Explore Surrey

exploreSurrey

Summer 2012

Discover yourlocalcountryside

PlusGuide to

Greensand Way

Walking for health

Get involved in conserving the countryside

2 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

Join the Ramblers from just £3 a month!*Join 115,000 others by becoming part of Britain’s walking charity.

And support us in protecting the places you love.

Membership is packed full of excitingbene�ts, including a choice of over 38,000walks each year, discretionary discountsfrom Cotswold Outdoor and HF Holidays,a subscription to Britain’s most readwalking title, our very own walk magazine,and much more!

*New members only. Payment by monthly Direct Debit.

Please call 020 7339 8595, quoting A12Z5A or visit www.ramblers.org.uk/join

The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.

Surrey RamblersCome and walk with one of our17 local groups in Surrey’scountryside and other parts ofthe South East and beyond. Our walks vary in length to suit alltastes and abilities.Meet new friends who share acommon interest in the countryside. Help protect paths and openspaces by joining one of our localgroup working parties. As a member of a nationalorganisation you are free to go ona walk with 480 Ramblers localGroups across Britain.Visit www.surreyramblers.org.uk

8010_Ramblers_Surrey area ad_art_Layout 1 30/04/2012 11:45 Page 1

www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey 3

Join the Ramblers from just £3 a month!*Join 115,000 others by becoming part of Britain’s walking charity.

And support us in protecting the places you love.

Membership is packed full of excitingbene�ts, including a choice of over 38,000walks each year, discretionary discountsfrom Cotswold Outdoor and HF Holidays,a subscription to Britain’s most readwalking title, our very own walk magazine,and much more!

*New members only. Payment by monthly Direct Debit.

Please call 020 7339 8595, quoting A12Z5A or visit www.ramblers.org.uk/join

The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.

Surrey RamblersCome and walk with one of our17 local groups in Surrey’scountryside and other parts ofthe South East and beyond. Our walks vary in length to suit alltastes and abilities.Meet new friends who share acommon interest in the countryside. Help protect paths and openspaces by joining one of our localgroup working parties. As a member of a nationalorganisation you are free to go ona walk with 480 Ramblers localGroups across Britain.Visit www.surreyramblers.org.uk

8010_Ramblers_Surrey area ad_art_Layout 1 30/04/2012 11:45 Page 1

Did you know that Surrey is the most wooded county in Britain? Or that the Surrey Hills is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and includes the highest point in the South East at Leith Hill?

There’s lots to explore in Surrey’s countryside, so this magazine is designed to inspire you to get out and about this summer and make the most of the county you live in.

In this issue you’ll find suggestions on places to visit with family and friends and walking routes you might like to try. There’s also an article on ways to boost your fitness in the countryside and a taste of some of the many events taking place over the next few months.

Looking after Surrey’s countryside is an important and challenging task which everyone can

get involved in. A feature on pages 12 and 13 highlights some of the many ways you can volunteer for projects that help to conserve Surrey’s environment.

So sit down and take a look through this first issue of Explore Surrey and then let us know what you think by completing our reader survey on page 19. Alternatively you can email [email protected] or call 03456 009 009.

Look forward to hearing from you.

John FureyCabinet Member for Transport and EnvironmentSurrey County Council

Welcome

Inside

Email us: [email protected] to us: Countryside Team, Whitebeam Lodge, Merrow Depot, Merrow Lane, Guildford, GU4 7BQCall us: 03456 009 009Minicom: 020 85419698Visit us online: www.surreycc.gov.uk/countryside

4 Discover the stunning Greensand Way

8 Step into health with a local walking group

10 Explore Canons and Cornmills on a walk from Ripley

12 Get involved in volunteer work to help keep the countryside special

14 Visit chalk grasslands that are teeming with flora and fauna

16 What’s on across the county from June to September

18 Countryside noticeboard

19 Tell us what you think of Explore Surrey

Produced by Surrey County Council Communications Team. Printed on FSC paper from recycled and sustainable sources. Please recycle this magazine. 05/12/NW/CS2222.

Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but Surrey County Council cannot accept responsibility for mistakes or omissions. Surrey County Council also does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers. Publication does not imply recommendation.

Phot

o cr

edit:

May

field

Lav

ende

r

the Greensand Way follows the ridge of greensand rock across Surrey and Kent and offers

some of the most stunning views and beautiful countryside in both counties.

Starting at Haslemere in Surrey, it winds its way for 108 miles to Hamstreet in Kent through lovely villages and farmland, as well as

passing the many magnificent houses, gardens and parks that have been built along the ridge.

An experienced long distance walker could happily tackle the 55 miles that make up the Surrey section, but the route has also been split into ten smaller walks of between five and nine miles. It was all recently re-signposted ›

GreensandDiscover

the

Experience fabulous views, ancient woodlands and bluebell walks in spring.

FactfileGreensand Way takes its name from the layers of sandstone which include the green coloured mineral glauconite.4 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

Way

Greensand


For details of Leith Hill Tower opening times, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leithhill ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler


Escape to Polesden Lacey With over 1,400 acres of countryside to explore, Polesden is a great place to get outdoors and closer to nature. We have six waymarked scenic walks and also run a number of guided seasonal walks: Summer: 21 June and 19 July Autumn: 13, 16, 20 & 23 Sept and 11 & 14 Oct Winter: 6 Dec All walks 11am - 1pm, £8 adult / £4 child


Registered charity No. 205846.

You're never far away from us, so come along for a visit Book your place on 01372 452048

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey

to make it easy for people to find their way and make the most of their trip.

Surrey County Council’s Vice Chairman David Munro attended the re-launch of Greensand Way and is keen to encourage more people to experience it.

“The Greensand Way passes through one of England’s finest landscapes and exploring it is an ideal way to see Surrey’s villages and countryside,” said David. “There are fabulous views from the top of Leith Hill, ancient woodlands and bluebell walks in spring.

“It’s truly one of the most special walking routes in Surrey taking people through peaceful, picturesque areas and into villages where they can take a rest in a friendly pub or cafe. Anyone who experiences any part of the Greensand Way is in for a real treat!”

The route takes in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as numerous Sites

Greensand Way

of Special Scientific Interest. It starts in Haslemere, passes the Devil’s Punchbowl at Hindhead, crosses Hascombe, Pitch, Holmbury and Leith Hills, before descending to Dorking, Reigate and then on into Kent.

It is maintained by Surrey County Council’s Countryside Team which is helped by groups from the Ramblers.

“Our team has the overall responsibility to maintain

My favourite walkRosemary Bryant from the Ramblers was recently asked to pick her favourite walk in Surrey:

“I do a lot of walking so choosing a favourite isn’t easy, but when put on the spot I chose Hascombe, which is on the Greensand Way route. It’s near Godalming and has gentle hills with great views, woodland and field paths.

“Particular highlights are St Peter’s Church, which has a chancel roof designed as an upturned fishing boat and Hascombe Hill where Iron Age Celts built a fortified camp towards the end of the 1st century BC.

“That is my favourite, but for anyone wanting to sample Surrey’s countryside, any part of the county’s 55 mile section of the Greensand Way won’t disappoint.”

all public rights of way,” explains David Munro.

“But we couldn’t do it without the fantastic support of the Ramblers who turn out in all weather, all year round for volunteer work parties.

“The project to re-signpost the route was done with the help of the Ramblers and means there is now a distinctive new waymark for walkers to follow.”

More information about the Greensand Way including downloadable maps of the route sections, along with directions and interesting features are available at www.surreycc.gov.uk/greensandway.

Top ticketSunday 19 AugustA Walk in the Heather with Godalming & Haslemere RamblersMeet at 10am at the Moat car park, Thursley Road, Elstead. Walk for 5 miles around parts of the Greensand Way near Elstead Common and Thursley Nature Reserve. For details call 01252 702285.


GattonParkSCCSurreyWalks&EventsAd:GattonParkSCCSurreyWalks&EventsAd 29/04/2012 12:00 Page 2



Registered charity No. 205846.

You're never far away from us, so come along for a visit Book your place on 01372 452048

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey

Surrey Heath has a wealth of parks and open spaces, there’s plenty to see and do for everyone. Here is an idea of what’s on offer;l Lightwater Country Park – Wildlife Walks and Events, Picnic Area, Lightwater Angling Society, Heathland Habitatl Frimley Lodge Park – Pistachio’s Café, Pitch and Putt, Flourish Community Garden, Trim Trail, Children’s Play Area, Sports Pitches, BBQs for hire, Park Run, British Military Fitness, Basingstoke Canal Towpath Walksl Sports Pitch bookings – Football, Cricket, Rugby and TennisFor more information contact Commercial Services on 01276 707338, email [email protected] or visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure

Greenspace and Conservation in Surrey Heath

visits to the gym and regular exercise classes are great ways to stay fit and healthy,

but they can be expensive and feel like a chore that easily slip off the ‘to do’ list!

If that sounds familiar then why not make the most of the extensive free gym on your doorstep – Surrey’s beautiful countryside. With breathtaking views, ancient woods, chalk grassland, hills, rivers and valleys, getting healthy outdoors is good for the soul as well as the body.

Walking is the easiest and most natural form of exercise and can make a real difference to health and mood, not to mention the rehabilitative effects it can have after an illness.

Walking for Health (WfH) schemes have been in existence since 2000, but earlier this year the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support took over this former Natural England initiative. The partnership is the perfect way to build on the scheme, combining the Ramblers extensive knowledge of the countryside with Macmillan’s expertise in the rehabilitation of people coping with cancer.

WfH walks leaders are trained

to encourage participation for all and often run walks aimed at differing levels of fitness. Health walks usually last for no more than an hour, are over level terrain and take place at a regular time, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule.

In Surrey there are numerous healthy walking groups – some run by district and borough councils and others by organisations like Age Concern and Action for Life.

Carol Pollock is the co-ordinator for Action for Life and is supported by a dedicated team of Volunteer Walk Leaders who run the East Surrey Health Walks.

“We are so fortunate to live in Surrey where we have so many areas of outstanding beauty. It isn’t any surprise that we have over 600 people regularly enjoying our health walks,” said Carol.

“People enjoy the social side of walking with a group and because we offer something to suit all ages and abilities, including Pram Walks for new mums, the number of people joining just keeps on growing. This season, we have introduced new walks in Betchworth

and Brockham and a guided bird walk at Nutfield Marsh Nature Reserve.”

Action for Life has been running for over 10 years, and five years ago Carol took over running the scheme.

“I’d already experienced the health benefits of walking for myself, as I’d just completed a walk from Lands End to John O’ Groats, raising over £50,000 for Cancer Research at the Royal Marsden, so this was just the job for me.

“As I got to know the walkers I heard so many inspiring stories of how the walks had helped them, I wanted to promote the Walking for Health initiative to a wider audience. So in 2008 I embarked on a “Walk Backwards”. Not literally of course but it was the reverse route from John O’ Groats to Lands End during which I met up with WfH groups and got local publicity along the way.”

So why not take a positive step in the right direction and get healthy while you explore Surrey’s countryside? l Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/healthywalking to find out whether there’s a Walking for Health group local to you.

good healthWalk this way for


good healthWalk this way for

Are you interested in walking or other

activities but don’t know where to start?

For information on what’s available in

Surrey, including free taster sessions,

visit www.activesurrey.com and search

the online Activity Finder or call Active

Surrey on 01483 518944.

Healthy walking



pull-

out m

ap Canonsandcornmills

there are lots of great walks all across Surrey and in each issue of Explore Surrey we’ll include

a map and highlights of a walk you might like to try. You’ll need to visit our webpages at www.surreycc.gov.uk/selfguidedwalks to download full directions.

This one is a flat walk of six miles from Ripley, a small rural village between Guildford and Woking. The route follows part of the River Wey Navigation, which was one of the earliest British rivers to be made fully navigable, and is now popular for

recreational boating. This walk follows public

footpaths and bridleways that cross private land and use of the River Wey towpath is courtesy of the National Trust. Please respect

A. The privately owned ruins of Newark Priory can be seen across the meadows to your right as you walk along. This rich Augustinian house was founded at the end of the 12th century by Rual de Calne and his wife Beatrice of Send. In the 16th century King Henry VIII

dissolved the monasteries and the surrounding land was taken into the King’s hunting park.

B. The name Pyrford means ford marked by a pear tree. The small Norman church was built on a knoll around 1150. Many of its original features remain and several medieval wall paintings have been uncovered and restored. William the Conqueror granted the manor of Pyrford to Westminster Abbey and it is likely that the church was built by the Abbot of Westminster. The church was acquired by Newark Priory in 1258.

C. The Wey Navigation links Guildford to the River Thames at Weybridge. It was made navigable using stretches of separate canal, and opened to barges in 1653.

D. Three hundred metres off the marked route along the Navigation you will come across the brick summerhouse belonging to Pyrford Place. This dates back to the end of the 17th century and bears a blue plaque referencing that the poet John Donne (1573 – 1631) lived here for four years from 1600.

E. There have been mills on the site of Ockham Mill since medieval times. The first Earl of Lovelace who lived in nearby East Horsley built this five-storey mill in 1862. The Earl’s coronet can be seen either side of the lucam – the projecting timber loading entrance which contained a sack hoist for receiving deliveries.

people’s privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code and National Trust byelaws. You should also take care when crossing the golf course.

Walk highlights:


pull-out mapcornmills


whatever your interests or skills, whether you are part of a group or an individual,

there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and volunteer in the Surrey countryside.

“Looking after Surrey’s beautiful countryside is an enormous task,” explained Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment John Furey. “Our countryside team is a dedicated group who work hard all year round, but they need help from people who love their local area and want to help preserve it for future generations.”

There are a range of different projects and schemes that need volunteers. Here’s just a selection but you can find out more by visiting www.surreycc.gov.uk/getinvolved.

Learn a new skillVolunteers play a very important part in helping our countryside management projects and other conservation groups to manage Surrey’s countryside.

Whether you want to learn some traditional skills, like coppicing, hedge laying and fencing, or just want to get out in the fresh air and burn up some energy through scrub clearance or path maintenance, our practical

Getinvolved

conservation task programmes offer something for everyone. l Downlands Project volunteers work on sites across North East Surrey and South London on most days of the week. There are also livestock checking volunteering opportunities across the project area. Tel: 01737 737700l Lower Mole volunteers work weekdays and some weekends on sites around Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley and Kingston. Tel: 01372 743783l Gatwick Greenspace Partnership volunteers work on sites around Gatwick Airport, Reigate and Mole Valley. Tel: 01293 550730l Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership works with volunteers on the borders of Surrey and Hampshire. Tel: 01252 331353

Join the partySurrey County Council is responsible for maintaining public rights of way in the county and its Countryside Access Team regularly works with volunteer groups such as the Ramblers and Sustrans to help manage the network and promote access.

Volunteer work parties help to keep Surrey’s 2,000 miles of public paths in good condition

undertaking tasks such as clearing overgrown verges, fixing signs on paths and repairing stiles or replacing them with kissing gates.

“We work with the SCC Countryside Access Officers to review and resolve footpath problems which have been reported either by Ramblers footpath secretaries or members of the general public,” explained Jim Chipchase from the Ramblers.

“Take for instance Footpath FP200 at Chiddingfold where there was a broken stile that led straight onto a steep drop down to the road at Pook’s Hill. After a site visit from the work party leader, Countryside Access Officer and the landowner, we agreed we could change the stile for a kissing gate and incorporate a couple of steps to make it safe for people to step onto the road.

“On the day of the job the

You could make a difference in conserving the environment.

council provided the tools and the volunteers provided the muscle and their considerable debating skills. Fortunately the team leader has a casting vote on which hole should be dug first!

“Our work parties work in all weathers except when the ground is frozen. The work tackled ranges from clearing vegetation, building sleeper bridges and boardwalks, surfacing muddy paths and constructing flights of steps.

“So next time you’re walking on a bridge across a stream or gliding easily through a new kissing gate, just spare a thought for who did the work, or even better join the Ramblers and lend a hand yourself.”

Team Building A number of companies and organisations are already arranging regular team-building days with our countryside management

Getinvolved

projects. Feedback is always positive and it’s a great way of getting everyone together and feeling that your team is achieving something really worthwhile. Find out more at www.surreycc.gov.uk/countrysidevolunteering.

Head for the hillsThe Surrey Hills Society relies on volunteer members to run and manage all its activities and help promote the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). People who join the Society can volunteer to help with organising specific walks, talks or events for members; to man the trailer at shows and fairs or to help with administration. Visit www.surreyhillssociety.org.uk for information about joining.

Volunteering


Jim Chipchase (left) and the working

party with the new kissing gate.


a fantastic variety of flora and fauna is right on the doorstep of many

Surrey residents at the county’s numerous chalk grassland sites.

Up to 50 different types of plants and wildflowers can be found in just a square metre of chalk grassland, attracting many species of butterfly. Highlights include Britain’s smallest butterfly, the small blue, as well as rarities such as silver spotted skippers, while birds found on chalk sites include both

linnets and skylarks.There has been a sharp decline

in the amount of chalk grassland in the last 50 years and one of the biggest threats is lack of grazing. If chalk grasslands are not grazed, scrub and woodland invade and shade out the plants and flowers.

The Old Surrey Downs Project has been working to restore local chalk grasslands across 25 sites in Surrey and South London, thanks to a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Sites include Pewley Downs in Guildford, Box

Hill just outside Dorking and many sites around the Banstead and Croydon area.

Improvements have been introduced on many sites across the county including cutting back scrub, installing fencing enclosures, improving access for the public and introducing conservation grazing using sheep, cattle, ponies and goats.

As part of the project, voluntary community champions have been recruited to help local communities understand

Visit thechalkEnjoy Surrey’s chalk grassland sites with the help of a new guide.


Top ticketWednesday 6 and Thursday 7 JuneGet Crafty at Roundshaw DownsOld Surrey Downs Project craft making and chalk grassland exploration event for all ages from 11am – 3pm. Bring a picnic! Free of charge, donations welcome, no dogs please. Further info on 01737 733933 or email [email protected].

Friday 22 June Glories of Hutchinson’s Bank Grazing animals are helping create the right conditions for the myriad of chalk flowers to flourish. Meet Marion, a volunteer with the Downlands Project, at 10am by the entrance gate on Farleigh Dean Crescent, Featherbed Lane, Addington for a 2hr walk with some steep slopes. Contact details as above.

Saturday 23 JuneLondon Borough of Sutton Celebrate Chalk GrasslandsMeet at Oaks Park Cafe to explore some of the wonderful flowers and animals to be found in this local nature reserve. 11am – 1pm. £3.50 per person / £10 per family. Booking is recommended. Details at [email protected] or 0208 770 5822.chalk

Enjoy Surrey’s chalk grassland sites with the help of a new guide.

more about chalk grasslands and the need to protect these special habitats.

“As a young child I always had an interest in nature,” explained community champion Wahida Mohamed. “Now that I’m a young adult I’ve realised the importance of preserving it for future generations.

“As I have a teaching background, I use my skills and newly acquired knowledge to educate and increase awareness of the different chalk grassland

species found on the sites with different groups in the local community.

“It’s amazing to know how close we are to several chalk grassland sites and each one I have visited is unique and beautiful in its own special way. It’s a great way for families and friends to have an unforgettable experience and see different flora and fauna at absolutely no cost.

“And I’d love to see more people getting involved in conserving our chalk grassland sites. Together

we can make a difference!”‘Visit the Chalk’, the new free

guide to discovering chalk grassland sites in Surrey and South London is now available along with other self-guided walks leaflets and information about how to get involved as a volunteer. Just contact the Downlands Project on 01737 733933 or email [email protected] where you can also find out details of chalk grassland events including walks and talks.

1 June to 31 JulyA Day in Provence A unique day out that includes a winery tour and tasting at Denbies in Dorking, and a trip to Mayfield Lavender near Banstead. £15pp, based on a minimum of 10 guests. 01306 876616 or email [email protected]

4, 6, 19, 21, 23 June Ranger Patrol Join Peter Maynard on his moonlit patrols around Surrey Heath and hunt for amazing nocturnal beasts. 9pm start, free.

01276 707166 or email peter.maynard@surreyheath. gov.uk

12 JuneFarnham Ramblers 50th Anniversary WeekFree Thursley walk of 4.5 miles. Starts at 10am. Details on 01252 722930 or email [email protected]

13 JunePolesden Lacey Farm Walk11am – 1pm. Adult £8. Please book on 01372 452048 or email [email protected]

14 to 30 June The Merry Wives of Windsor Guildford Shakespeare Company Outdoor Theatre perform at Guildford Castle Gardens. For details call 01483 304384 or visitwww.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk

17 JunePainshill Park, CobhamFather’s Day free entry. Must be accompanied by children. Park open 10.30am – 6pm. For details call 01932 868113 or visitwww.painshill.co.uk

23 JuneSix mile walk from CoulsdonMeet 10am. Suitable for adults; dogs welcome on leads. Details on 01883 742295 or www.eastsurrey walkers.org.uk

1 JulyGatton Country Fair A great day out for all the family. 12noon - 5pm. Adults £4.50; children free. Details at www.gattonpark.com or 01737 649066

5 JulyButchers To Bones Guided WalkA four mile circular walk through Butchers Grove and the Bonesgate Stream. 10am start. Donations to the Lower Mole Countryside Trust

welcome. Details at www.surreycc.gov.uk/lowermoleproject or 01372 743783.

11 JulyBirds of the West IndiesIllustrated Natural History Talk . White Hart Barn, Godstone, RH9 8DT. Free Parking. 8 – 10pm approx. Adults £3; Children £1. Details from www.eastsurreyrspb.co.uk or 01883 346629

15 JulyGatton Park ReigateFamily guided cycle ride. 10 – 11am. Cycle helmets obligatory. Adult £5, child £2.50.Booking essential on 01372 220644 or [email protected]

22 JulyDenbies Hillside family fun 11am – 12.30pm, approx 2 miles. £5 each; family £10. Details at www.

What’s on…Here’s just a flavour of the events and walks taking place this summer. For more visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/events. June – September


Phot

o cr

edit:

May

field

Lav

ende

r

nationaltrust.org.uk/denbies-hillside or 01306 887485

4 AugustKingston Ramblers Bookham to Effingham Junction five mile walk. Details at www.kingston-ramblers.org.uk or 01932 784866 Every Thursday in AugustUgly Bug BallDapdune Wharf, Guildford. Make sure you’re dressed up. 11am – 5pm, £2 for children’s activities. Details from [email protected] or 01483 561389

19 AugustRural Life Centre FundayA special treat for the children with old-fashioned games and pastimes at the Rural Life Centre, near Farnham. Details at www.rural-life.org.uk or 01252 795571

20 AugustMore Hidden Footpaths Blackwater Valley Trust’s

Alan Taylor introduces more hidden footpaths in North Farnborough and Cove. 10am start. Free to Trust members, donations welcome. For details call 07825 469108 or visitwww.bvct.org.uk

29 AugustWalk the Mole Gap Trail Six mile walk from Leatherhead to Dorking, along the River Mole through Surrey Hills AONB. 10am Donations to Lower Mole Countryside Trust welcome. Details from www.surreycc.gov.uk/lowermoleproject or 01372 743783

6 to 9 SeptemberMole Valley Heritage Open DaysA range of activities to celebrate the heritage of Mole Valley during the national Heritage Open Days weekend. Information from programme booklet in early July or visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk for a whole host of heritage events

going on across the county.

9 SeptemberBanstead Countryside Day Free family fun day showcasing all that’s good about your local countryside. 10.30am to 4.30pm. banstead [email protected]

15 SeptemberSurrey Care TrustSTEPS 3 Peaks - 26 mile charity walk through beautiful countryside around Shere. Raise £125 in sponsorship to take part. Details at www.surreycaretrust.org.uk or 01483 41275

16 SeptemberWild Food on Box HillCome and learn how to recognise and cook delicious foods found in local woodlands. Event will include a guided walk and tastings. 2 – 4.30pm Adults £10; Children £5. Booking on 01372 220644 or [email protected] 20 SeptemberDevil’s PunchbowlWest Surrey Natural History Society two and a half mile hilly walk. 10am. Non WSNHS members donation of £1. Details at 01483 567041

What’s on…June – September

Events


On Your BikeThe popular Surrey Cycleway route map has been updated and is available free of charge from cycle shops, libraries and Tourist Information Points.

The route uses quiet country roads and lanes and is well sign-posted. There are also eight detailed cycle maps to cover the whole county available to buy individually or as a set. Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/cycling or call 03456 009 009.

Go to the tower!The unique and fascinating Semaphore Tower on Chatley Heath near Cobham will again be open one day a month for visitors until September.

The tower was once part of a chain which was used to pass messages between the Admiralty in Whitehall and the Royal Naval Dockyard in Portsmouth. It was built in 1822 and is now the only restored surviving tower in a line of signalling stations that stretched from London to Portsmouth. For opening dates and prices call 01483 795440.

NEW TOURIST INFORMATION POINTS Nearly 40 of Surrey’s museums and libraries are going to become Tourist Information Points this summer to offer information to visitors and residents and encourage them to visit places of interest in the county.

The initiative will provide support to the official Tourist Information Centre in Guildford and is in response to the extra visitors that the London 2012 Games is likely to attract. It will also be a boost for Surrey residents who can pick up walking and cycling maps and get tips and advice on how to make the most of summer days out.

For details of which libraries and museums are involved visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/ 2012touristinformationpoints.

Noticeboard

Find Your WayDo you know the

difference between a footpath and a brideway? Or what a BOAT is?

A handy guide to signs in the countryside is

now available at www.surreycc.

gov.uk/rightsofway.

✄

Help for horse riders There are now many pages on the Surrey County Council website that offer advice and assistance to horse and stable yard owners. Surrey has an active equestrian industry, with three racecourses, polo training grounds and riding schools. There are also livery and stud yards, resident international competitive riders and thousands of horses, horse owners and riders.

To find out more visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/horsepasture project.

1. Do you think there was a good mix of content in this issue?

n Yesn Non Don’t know

2. What did you find the most informative/interesting feature and why? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What did you find the least informative/interesting feature and why? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What would you like to see more or less of in future publications? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Do you have ideas for particular features you’d like to see included? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Where did you pick up this copy of Explore Surrey?__________________________________________

7. Are there any other venues that you’d suggest for distribution? _________________________________________________________________________

8. If you would like to receive our e-newsletter about exploring Surrey’s countryside, please provide your email address*. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

surveyReader Give us your thoughts and

be in with the chance of winning a £50 voucher for Cotswold Outdoor.

We’d love to hear what you think about this first issue of Explore Surrey and your ideas about what could be included in the future.

Please fill out this brief questionnaire and return it to Countryside Feedback, Whitebeam Lodge, Merrow Depot, Merrow Lane, Guildford, GU4 7BQ or complete it online at www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey.

As an added incentive we’ve teamed up with Cotswold Outdoor so everyone who completes the questionnaire will go into a draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on their huge range of products.

* Your email address will be used solely by Explore Surrey and not given out to any third party organisation.✄


…as well as events go to www.visitsurrey.com or call Guildford Tourist Information Centre Tel: 01483 444333 Email: [email protected]

2012

www.visitsurrey.com

For places to stay,places to eat and

places to visit…

2012

www.visitsurrey.com

Explore Surrey

Documents

Transcript of Explore Surrey