Events

Explore Blackheath

8th January 2023, 11:00 - 13:00

 

Free guided walk

Explore Blackheath, Nr Guildford

Sunday 8 January 2023

Meet 10.30am for a prompt 11am start

Finish at 12.30pm

 

 

Join the President of Surrey Hills Society, Chris Howard, on an easy 2.5 mile winter stroll around this picturesque, sandy heath land and alpine woodlands, close to Guildford.

Bronze Age farmers cleared areas of forest around Blackheath to create grasslands. However, the soils were very thin and sandy and the nutrients were quickly lost. This resulted in a tree-less sandy landscape ideally suited to heather and gorse bush. WW2 marked the end of a long period of grazing in Blackheath, and the birch and pine seeds invaded the area. Woodland developed with the loss of 40% of valuable lowland heath since 1950. A number of areas have been restored to heathland using volunteers. Today parts of Blackheath are designated Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) to protect rare ground nesting birds, butterflies, beetles, adders and some lizards.

The event is free and open to all reasonably fit walkers. This 2.5 mile (4 km) walk is relatively flat and easy, with no stiles. Dogs are welcome on the walk.

This event is not suitable for children or those with mobility challenges.

Please wear appropriate footwear and dress according to weather conditions.

We will end the walk with an optional drink/lunch at the William IV pub, Albury Heath. You will need to book your own table if staying for lunch.

Start: Albury Heath Car Park, GU5 9DB

OS Map Reference: TQ 062466

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The cost is free but you must book your ticket by pressing the brown button below.

Deadline for booking  5 January 2023

By continuing and making a booking you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the Terms & Conditions specified in our Cancellation Policy and Responsibility Statement, both of which can be viewed by clicking here

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