Butterflies and other things with wings” was a big hit at Chobham Common, Staple Hill! Thanks for coming!
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As well as the painting, Mike & Michael were leading mini-guided walks to see how many different butterflies and insects they could find!
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Warden Mike said it was a delight to meet so many of you, you’re such brilliant butterfly experts!
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Investigating a Ragwort plant! A good one for Cinnabar moth caterpillars at this time of year.
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And here’s what’s she was looking for, a black & yellow Cinnabar moth caterpillar!
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Can you spot the Grayling butterfly? Just one of the many butterflies we identified. The list also includes Gatekeeper, Peacock, Red Admiral and Comma.
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Meanwhile, Wardens Tim, Sam & Steve were at the Wildfire Roadshow event at Chobham Common Roundabout. Unfortunately we didn’t have a fire engine, because they were all at an ongoing incident at Hankley Common, but we did have fire investigation dog, Chester!
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Thank you to everyone for your understanding about the fire engine, hope you enjoyed meeting Chester!
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And thank you so much to the Surrey Heath PCSOs who let everyone try out their car for size!
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It was great to meet so many families and it’s fantastic that you’re all hugely passionate about wildlife!
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Question 1 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: What spider – thought to have been extinct in the UK since 1999 – was discovered on an MOD heathland training area in 2020? Clue: The Fantastic Reynard!
Answer: Great Fox Spider Alopecosa fabrilis. Read more at:
www.surreywildlifetrust.org/news/surrey-wildlife-trust-rediscovers-great-fox-spiders.
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A favourite water bottle, lost, but returned to its relieved owner Ella!
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Thank you to Freya and Harvey, who came to Tuesday’s event at Whitmoor Common and made Nightjar nests with Warden Tim and Warden Ruth. Brilliant!
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And here are our Natural England managers, Stephen and Ruth, come to help out and join in the fun!
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Three Churrs for Horsell Common was a walk on Tuesday evening with our Education Officer, Michael, to hear the Nightjars churring at dusk. As the sun goes down, the magic begins!
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Question 2 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: What spider – on the brink of extinction in the mid-1980s, when a single colony of just 7 individuals was left in the UK – was translocated to the heathland at RSPB’s Arne reserve in Dorset in 2011 and is now said to be thriving there?
Answer: Ladybird Spider Eresus sandaliatus. Read more at: www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/natures-home-magazine/birds-and-wildlife-articles/features/ladybird-spiders-at-arne/.
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On Wednesday we had another Wildfire Roadshow at Barossa near Camberley to spread the #BewildfireAware message.
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Ed from Surrey Fire & Rescue brought Monty along. The fire engines were still busy at Hankley Common, but Monty entertained us all and helped us spread the #BeWildfireAware message.
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Instead of fire engines, we had arts & crafts!
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And talked to lots of families about the special wildlife of the heaths.
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We had a great time…
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…and enjoyed getting to know Monty.
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Also on Wednesday, entomologist Andrew from Horsell Common Preservation Society led a wonderful walk to look at the smaller creatures of the heath.
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Meanwhile over at Yateley Common, there were more budding artists at work. Just look at these fantastic frog paintings! Beautiful job!
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What a special Nightjar! So many talented artists!
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The event at Yateley, organised by Hampshire Countryside Service, was a great celebration of our Partnership, with members of the our team, the RSPB, Yateley Society and more!
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That evening, our nocturnal Education Officer, Michael, was at it again with another Three Churrs for Horsell Common Nightjar walk.
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Question 3 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: What’s the common name of Misumena vatia – a spider that can change colour, varying from white to yellow to green?
Answer: The Flower Crab Spider. It sits waiting to ambush visiting insects and changes to the colour of the flower. There’s also the less common Pink Crab Spider, Thomisus onustus, that spends most of its time in Bell Heather. Read more at: www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/spiders/flower-crab-spider.
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On Thursday Senior Warden Zoe setup her Sensory Scavenger Hunt at Horsell Common.
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She had lots of visitors that she sent off to explore the heath and see what they could discover!
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They all came back delighted to show us their completed forms…
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…and lots and lots wanted a place in the gallery!
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And to write what they’d seen on our whiteboard!
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As well as the scavenger hunt, we also had a colouring table. A welcome activity to do in the shade on a hot heathland day! Again, lot and lots of you were keen to get a place in the gallery.
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Thank you so much for coming!
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Meanwhile, at Wildmoor Heath near Crowthorne, Education Officer Michael was setting off on his “Heathland for Beginners” walk!
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Michael always goes to great lengths to share his passion for heathland.
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In the afternoon, Michael ran a session to learn more about fantastic apps you can use on your phone to identify wildlife.
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Over at Edenbrook Country Park on Thursday, our Heathland Hounds team were having a lovely day with Natalie Light, dog trainer and behaviourist.
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Thanks to everyone who came to the training walks and the drop-in sessions!
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One of the best things we can all do, especially if we’re dog owners, is stick to main paths during the bird-nesting season. The ‘Good dog guide’ will keep us on the right…ahem…track!
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Question 4 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: What spider – widespread on wet heaths in southern Britain – typically constructs its nurseries in Bog Myrtle or heather?
Clue: Robinson Crusoe and Tom Hanks (Castaway)
Answer: the Raft Spider Dolomedes fimbriatus.
Read more at: www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/spiders/raft-spider.
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On Friday, we didn’t have a fire engine (more emergencies!), but we did have a Fire & Rescue Service Land Rover, dressing up, fire investigation dog Suki, colouring and badge-making! Here’s Warden Jo at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham to prove it!
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Lovely to see Chris from Heathland Hounds there too, with her canine companion.
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While over at Ockham Common there were reptiles and amphibians for us all to enjoy and learn about. This is a very rare Smooth Snake, a patient individual that allowed many of you to handle it, under the careful supervision of the ARC team.
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Enjoyed by old and young!
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The rare Smooth Snake can only be found at a few heathland sites in the UK. It looks a bit like an adder, but lacks the distinctive zig-zag pattern along its back. Its scales are flat and smooth, unlike those of the Grass Snake and Adder which have a ridge (or ‘keel’) down the middle.
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Another taker for the Smooth Snake experience.
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And yet more colouring!
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We couldn’t have done it without this fantastic team from the RSPB and Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, and a lot of help from Surrey Wildlife Trust. Thank you all!
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In the afternoon, Elinor from Heathlands Reunited kindly led a mindfulness walk for us at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham. It was wonderful to take a moment in this hectic week to focus on the senses and appreciate the colours, textures and smells of the heath. Thank you Elinor.
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And in the evening, Warden Louis led his first Nightjar walk. The Ockham Common Nightjars did him proud, with plenty of churring and enough flying for everyone to get a decent view of these fascinating nocturnal birds.
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Activities got underway on Saturday with Forestry England’s wonderful nature trail at Bramshill Plantation.
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Forestry England created an information station and a self-guided nature trail to teach you about birds like the Nightjar and Woodlark. They depend on management of the forest and nest in areas of young plantation.
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It was so nice of everyone to drop by to learn about this very special forest.
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Question 5 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: First recorded in Rye, East Sussex in 1922, this spider – restricted to a few coastal locations until the 1970s – has now become widespread in southeast England & is spreading northwards. What is it?
Clue: It’s visibly unmistakeable.
And for a bonus point: It positions itself in its web looking downwards towards the ground to capture what specific prey?
Answer: the Wasp Spider Argiope bruennichi. And the prey: grasshoppers and crickets.
Read more at: www.britishspiders.org.uk/wasp-spider.
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A huge, huge thank you to the Forestry England team who made it happen.
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Meanwhile in Crowthorne there was another anxious wait to see if the Fire Service would be able to bring a fire engine to Wildmoor Heath. It briefly arrived…then had to leave to attend yet another emergency!
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A massive thank you to Neil from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who came straight from fighting a fire and a night shift to let everyone dress up in his kit and help us spread the #BeWildfireAware message! What a star!
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A big thank you from all of us us (they’re having far too much fun!).
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The last question in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: In the UK, this family of animals numbers 40 species. From about March to October, they hunt spiders. What are they?
The answer is spider-hunting wasps or Pompilidae. Heathland examples include the Ridge-saddled Spider-wasp Cryptocheilus notatus and (pictured) Black-banded Spider-wasp Anoplius viaticus. Heathland’s rich invertebrate fauna includes 100s of species of spider. A fact exploited by these fascinating invertebrates. The female wasp lays an egg on a paralysed spider in her sandy burrow, and when it hatches, the larva consumes the spider!
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On Sunday morning the team from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian & Reptile Group (HIWARG) were setting up at Yateley Common for another Reptile & Amphibian Roadshow.
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Thanks so much to the HIWARG team, who are all volunteers, for your time and patience in showing everyone the animals.
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We had lots of wonderful artists at the craft table too…
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…some even came appropriately dressed!
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Meanwhile at Horsell Common, the Surrey Fire & Rescue Service arrived on cue with a large off-road vehicle they use to fight heathland fires locally. The unimog!
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There was a queue to clamber into the cab of this impressive machine.
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It was great to see so many of you here to learn about the risk of wildfire on the heaths…
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…and meet the crews that fight the fires.
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We’re so grateful to the Fire Service for coming along and helping us spread this important message. Isn’t that right boys?
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Aww, and Chester and Monty were there again too! We love Chester and Monty!
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And for those of an artistic persuasion, one last chance to sit round the colouring table.
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On Sunday afternoon we had a lovely walk around the heathland at Fishpool on Chobham Common with Rob Searle from the Chobham Commons Preservation Society. Thank you so much Rob, for all the fascinating history you dug up for us.
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We’d love to hear what you think of Heath Week! Please give feedback at: //arcg.is/0inWDH.
Heath Week 2021
Saturday 24th July to Friday 30th July. Click on a picture to start the 2021 story…
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Blackwater Valley Nature Walks kicked things off with the launch of the Heathland Photography Competition: www.blackwatervalleynaturewalks.co.uk/heathland-photography-competition
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If you’ve taken a beautiful photograph of local heathland, find the details of the photography competition at: www.blackwatervalleynaturewalks.co.uk/heathland-photography-competition. This exceptional picture was taken by our Education officer, Michael. But don’t worry, we won’t let him enter!
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After a week of blazing hot weather, the first day of Heath Week had a rather foggy start after a night of thunder storms! Here we are on Saturday 24th July at the viewpoint at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham, waiting nervously for the Fire & Rescue Service to arrive with the fire engines. But sometimes emergencies have to take priority and on this occasion the Farnham watch were mobilised to three back to back incidents 😟
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But we all had a great time at Caesar’s Camp, despite challenging weather and fire engines that had to go off to emergencies!
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And found some brilliant new recruits to the #BeWildfireAware campaign!
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There were some very happy children at Barossa on Sunday! A huge thank you to Camberley Fire Station, who brought along the fire engine and explained everything to their eager audience!
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And there was a great turnout to speak to brilliant dog trainer and behaviourist, Natalie Light, at Wyndham’s Pool, Yateley Country Park. More about Heathland Hounds here.
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One of the best things we can all do, especially if we’re dog owners, is stick to main paths during the bird-nesting season. The ‘Good dog guide’ will keep us on the right…ahem…track!
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The event on Sunday was the perfect place to get some useful advice and hone your skills, with Natalie on hand to help.
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Also on Sunday, Warden Zoe ran her first sensory scavenger hunt at Lightwater Country Park! What a brilliant way to get families outside and children engaged with nature!
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Here’s Warden Andi on the scavenger hunt pointing out butterflies.
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And this little girl was very pleased with her “Heath Week Hero” badge 😊
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On Tuesday Warden Zoe got off to a great start with a 2nd date for her sensory scavenger hunt at Whitmoor Common…
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…but then it all went horribly wrong! Months of planning washed away in torrential rain! Hey ho!
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Education Officer Michael ran two popular nightjar walks at Horsell Common on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at dusk to see the incredible birds that migrate from Africa to nest here. (picture kindly tweeted by Sarah Dudley).
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Wednesday morning’s weather was better for Warden Val at the official opening of the Yateley Common Nature Trail. It wasn’t long before the havens opened again though!
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The team kicked off Thursday with a ‘Forestry Finds’ event at Bramshill Forest. Pete from HIWARG (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian & Reptile Group) was there to show us some of the species you might be lucky enough to spot in the wild.
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The ‘Wildfire Roadshow’ at Chobham Common on Thursday was a great success…with beautiful sunshine and two fire engines! A great turnout and lots of fun! Another huge thank you to Surrey Fire & Rescue Service.
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And on Thursday afternoon Andrew Halstead, retired RHS entomologist and trustee for Horsell Common Preservation Society, took a group on a wonderful guided walk to look at the insect life on Horsell Common.
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Later that same day Warden Nicky was out again, this time at Wildmoor Heath to see if she could conjure up a nightjar or two! She did I hear!
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After Nicky’s nightjar walk, the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) set up a light trap to see what moths we have on the heathland at Wildmoor.
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Some of the people who came on the walk stayed to see what moths were being attracted to the light.
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Despite another iffy weather forecast for Friday, the Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC) team set up at Ockham Common and people bravely ventured out to see them. We had a great turnout all day!
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The dedicated ARC team had kindly brought a smooth snake and a grass snake, slow worms and natterjack toads for us to take a closer look at. All species that thrive on heathland, though we don’t currently have a population of natterjacks on the Thames Basin Heaths.
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The smooth snake was incredibly relaxed and lots of people got the chance to handle it under the careful supervision of the ARC team.
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Here’s Warden Tim enjoying his turn!
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And last, but not least, Rob of the Chobham Commons Preservation Committee took a group on a walk across Chobham Common to appreciate the historic context of the landscape and the site of the Great Camp, where Queen Victoria came to review her troops in 1853.
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Tell us what you think of Heath Week and what you’d like to see next year by visiting our survey at FEEDBACK SURVEY.
Heath Week 2019
Sunday 28th July to Saturday 3rd August. Click on a picture to start the 2019 story…
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A week of activities for all the family! Bringing you the very best of the heaths across Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire, the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area and beyond.
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The RSPB kicked off the week with their Big Wild Sleepout at Farnham Heath. What a great family get together!
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The second event was a botany walk organised by Warden Flo. What better way to get Heath Week 2019 underway than a look at the heather creating a purple paradise across Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire! This is common heather, or ling, seen at Sheets Heath on Sunday on a walk called ‘Brilliant Botany’. It’s this heather that creates the swathes of purple on the heaths.
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This type of heather is called Cross-leaved Heath, you’ll find it in damper areas. Take a close look at the arrangement of leaves and you’ll see where it gets its name.
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Warden Flo looked at three types of heather on her “Brilliant Botany” walk at Sheets Heath. This one’s the most vivid pink, it’s called Bell Heather and is found in drier areas.
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Did you know we have insect-eating plants on the heaths? This is a sundew, a carnivorous plant seen on Flo’s walk at Sheets Heath.
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Warden Jamie’s favourite smell is grass snake! He was very pleased to see, and probably smell, this one at Englemere Pond during his nature walk on Monday. Grass snakes are completely harmless, but best only handled by trained professionals like Jamie.
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Next came “Butterflies & Other Things with Wings” with the wardens at Chobham Common. We were all set for butterfly-themed crafts and guided walks to look for Grayling butterflies.
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Heathlands are very special places and the Grayling is a very special butterfly. It’s rare nowadays, but if you have eagle-eyes, you can spot them on sandy paths on the heaths.
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You need eagle-eyes because they are so well camouflaged! But with your help, we were able to spot some. How many can you spot in this picture?
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This Grayling butterfly sat right on this little girl’s hat!
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Yet another Grayling! Who said they were hard to spot?
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Warden Mike, who some of you may know from our social media feeds, is looking at bristle bent grass, the food plant of the Grayling butterfly caterpillar.
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Taking a closer look at a butterfly at “Butterflies & Other Things with Wings” at Chobham Common.
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Taking a closer look at a butterfly at “Butterflies & Other Things with Wings” at Chobham Common with Education Officer Michael.
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Badge making was a great hit at “Butterflies & Other Things with Wings” at Chobham Common on Monday.
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With lots of beautiful badges made!
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Come to one of our craft days and you could make one too 🙂
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Such spectacular weather on Monday to go with the spectacular artwork!
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What happened to summer!? We weren’t so lucky with the weather on Tuesday! Here’s Warden Rupert checking on the cattle ready for ‘Herd on the Heath’. Unfortunately we had to cancel three events, including one of our ever popular nightjar walks. Look out for more of these next year. June is the best month to see this elusive, but absolutely fascinating bird, that comes all the way from Africa to nest on the heaths.
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Fortunately the K9 Fire Patrol weren’t the only ones braving the weather at Horsell Common on Tuesday.
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K9 Fire Patrol dog Nellie at the site of a recent fire on Horsell Common. Why not join our squad and help us prevent fires? To find out more, email us at tbhpartnership@naturalengland.org.uk.
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Thank you to everyone who came to talk to us about the patrol. It’s great that so many people are interested in helping prevent fires. Regular dog walkers can help just by doing their normal walks. Email tbhpartnership@naturalengland.org.uk for details.
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Entomologist Andrew Halstead entertained on Tuesday evening with tales of wonderfully named heathland insects such as the pantaloon bee, the box-headed blood bee and the hieroglyphic ladybird!
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35 species of moth came to the light trap we set at Heather Farm after Andrew’s talk on Tuesday evening…and that wasn’t even the best weather for attracting moths. Moths are amazingly diverse!
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On Wednesday of Heath Week 2019, Andrew Halstead, entomologist extraordinaire, took us to see the wolves of Horsell Common! The famous sand pit, notorious as the site of a Martian invasion in H.G. Wells’s War of the Worlds, is now home to 1000s of wolves! The shallow bowl of the sandpit makes it a very special habitat for these and other amazing creatures.
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Here’s one of them! A bee wolf! A fascinating solitary wasp that preys on bees. Heathlands are home to 100s of species of incredible insects, each with its own story!
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On Wednesday we also teamed up with ARC, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, to bring you a reptile roadshow with live animals, free crafts and even a local vet to allay your fears about adders.
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Everyone enjoyed meeting the reptiles and amphibians. What a great opportunity to see and even handle such interesting creatures!
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Including this silky slow worm.
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What a whopper!
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There were more colourful specimens observed too!
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The reptiles made by Warden Jo’s craft team were just as impressive. Did you make this one yourself Warden Jamie?
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Our crafty visitors took many beautiful reptile creations home as souvenirs of a great visit to Ockham Common.
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As many of the lovely people our wardens speak to are dog owners, we thought…wouldn’t it be great to do something for them during Heath Week! So Heathland Hounds were down at Caesar’s Camp on Thursday with doggy goodies to give away and doggy chat. And for anyone interested in free advice, we had professional dog behaviourist Natalie Light with us.
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Natalie, looking very colourful, a keen conservationist, has a wealth of practical training tips and ideas for keeping walks interesting.
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Spot the conehead cricket! Jut one of the great finds at Esher Common with Elmbridge Borough Council on Thursday afternoon.
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Thursday evening with Surrey Wildlife Trust at Ockham Common was a treat. Our Education Officer Michael led a twilight walk to introduce some of you to his favourite bird, the nightjar. These mythical creatures nest on the heaths of Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire.
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Nightjars in flight are always a crowd-pleaser!
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If you’ve never seen a nightjar while out on the heaths, it’s not surprising! They are beautifully camouflaged, sit motionless during the day, and are only active when it’s dark!
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Early birds on Friday at Wildmoor Heath were rewarded. The overnight light trap had attracted moths of all shapes and sizes!
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Thank you to BBOWT, the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust for organising this super event.
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On Friday we were with the Hampshire Countryside team at Yateley Common with a bee, butterfly and bug-themed nature day!
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Our butterfly craft activities went down a storm!
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With loads of you making these fantastic winged creatures to take home with you! Thanks for coming!
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The creations were terrific!
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Saturday brought an opportunity to get up close to a fire engine!
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Also an opportunity to hear about the work of the Ministry of Defence. Around 50% of the Special Protection Area is used for military training, and lots of you had questions about access, parking, dog walking and training.
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We work very closely with the DIO, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, who coordinate military training across the area. Many thanks to the DIO for accompanying us on two guided walks at Caesar’s Camp on Saturday.
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We’re very lucky to have rare birds like the nightjar that come all the way from Africa to nest on the heaths. The children who came to see us at Lightwater on Saturday could colour one in!
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Stone-painting, as well as colouring, is always popular at our free craft pitstops. We run them all year too. Visit our ‘What’s On’ page for all the latest!
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Badge-making too!
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So that was that! A fantastic week of fun across the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area and beyond. We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who came! Hope to see you next year!
Dates for 2025: Monday 28th July to Sunday 3rd August