Events

Walk off your Christmas Pudding – West Surrey

27th December 2023, 10:30 - 12:30

FREE WALK

 

WEDNESDAY 27 DECEMBER 2023
10.30am  for 11am start – 12.30pm finish
Albury & Blackheath area

 

 

Join the President of Surrey Hills Society, Chris Howard, on a 2.5 (4km) mile stroll around this picturesque heathland and alpine woodland, close to Guildford.

From the 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 Blackheath, and the birch and pine seeds invaded the area.

Heathland is a habitat of outstanding importance for its range of nationally and internationally rare and endangered species. In Surrey, 85% of the heathland has been lost in the past 200 years, leading to a severe loss of biodiversity.

However, in recent decades, heathland has been recognised for its wildlife value and its historical and cultural interest, and much is now protected from development.

A number of areas in Blackheath have been restored to heathland using volunteers. Today parts of Blackheath are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to protect rare ground nesting birds, butterflies, beetles, adders and some lizards.

This walk is suitable for all reasonably fit walkers and dogs are welcome but will need to remain on the lead.

Please dress appropriate to the weather conditions (eg hat/warm fleece/waterproofs) and strong footwear is recommended and it may be muddy in places.

The event is free but booking is essential. If you wish to join us, please register by using the brown button below and full details will be sent to you nearer the time.

Meet:  Albury Heath Car Park
Post code: GU5 9DB
what3words: ///occurs.vibrates.sudden
Ordnance Survey map reference:  TQ058469

Deadline for booking is 24 December 2023

Any enquiries please contact us at info@surreyhillssociety.org or text Chris on 07879 841000.


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