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explore Surrey Autumn/Winter 2012 Discover your local countryside Plus Getting the kids outdoors Discover the Basingstoke Canal Wonderful walks

Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

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Discover your local countryside

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Page 1: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

exploreSurrey

Autumn/Winter 2012

Discover yourlocalcountryside

PlusGetting the

kids outdoorsDiscover the

Basingstoke CanalWonderful walks

Page 2: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

2 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

Smarter essential services......helping maintain Surrey’s highways.

maygurney.co.uk

May Gurney-exlore ad 170x246_Layout 1 20/09/2012 12:23 Page 1

Page 3: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey 3

Smarter essential services......helping maintain Surrey’s highways.

maygurney.co.uk

May Gurney-exlore ad 170x246_Layout 1 20/09/2012 12:23 Page 1

Did you know that the North Downs Way was an inspiration to some of our most famous authors and poets including Lewis Carroll and John Keats? Or that the Basingstoke Canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the range of water plants and dragonfly species?

There’s lots to learn and explore in Surrey’s countryside and not just in the summer months. This magazine aims to inspire you to get out and about this autumn and winter and really enjoy what the county has to offer.

In this issue there are ideas for getting kids out and on the road to good health as well as details of lots of events taking place. On page 11 a pull out map shows walking and cycling routes in Norbury Park, while a feature on page 14 turns the spotlight on the Living Woodlands Project.

Looking after Surrey’s countryside is an important part of our work at the county council, but we couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers.

Throughout the magazine there are details of how people can get involved, but if you’re a volunteer already I’d love to hear what you do and what you think makes Surrey’s countryside special. Please feel free to email me at [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 8541 9698Visit us online: www.surreycc.gov.uk/countryside

4 Walk the spectacular North Downs Way

8 Getting the kids outdoors

10 Explore the hidden corners of Norbury Park

12 Discover the wonders of the Basingstoke Canal

14 Turning the spotlight on Surrey’s woodlands

16 What’s on from October to March

18 Countryside noticeboard

19 Enter our reader competition and pick up your discount voucher

Produced by Surrey County Council Communications Team. Printed on FSC paper from recycled and sustainable sources. Please recycle this magazine. 09/12/NW/CS2367.

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.

Advertise in Explore SurreyOur next issue will be out from late March 2013. If you would like to advertise, please get in touch at [email protected].

Fishing on the Basingstoke Canal

Pain

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Par

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es

Page 4: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

Spectacular scenery, picturesque villages and glorious rolling countryside

are just some of the attractions offered by the North Downs Way National Trail.

Passing through both the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) the route is perfect for walking with short sections also open to horse riders and cyclists.

“Living in Dorking, I love striding out onto the North Downs to enjoy the countryside,” said Belinda Knox, who has produced a photographic book about the trail. “Birch trees soar into the sky, yews cling firmly to the ground and there are flowers and wildlife everywhere.

“It’s healthy, beautiful and a

great tonic to busy lives. I have walked the Way several times and was inspired to do a book as a result.”

There’s always something new to explore on the North Downs Way as the route benefits from a wealth of wildlife, history, landscapes, attractions, villages and towns. With excellent public transport links to the trail (it is easily reached by train from London) and a wide choice of accommodation along the route, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the trail whether on a day trip or a walking holiday.

Around a third of the route is in Surrey, beginning in the market town of Farnham and then following the line of the North Downs eastwards close to Guildford,  Dorking and

trailFollow

the

There’s always something new to explore on the North Downs Way.

4 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

➜Belin

da K

nox

Page 5: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

trail

www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey 5

Top ticket14 OctoberWalk parts of the North Downs Way with Guildford & Godalming Ramblers5 miles approx to finish at Watts Gallery for optional tea; meet 1.15pm at Village Hall in Compton.More details from Damian on 01483 422137 or 07790 164274.

2 NovemberWalk the Chalk with North Downs West RangersPart of the Walking Festival run by National Trust Surrey Hills Estate Office; 9am to 4pm, 7 miles approx, challenging, charges apply. Details from [email protected].

17 NovemberWotton and Abinger Walk with Surrey Under 40s Ramblers Group7 miles hilly walk with fantastic views across the Surrey Hills; meet 1pm at Gomshall station.More details from Paul Reynolds on 07516 189604 or at www.surreyyoungwalkers.org.uk.

View from Colley Hill, Reigate

Page 6: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

6 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

Website: www.weyandarun.co.uk

The Wey-South Path follows the route of the Wey & Arun Canal through Surrey, from Guildford to Alfold, then on into Sussex.

A detailed walking guide is available from the Canal Trust.

Mail order: 01403 752403, [email protected]

Canal talks and enquiries: 01483 505566, [email protected]

Explore Surrey’s waterway

heritage

Norbury Park Wood Products, Mickleham, Surrey RH5 6DN

For more information and to see our full range of products, visit www.norburyparksawmill.org.uk or call 01372 453371

A classic seasoned English oak bench crafted from locally sourced timber and hand made in the heart of Surrey

Hand crafted in SurreyReigate to reach the Kentish border.  

Much of the trail follows the legendary Pilgrims Way. This historic route has, for years, been used by those making pilgrimages to pray at holy shrines. The Old Road from Winchester to Canterbury that became the Pilgrim’s Way coincides with the North Downs Way eastwards from Farnham and is a well travelled road.

It held a compelling fascination for many writers and, as we walk the North Downs Way today, the landmarks and villages that they recognised and described can still be seen and are surprisingly very little changed.

John Bunyan lived in

Shalford and would have been well acquainted with the annual Becket’s Fair where the drunkenness, exhibition fighting and side shows were regarded with horror by this sober Puritan and could well have been the model for the Vanity Fair that Christian and Faithful pass through in The Pilgrim’s Progress.

Lewis Carroll first rented the house called The Chestnuts in Guildford in 1866 as a home for his six unmarried sisters and their housekeeper, but it became the place to which he escaped from university life for

FactfileThe 153 mile route passes three cathedrals, nine castles, three palaces, six stately homes and most importantly, nearly 300 pubs!

weekends and long vacations. The first and last chapters of Alice Through the Looking Glass were written at The Chestnuts and so were many books on logic and mathematics.

To find out more about the North Downs Way follow the links from www.surreycc.gov.uk/countryside. The official guidebook, North Downs Way by Colin Saunders, is published

by Aurum Press. Belinda Knox’s book The North Downs Way is available in all good bookshops and online from www.kneadingpeople.co.uk.

North Downs WayBe

linda

Kno

x

Dawn view from St Martha’s Hill, Guildford which is said

to have provided inspiration for Lewis Carroll

Page 7: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

Website: www.weyandarun.co.uk

The Wey-South Path follows the route of the Wey & Arun Canal through Surrey, from Guildford to Alfold, then on into Sussex.

A detailed walking guide is available from the Canal Trust.

Mail order: 01403 752403, [email protected]

Canal talks and enquiries: 01483 505566, [email protected]

Explore Surrey’s waterway

heritage

Norbury Park Wood Products, Mickleham, Surrey RH5 6DN

For more information and to see our full range of products, visit www.norburyparksawmill.org.uk or call 01372 453371

A classic seasoned English oak bench crafted from locally sourced timber and hand made in the heart of Surrey

Hand crafted in Surrey

Come and walk with one of our 17 local groups in Surrey’s countryside and other parts of the South East and beyond.

Our walks vary in length to suit all tastes and abilities.Meet new friends who share a common interest in the countryside.Help protect paths and open spaces by joining one of our local group working parties.

As a member of a national organisation you are free to go on a walk with 480 Ramblers local Groups across Britain. Visit www.surreyramblers.org.uk.

Surrey Ramblers

Page 8: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

kids outdoors

8 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

Easy tips to get your kids active outdoors

From former Gladiator and mum of three, Kate Staples:

l Go for a nature walk to take in the sights and sounds of the colder months.

l Pedal up! Go for family bike rides and stop for views along the way.

l Grab a notebook and pen and go hunting for bugs.

l Plan a treasure hunt around your local area.

l Visit your nearest riverbank to skim stones and race against each other.

Make sure you and your family don’t miss out on what Surrey has to offer.

whether it’s building rafts, flying down zip-wires, or going on a nature walk,

there’s plenty for kids to see and do in Surrey’s countryside. But are your kids taking part?

Sometimes it may seem hard to get them away from their gadgets and into the outdoors, especially when it’s cold outside, but the spirit of the London 2012 Games gives the perfect opportunity to encourage kids to get active and explore what Surrey has to offer.

Take for example, Surrey Outdoor Learning &

Development (SOLD), three outdoor pursuits centres based at High Ashurst in Dorking, Henley Fort in Guildford and Thames Young Mariners in Richmond.

Sarah Crow, Marketing Manager for SOLD said: “We offer a variety of outdoor activities for all ages such as climbing, kayaking, mountain-biking, challenge courses on high ropes and much, much more.”

Working mainly with young people from schools and a variety of youth groups, their approach is ‘challenge by choice’, which means every child is encouraged

to push themselves and attempt to achieve something they didn’t believe they were capable of.

Amber, a 16 year old student who is about to start a BTEC in photography at college said: “The rock climbing really tested me as I do not like heights but

thanks to the instructors at SOLD, I managed to get halfway up the climbing wall which is a real achievement for me.”

Any form of physical exercise is important for children because it prevents obesity, builds confidence, reduces stress and also improves sleep quality – the trick is to make it fun for them.

Another place for kids to explore, have fun and burn off some energy is Leith Hill and Tower near Dorking, the highest point in South East England.

Dad of three girls, Paul Mitchell who lives in nearby Holmbury St Mary, said: “We have been coming to Leith Hill almost every weekend to walk, ride horses or cycle since the children were tiny. Being outdoors as a family means we can keep fit, have fun and enjoy the beautiful Surrey countryside.”

The area has lots of walking trails, plenty of wildlife and trees

Getting the

Page 9: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

kids outdoorsKids outdoors

Top ticketOctober half term SOLD is running adventure courses for children aged 8 –16. Contact 01372 378901 for more details.

27 OctoberHatchlands Park Bat Walk, East ClandonEnjoy a walk around the park at dusk and see how many of the nine bat species you can spot. Bat detectors provided. 6.30-9pm. £8 adults; £4 child. Email [email protected] for more details.

28 OctoberGatton Park Ghost Stories, ReigateA guide will lead you around ghostly Gatton Park to hear some spooky stories. All children to be accompanied by an adult. Tours at 5 (for younger children), 6 and 7pm. £5 per person. Contact 01737 649066 for more details.

Visit our ‘What’s on’ pages for a variety of Christmas events too.

to spot and is topped off with amazing views that stretch out across the county.

So why not take a closer look at what Surrey’s outdoor playground has to offer – there’s something everywhere for everyone to enjoy.

Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey to start planning!

www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey 9

Getting the

Erin Mitchell, Leith Hill

Kate Staples

Page 10: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

10 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

pull-

out m

ap

ofHidden corners

Norbury Parkthere are lots of great walking

and cycling trails you might like to try in Surrey. These

two take in areas of Norbury Park, which lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, west of the River Mole and the A24 between Westhumble and the borders of Fetcham and Great Bookham.

The park lies close to parts of the Olympic Road Cycling Road Race route, near to Box Hill, and has a mix of woodland, chalk grassland and farmed fields. It was also the first area of countryside purchased by Surrey County Council in 1931 to

protect it against development and is now managed on our behalf by Surrey Wildlife Trust.

The green-marked walking trail is around 2 miles long and fairly easy, taking the average walker under 2 hours. The second (shown in purple) is a family off-road cycle route of about 4.5 miles that will take about 1.5 hours, but can be walked in around 2 hours.

Both trails start from public free car parks and use fairly well surfaced tracks with some hilly parts, but with plenty of places for rest or picnicking. There are also refreshment and toilet

A. As you walk along the bank of the River Mole, a tributary of the Thames, look out for flashes of turquoise from kingfishers patrolling the river. B. An ancient site, Norbury may have been one of the Mickleham manors mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The present Norbury Park house was built in 1774 for the Locke family

and the house and grounds are still in private ownership. C. Enjoy the stunning woodland views and spot the different

types of wood such as softwoods (pine) and hardwoods (beech and oak). If you visit in spring, the Hazels’ woodland is covered in primroses. D. Norbury Park Sawmill, built in the late 1970s, helped to repair parts of the Basingstoke Canal, using local timber for reconstruction work. The Sawmill is now managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust and makes a large range of wood products mainly from local oak. E. The Roaringhouse Farm Granary is set on mushroom shaped pillars, known as ‘staddle stones’, which allowed air to circulate and prevented mice and rats from stealing the grain stored inside.

facilities at Bocketts Farm near to the start of both trails.

Remember to visit our web pages at www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey to download full directions and highlights or contact Surrey Wildlife Trust on 01483 795440 for a leaflet (also available from Bocketts Farm). OS Explorer map 146 covers this area.

Walk and cycle highlights:

Exclusive offer!

Explore Surrey readers: Get 20% off all food and

drink when you spend over £5 in the Bockett’s Farm Tearooms. See page 19

for details.

Page 11: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey 11

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pull-out map

Norbury Park

Page 12: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

one of Surrey and Hampshire’s most popular ‘green’ corridors, the

Basingstoke Canal, is going through a period of regeneration.

A programme of repair and improvement on the locks and embankments is underway to make sure the canal remains safe, while also making it possible for boat traffic to travel its whole length and help boost the local economy.

Peter Martin, Surrey County Council’s Deputy Leader explained: “Both ourselves and Hampshire County Council recognise the canal is an

Makeover forgreen corridor

important and well-loved asset for its communities. It is an attraction to residents and businesses to locate to the area, as well as an important site of nature conservation.”

The canal is full of wildlife and in 1975 it was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the range of water plants and dragonfly species. With 87 species it is the most diverse single body of water in the UK for water plants. This is due to the distinctive water chemistry, which is alkaline from the Hampshire chalk springs, gradually changing to acidic as it passes through the sandy

Surrey heaths. “Managing the SSSI is

challenging,” added Peter. “One of the biggest reasons for the decline in the diversity of water plants in places is the much loved tree cover which has grown up over the years of dereliction, shading the water and creating organic build up from fallen leaves. The challenge is to get the balance of tree numbers right between conservation needs but still preserving the character of the tree-lined canal corridor.”

The Basingstoke Canal was built in the 1790s to take bulk agricultural products (grain, timber, etc) from the heart of Hampshire

Basingstoke Canal work preserves oasis of wildlife and boosts local economy.

12 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

Page 13: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

to the markets and docks in London, and to bring goods such as coal and pottery back.

The canal has had a chequered life suffering from a lack of water in summer and then increasing competition from the railways. It has become virtually derelict and been restored twice in its 220 year history. The second time was when Surrey and Hampshire County Councils came to the rescue of the canal in the early 1970s and during the next two decades the councils, supported by thousands of volunteer hours, restored 32 miles of the canal, which officially re-opened for boat traffic in 1991.

Makeover forgreen corridor

Today the canal is a green oasis connecting urban areas with the countryside. It is a pleasant place for anyone to walk, jog or cycle on the largely level towpath and is also popular with canoeists and anglers. Larger boats can currently cruise from the Wey Navigations to Woking and from Mytchett to Greywell, while canal-boat trips operate from the Canal Centre at Mytchett and from Odiham.

www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey 13

Top ticket31 OctoberCanal family walkThe ranger will lead a gentle stroll along the towpath looking at the wildlife both on and off the canal. 10.30am - 12pm. Meet at the Canal Centre, Mytchett. £3 per person. Booking essential on 01252 370073.

1 to 23 DecemberSanta Cruises on the Basingstoke CanalClimb aboard our boat Rosebud to the start of the tinsel trail in the woods. Receive your gift from Father Christmas in his grotto, then go back to the Canal Centre, Mychett for Christmas fare. Charges apply. Details from [email protected].

The canal is managed on a day-to-day basis by a small band of dedicated staff and rangers who work for the Basingstoke Canal Authority. The ranger team are supported by volunteers including local residents, the Surrey & Hants Canal Society and many clubs and societies. If you’re interested in volunteering to help look after the canal you can contact the Basingstoke Canal Authority on 01252 370073.

Young cyclist Phil Cooper says: “I’ve grown up in Woking, but I never knew there was such a great cycle ride that l could take along the towpath, and stay off-road. It links into other paths and routes so I can go as far as I want. The other day I saw a bat, a heron and loads of other wildlife while I was out cycling. It’s great!”

Page 14: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

14 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

d id you know that Surrey is the most wooded county in England, with many

beautiful spots to visit? Woodland covers almost a quarter of our land area, far more than the national average of 8.5%.

For people living and working in Surrey, being surrounded by lush, leafy green woods, offers the perfect place for a range of leisure pursuits; from walking to cycling, to team building exercises and family picnics.

John Furey, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment

said: “Surrey offers you more woodlands to explore than anywhere else, boasting a varied selection of woodland types, some of it designated as ancient.

“But if our woodlands are to survive for future generations to enjoy, it is not enough just to preserve them – it’s essential to manage them.”

The Living Woodlands Project in North Surrey, funded by the Heritage Lottery

Fund, aims to manage local woodlands, improve nature conservation and support traditional woodland workers.

Dawn Fielding, Project Officer says: “My role is to help bring Surrey’s woodlands back into

management and inform people about why we need to protect them.”

Volunteers are helping to protect woods for example by planting trees,

You’re sure of a big surprise.

FactfileDID yOU KNOW?Waverley Borough is almost as wooded as the New Forest in Hampshire. Surrey’s woodlands are home to a vast array of wildlife including up to 43 species of butterflies and 623 types of moths.

If you go down to thewoods today…

Page 15: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey 15

You’re sure of a big surprise.

providing much needed shelter and food for wildlife as well as giving new life to trees that may live to be hundreds of years old.

The project also offers opportunities for rural employment to local coppice workers and craftsmen, maintaining an important link with Surrey’s heritage. Dawn adds: “Woodlands are a great habitat for wildlife but also produce lots of timber that can be used for firewood or by wood crafters to make furniture and fencing, contributing to the rural economy.”

There are six woodlands currently in the project across Kingston, Elmbridge and Epsom & Ewell.

So this autumn and winter, take the time to enjoy Surrey’s most spectacular scenery – you wouldn’t want to miss it! But spare a thought for how much work goes into looking after them so you and your families

can continue to enjoy them now and into the future. For more information or to get involved, visit www.livingwoodlands.org.uk.

If you go down to thewoods today…

Top ticket21 October Living Woodlands Fayre Free woodland fun for all the family at Horton Country Park, Espom from 11am to 4pm. Children’s activities, storytelling, wood and bush crafts, demonstrations and refreshments. Details on 01372 743783.

4 NovemberAutumn Glory Woodland WalkTake a walk in the woods with a Runnymede ranger for an insider’s glimpse of the winter woodlands. Meet at top of Coopers Hill/Lane at 11am till 12.30pm. Charges apply, booking essential on 0844 249 1895.

2 JanuaryInspired in Woldingham’s WoodlandsExpansive views and towering beech trees abound on this New year’s walk through Woodland Trust woodland and chalk farmland. A 2.5 hour walk, meet at 10am at South Hawke car park. Call 01737 737700.

To see what other walks are planned, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/events.

Holmbury Hill Woodlands

John

Mill

er

Page 16: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

What’s on…Here’s a flavour of the events and walks taking place this autumn and winter. For more visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/events. October – March

16 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

9 OctoberLimpsfield Chart GO50 walkChoose either a four or eight mile walk with good views. Details from [email protected].

14 and 28 OctoberFascinating Fungi Join a local National Trust fungi expert to discover the different types of autumnal fungi around. Meet at the top of Coopers Hill Woods, Runnymede at 11am till 12.30pm. To book, call 0844 249 1895.

17 to 21 OctoberA Taste of Autumn Celebrate all that’s fresh and tasty this autumn at RHS Wisley’s annual

harvest festival. For details visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley or call 0845 260 9000.

21 OctoberGatton Park Volunteering Day10am to 4pm, open to all ages. Details from www.gattonpark.com or call 01737 649068.

22 OctoberThe Relevance of Dickens TodayCelebrate the last 200 years of Charles Dickens with his great great great granddaughter, Lucinda

Hawksley, at Watts Gallery. For details call 01483

810235 or email info@

wattsgallery. org.uk.

23 OctoberWalking on

Horsell Common

Join the Woking Ramblers for a five mile walk through woods and farmland around Horsell, Mimbridge and Chobham. For details call 01932 343849.

27 October to 4 NovemberWizards and Witches WeekFun half-term activities for all the family including a quiz trail, creepy crafts and hundreds of pumpkins! Details at www.bockettsfarm.co.uk.

3 NovemberAutumn photography Learn how to capture the beauty of the season at Winkworth Arboretum. £6 adult; £3 child. Email [email protected] for more details.

7 NovemberAge UK walk at Painshill ParkA three mile walk through the 158 acre landscape garden. Meet at 10.15am. For details

contact Richard Jeffries on 01483 534706.

10 NovemberKingston RamblersBantead to Coulsdon five mile walk, meet at Banstead station at 11.15am, approx three hours. Details at www.kingston-ramblers.org.uk or 01932 784866.

11 and 18 NovemberPutting the House to Bed at Clandon ParkJoin the housekeeper on a tour of the servants’ spaces at Clandon. 11am to 4pm. Details on 01483 222482 or email [email protected].

24 NovemberSt Martha’s Hill walkWest Surrey Natural History Society two and a half mile hilly walk. Details at

Page 17: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

01483 567041.

1, 2 and 8 DecemberChristmas at Gatton Park Wreath making and visits to Santa’s Grotto. For more details and to book visit www.gatton-park.com.

1 to 24 December Father Christmas in the Crystal Grotto at Painshill ParkBooking lines (01932 868113) open to members from 8 to 12 October and general public from 15 October. www.painshill.co.uk.

9 and 19 DecemberChristmas Tree Adventure at Leith HillJoin NT volunteers to help with scrub clearance and cut down a Scots pine tree for Christmas. 11am to 3pm. Details on 01306 712711.

15 and 16 DecemberFestive fun at Lightwater Country ParkJoin in with the outdoor treasure hunt, card and

hat making between 11am and 3pm. Details on 01276 707166. www.surreyheath. gov.uk.

16 DecemberChristmas at Semaphore Tower, OckhamMeet Father Christmas and his elves at the very top of the tower and receive a Christmas gift. Booking essential on 01483 795471 or at www.surreywildlifetrust.org.

19 and 20 DecemberCarols at Clandon Park For details of performance times and to book, call 01483 444333 or visit www.visitguildford.com.

22 December to 6 January 2013Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks For more details visit www.surreyramblers.org.uk.

Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Rambles at Polesden LaceyA gentle ramble from 11am to 1pm. £4 each. To book call 01372 452048.

13 JanuaryUpstream Walk along the River WeyA five mile circular walk along the natural River Wey via Hurtmore and Charterhouse with the NT lengthsman. Details on 01483 561 389. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey.

2 February and 2 MarchMake your own Bird Feeder in Tilgate Park, Crawley10am to 12.30pm. £3 per child. Details on 01273 497561.

3 FebruaryBanstead volunteering day10am to 4pm. Call 01737 737700 for more details.

3 to 24 February Snowdrop Sundays at Gatton Park Open every Sunday in February and half-term. Adults £4; children free www.gatton-park.com.

10 March Step into Spring Figure of EightJoin Surrey & Beyond Walkers for half or the whole walk around Waverley Abbey and Frensham Little Pond. Details at www.sabre-walkers.org.uk.

What’s on…October – March

explore surrey 17

Events

Fred

Hol

mes

Crystal Grotto, Painshill Park

Page 18: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

18 www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey

Become a countryside volunteerWould you like to help look after our countryside? There are so many opportunities such as helping with guided walks and tree planting. Whatever your interests or skills, whether you are a group, an individual or even a school, we’d love to hear from you - take a look at www.surreycc.gov.uk/countrysidevolunteering.

DID yOU KNOW SURREy HAS 43 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES? Surrey has the largest countryside museum collection in the South East hiding treasures such as an Egyptian mummy, a Japanese spider crab, a Viking sword, a crystal grotto and 30 London buses. you can also take part in a range of activities such as archaeology digs, vintage car rides, arts and crafts, re-enactments, exhibitions, talks, tours and workshops. So visit www.surreymuseums.org.uk to plan your visit today.

NoticeboardFree self guided walk leaflets The Downlands Project offers a wide range of free self guided walk leaflets covering scenic routes across Surrey and south London. They include the stunning Downlands Circular Walk (Happy Valley/Chaldon area), North Downs Ridge Circular Walk (Reigate Hill), Shabden & Upper Gatton Parks Circular Walk and Dorking to Gomshall (Walk the Chalk). Plus look out for a brand new leaflet for the Banstead Woods Nature Trail too. Email [email protected] or call 01737 737700 to request your free copies.

On the hunt for The Great British WalkWho loves walking in Surrey? Vote for your favourite Surrey walk in a National Trust competition, which marks the beginning of the Trust’s Great British Walk celebration, running until 4 November. More than 3,000 events have been planned at National Trust properties in some of the country’s best walking locations, including Surrey. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Pick up after your poochPlease keep our

countryside clean and

safe for everyone to

enjoy by remembering

to pick up after your

pooch. Either place in

one of the dog waste

bins located around

Surrey or take it home.

Page 19: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

competitionReader

Win two £40 vouchers

from Cotswold Outdoor

www.surreycc.gov.uk/exploresurrey 19

As the colder months draw in, two lucky readers could each be spending £40 vouchers on a range of outdoor clothing and footwear, climbing or camping equipment. Visit www.cotswoldoutdoor.com to find your nearest store.

For your chance to win, email us at [email protected] with the answers to the following questions or send your answers to Countryside Competition, Whitebeam Lodge, Merrow Depot, Merrow Lane, Guildford, GU4 7BQ.

BOCKETTS FARM PARK OLD BARN TEAROOMS

EXPLORE SURREY SPECIAL OFFER

Get 20% off all food and drink when you spend over £5 in the Tearooms. Valid October to end March 2013. Please hand in this voucher at the till to receive the offer.

Stop off on your trip around Norbury Park to visit us in our beautiful 18th Century Barn Tearooms

•Home made lunches served all day •All day breakfasts •Home made cakes and cream teas •Home made jams & chutneys for sale •Visit our brand new Gift Shop

Open Every Day 10am – 5.30pm www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

1. If you follow one of the trails on page 10 and 11, you’ll have walked along one of Surrey’s rivers. What’s the name of it? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. We recently welcomed Olympic cyclists to Surrey’s roads. What’s the name of the hill the men cycled round nine times and the women twice? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hint - you’ll find all the answers somewhere in the magazine!Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reader survey Thankyou for your positive feedback from our first issue. We’d love to hear what you think about this second issue of Explore Surrey and your ideas about what could be included in the future. Please email any feedback to [email protected].*Y

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Page 20: Explore Surrey, autumn/winter edition

…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

New issue out January 2013!