What's on in the countryside

Summer wildflower and tree identification workshops at Sheepleas

Join wildlife guide Susy Dixon-Jones to learn about the huge array of wildflowers and trees at Sheepleas near Guildford. This leisurely walk will take you through the stunning nature reserve where you will explore the different habitats and ecology and discover the enormous variety of rare, interesting plant life.

• Date: Saturday 28 June
• Place: Sheepleas, Shere Road car park, West Horsley KT24 6EP.
• Time: 10am to 12.30pm
• Cost: £15.87

Please book your place via the Eventbrite link - Summer wildflower workshops June and July dates

July

Volunteer at Tice's Meadow

Come and join our rangers and volunteer at Tice's Meadow near Farnham. Tasks might include; clearing vegetation, maintaining paths, fence and gate repairs, habitat management, wildlife surveys and more.We have volunteer sessions running on the following dates:

• Date: Friday 4 July
• Place: Tice's Meadow. Please meet at Horton's Mound which is shown on our interpretation boards around the site.
• Time: 10am to 2pm

If you are interested in volunteering at Tice's Meadow and would like to come and join one of our volunteering days, please get in touch with us on the following email: countryside.estate@surreycc.gov.uk

Summer Reading Challenge launch event at Newlands Corner

Join Surrey Libraries, Surrey's Countryside Team, the Surrey Hills Society and Surrey Wildlife Trust at Newlands Corner, to celebrate the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge.

• Date: Saturday 5 July
• Place: Newlands Corner, Albury Downs Car park,  GU4 8SE
• Time: 11am to 2pm

Free craft and nature activities will be running along with two bookable events (suggested donation of £2 per family):

Under the Yew Tree guided walk and storytelling with John Kirk

Embark on a magical guided walk through the woodlands, before taking part in a storytelling session with the brilliantly engaging John Kirk, under the branches of the 1000-year-old Yews.

We are Family storytelling with author Lucy Reynolds

Treat your child to a delightful outdoor story time with author Lucy Reynolds as she reads from her book, 'We Are Family'. This heart warming tale celebrates the many ways young ones grow and thrive on our wonderful planet, as well as the shared journey of discovering our true place in the world.

Please book in advance for both these events via the Surrey Libraries Eventbrite page.

Summer wildflower and tree identification workshops at Sheepleas

Join wildlife guide Susy Dixon-Jones to learn about the huge array of wildflowers and trees at Sheepleas near Guildford. This leisurely walk will take you through the stunning nature reserve where you will explore the different habitats and ecology and discover the enormous variety of rare, interesting plant life.

• Date: Saturday 5 and 12 July
• Place: Sheepleas, Shere Road car park, West Horsley KT24 6EP.
• Time: 10am to 12.30pm
• Cost: £15.87

Please book your place via the Eventbrite link - Summer wildflower workshops June and July dates

Free workshop for horse owners

Join Surrey Wildlife Trust and equine ecologist Annabel Holmes for an informative workshop aimed at horse riders and owners in the Chobham area. Learn more about sustainable pasture management , creating a healthier environment for your horses and supporting local wildlife.

• Date: Saturday 12 July
• Place: Chobham Parish Pavillion, Chobham, Woking GU24 8EQ
• Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm
• Cost: Free

Please book your free place via this Eventbrite link or find out more by emailing: nbs@surreywt.org.uk

Spectacular bats experience at Sheepleas

Join wildlife guide Susy Dixon-Jones for an immersive and informative bat watching experience at Sheepleas. You’ll learn how to use a bat detector to tune into the unique sounds of different bat species, and even discover how to tell them apart by flight pattern! We’ll marvel at Pipistrelles hawking and long eared bats hovering along the hedgerows, and big noctule and serotine bats fluttering high over the trees. This is a truly atmospheric and fascinating wildlife watching experience.

• Date: Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July
• Place: Sheepleas, Shere Road car park, West Horsley KT24 6EP.
• Time: 8.40pm to 10.30pm
• Cost: £15.87

Please book your place via the Eventbrite link - Spectacular bat experiences

Volunteer session at the Hampton Estate, Puttenham

The Hampton Estate in Puttenham run volunteer work parties throughout the year. Why not join in and help to plant hedges, manage the heathland habitat, bash bracken, pop scrub on the chalk downland and more. Everyone welcome whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want more time outside away from your screen.

• Date: Friday 18 July
• Place: Puttenham Common, (Top Car Park), Suffield Ln, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1BG.
• Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm

Please wear appropriate weather gear, sturdy footwear and bring a water bottle and snacks/picnic. A Hampton sausage sandwich is provided after the session (please bring your own if you have dietary requirements).Sign up for the volunteer session on Friday 18 July.

Tice's Meadow Community Day

Come along to a free Community Day at Tice's Meadow on Saturday 19 July. Explore this beautiful wildlife area, meet our volunteers and wildlife experts and take part in a whole host of activities including bug hunts, river dipping, bird walks and more. A selection of wildlife organisations and experts will be on-hand to tell you about the work they do at Tice's Meadow.

• Date: Saturday 19 July
• Place: Tice's Meadow,Badshot Lea Road, Runfold, Farnham GU9 9LY
• Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Activities

• River dipping sessions will run from 10am to 12pm.
• Guided Bird Walk with the Surrey Bird Club at 11am
• Kid's bug hunt during the afternoon
• West Surrey Badger group talk at 2pm
• Opportunity to meet the Downlands Partnership's resident lamb 'Lenny'.

All activities will take place from Horton’s Mound, simply follow the on-site signage or interpretation boards. For further information visit our Tice's Meadow Visitor Information web page.

Pond dipping at the Basingstoke Canal

Head down to the Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre during the school summer holidays for some pond dipping fun! A great self-led activity to discover the wonderful species that call the canal home. Packs provided at Visitor Centre reception.

• Date: School summer holidays
• Place: Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett Surrey GU16 6DD
• Time: 10am to 4.45pm
• Cost: £7 per pond dipping pack

For further details visit the Basingstoke Canal visitor information web page or telephone 01252 370073.

August

Volunteer at Tice's Meadow

Come and join our rangers and volunteer at Tice's Meadow near Farnham. Tasks might include; clearing vegetation, maintaining paths, fence and gate repairs, habitat management, wildlife surveys and more.We have volunteer sessions running on the following dates:

• Date: Friday 1, 15 and 29 August
• Place: Tice's Meadow. Please meet at Horton's Mound which is shown on our interpretation boards around the site.
• Time: 10am to 2pm

If you are interested in volunteering at Tice's Meadow and would like to come and join one of our volunteering days, please get in touch with us on the following email: countryside.estate@surreycc.gov.uk

September

Volunteer session at the Hampton Estate, Puttenham

The Hampton Estate in Puttenham run volunteer work parties throughout the year. Why not join in and help to plant hedges, manage the heathland habitat, bash bracken, pop scrub on the chalk downland and more. Everyone welcome whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want more time outside away from your screen.

• Date: Friday 19 September
• Place: Puttenham Common, (Top Car Park), Suffield Ln, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1BG.
• Time: 10am to 1pm

Please wear appropriate weather gear, sturdy footwear and bring a water bottle and snacks/picnic. A Hampton sausage sandwich is provided after the session (please bring your own if you have dietary requirements).Sign up for the volunteer session on Friday 19 September.

October

Volunteer session at the Hampton Estate, Puttenham

The Hampton Estate in Puttenham run volunteer work parties throughout the year. Why not join in and help to plant hedges, manage the heathland habitat, bash bracken, pop scrub on the chalk downland and more. Everyone welcome whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want more time outside away from your screen.

• Date: Friday 17 October
• Place: Puttenham Common, (Top Car Park), Suffield Ln, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1BG.
• Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm

Please wear appropriate weather gear, sturdy footwear and bring a water bottle and snacks/picnic. A Hampton sausage sandwich is provided after the session (please bring your own if you have dietary requirements).Sign up for the volunteer session on Friday 17 October.

November

Volunteer session at the Hampton Estate, Puttenham

The Hampton Estate in Puttenham run volunteer work parties throughout the year. Why not join in and help to plant hedges, manage the heathland habitat, bash bracken, pop scrub on the chalk downland and more. Everyone welcome whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want more time outside away from your screen.

• Date: Friday 14 November
• Place: Puttenham Common, (Top Car Park), Suffield Ln, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1BG.
• Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm

Please wear appropriate weather gear, sturdy footwear and bring a water bottle and snacks/picnic. A Hampton sausage sandwich is provided after the session (please bring your own if you have dietary requirements).Sign up for the volunteer session on Friday 14 November.