Events

Explore Farthing Downs and Happy Valley, Coulsdon

7th May 2017, 10:30 - 13:00

Join Surrey Hills Society walk leader Pete Lambert and Diane Cooper, from Surrey County Council’s Countryside team to enjoy this free, 3 mile plus (5km) 2 hour walk and discover the wonderful rolling chalk grassland of Farthing Downs and Happy Valley, near Coulsdon.

We will meet with Sean Grufferty from the Downlands Partnership’s grazing team and possibly a City of London Ranger to learn about their management of the area using sheep for conservation grazing. There may be a short diversion into one of the grazing fields to meet the sheep.

Farthing Downs and Happy Valley are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to them being part of the largest area of chalk grassland habitat remaining in the Great London area. As it’s early May, there should be displays of bluebells in the woodland areas of our walk and the chalk grasslands will be beginning their annual display of many kinds of wild flowers, amongst them chalk-loving orchids.

We will finish the walk with an optional drink at the Fox Pub on Coulsdon Common.

Meet us at 10.30am for a prompt 11am start at the free Farthing Downs car park on Ditches Lane, off Down Road, near Coulsdon. Approximate postcode CR5 1DA. Follow the single track Ditches Lane over a cattle grid to the top of the downs. From here you can enjoy views to London’s skyline in the distance. There are toilets in the car park.

The event is free and open to all reasonably fit walkers. Dogs are welcome on the walk.

To book your place and/or get more information, contact info@surreyhillssociety.org.

Please note that the Surrey Hills Society and its Event partners accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or personal injury during events. Participants are requested to wear appropriate clothing and footwear and take due care and attention.

The Society uses members’ photographs on social media and on our website. If you are not happy to have your photo taken during this event, please notify us in writing prior to the event and make the event organiser aware on the day.

Location
Farthing Downs car park Coulsdon CR5 1DA

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

Book Online

---