Gallery

Whether you’re looking for free activities to entertain the kids or a chance to get out and try something new, Heath Week has a lot on offer. Join us to discover the heaths of Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire and share in the magic.

Heath Week 2023

Monday 24th July to Sunday 30th July. Click on a picture to start the 2023 story…

Pretty pink poster to advertise Heath Week - Monday 24th July to Sunday 30th July 2023
Montage of fun photos from last year's Heath Week. Includes fire engines, reptiles, colouring activities and lots more.
Click here to see the Heath Week 2023 line up!
Photo of our team sheltering from the weather under a gazebo. The tables are all setup for colouring. Victoria stands in front with a litter picker and a bag of rubbish. Mike displays a leaflet about butterflies!
A disappointingly wet morning for the start of Heath Week 2023! But we were ready for the off!
Photo montage of children enjoying badge making, painting and butterfly walks with Mike and Michael :-)
The badgemaking and other activities went down a storm at Butterflies & Other Things with Wings on Monday at Chobham Common.
Montage of photographs showing children enjoying looking at the fire engine and its equipment, and trying on the gear.
Meanwhile at Wildmoor Heath in Crowthorne, a patiently waiting crowd were rewarded with a visit from Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service for a Wildfire Roadshow!
Photo of a brown, streaky bird sitting on a log. Partly obscured by a large pink question mark. It's part of a quiz.
Question 1 in our heathland bird quiz was: This nocturnal bird’s churring can contain up to 1,900 notes per minute. It nests on the heaths of Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire, making a simple scrape on the ground. What bird is it? 🐦

A photo taken at dusk, as people wait for Nightjars to start churring in the fading light.
On Monday evening, 12 lucky people accompanied Warden Steve on a Walk on the Dark Side at Whitmoor Common to listen for Nightjars. The delighted group were treated to a wonderful display.
A montage of photos taken at dusk, as young people wait for Nightjars to start churring in the fading light. Some photos show Education Officer Michael holding up a photograph of a Nightjar.
Meanwhile over at Chobham Common our Education Officer, Michael, was introducing a group of 16-30 year olds to the Chobham-based Nightjars. A walk led in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust. Photo credits: Surrey Wildlife Trust.
Photo of a group of people on a heathland path. The vegetation is burnt to one side. Warden Henry stands with his arms outstretched, obviously explaining something to the attentive group.
There was good news and bad news on Tuesday. The good news: the sun shone for Warden Henry’s Historic Heathland at Yateley Common.
Photo of people around a gazebo with a red banner saying "Surrey Fire and Rescue Service".
The bad news: No fire engine was available to join us for the Wildfire Roadshow at Chobham Common. A huge thank you to Marli and the Surrey Fire & Rescue Service for putting on a great display and entertaining everyone who came to see us.
Photo of a bird with an orange breast, perched on bright yellow flowering gorse. Partly obscured by a large pink question mark. It's part of a quiz.
Question 2 in our heathland bird quiz was: This common heathland bird is a birdwatcher’s dream, often perching on top of prominent gorse bushes. Its Latin name calls it a “bramble-dweller”. What bird is it? 🐦
Photo montage of children enjoying the treasure hunt at Horsell Common.
The interactive heathland Treasure Hunt at Horsell Common went down a treat. We had amazing feedback from everyone who came.

Photo of heathery landscape with bright pink patches of Bell Heather ad blue sky behind.
And thank you to Mark from the RSPB, who led a walk at beautiful Hazeley Heath in the afternoon. The heather looks stunning!
Photo of montage of people on the butterfly walk. Ranger Mark has a butterfly net and they're looking at what he's found.
They had an absolute butterfly bonanza! The sunshine bought out plenty of Grayling, Small Copper, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown! Blue skies, the buzzing of pollinators and Bell Heather in bloom – perfect!
Photo of a Fire Service Land Rover and a Unimog (a huge off road fire fighting vehicle)
There was excitement on Wednesday at Horsell Common when the Surrey Fire & Rescue Service arrived with their unimog for the Wildfire Roadshow.
Photo of two young girls dressed up in fire fighter gear!
And we found lots of brilliant new recruits for the #BeWildfireAware campaign! Thanks girsl!
Photo of a group of people standing around a man with a butterfly net!
Also at Horsell Common on Wednesday, entomologist and Horsell Common Preservation Society trustee, Andrew Halstead, led an Insect Walk to Horsell’s Sand Pit to observe Bee Wolves, solitary bees and other insects that make heathland so special.
Photo looking down a steep concrete ramp.
And meanwhile at Hazeley Heath, Hart District Council rangers were celebrating the history of this unique place. Can you guess what this structure was used for?

Photo of a black and white photograph showing tanks in a sandy landscape. One of the tanks is being winched by hand.
Here’s a clue. Hazeley Heath was once used to practice winching tanks out of boggy ground!
A photo taken at dusk, as people wait for Nightjars to start churring in the fading light.
On Tuesday evening we said “Three Churrs for Horsell Common”! Here’s our Education Officer, Michael, leading one of his very popular walks to hear Nightjars churring at dusk.
Photo of Warden Mike talking to two young boys and their mother.
At Yateley Common we had a wonderful Wednesday morning of arts & crafts in the idyllic setting of Wyndham’s Pool. We had lots of brilliant artists visit us. Some did colouring and origami…
Photo of a small girl holding up a paper plate with a card Nightjar resting on some eggs.
…some made their own Nightjar nest!
Photo of a young girl in an orange hat colouring in the outline of a snake. It's part of big, colourful artwork.
And some helped us with a beautiful artwork depicting heathland wildlife. When it’s finished, it’s going to hang in the Yateley Society’s heritage room.
Photo of a grey-blue bird with a pinkish chest and long tail. Partly obscured by a large pink question mark. It's part of a quiz.
Question 3 in our heathland bird quiz was: These characterful heathland birds are very sensitive to cold winters. In a bad winter their population can crash and they were down to only a few pairs in the 1960s. Thankfully numbers have gradually recovered and a walk on the heath in spring is often accompanied by their scratchy song. What bird is it? 🐦

Four part photo montage showing kids having fun.
Smiling faces at the Sensory Scavenger Hunt at Lightwater Country Park on Thursday! Well over 100 people came to explore the heathland trail, draw a picture or try out Warden Mandy’s fantastic origami. And just look at our gorgeous ribbon dancers! Hope you all had a great time!
Five part photo montage showing people looking for insects. Entomologist Andrew wields a large butterfly net.
And in the afternoon, another chance to explore Horsell Common with entomologist Andrew Halstead. You’ll be amazed at what lives in the sandy banks of Horsell Common’s Sand Pit, including amazing bees like the wonderfully-named Green-eyed Flower Bee and Pantaloon Bee. The highlight for Andrew wasn’t an insect though, but a lucky sighting of an Adder.
Photo of a man with a butterfly net right over his head!
Thank you for all your hard work during Heath Week Andrew, we love your dedication.
Photo of a brown, streaky bird with a very long bill. Partly obscured by a large pink question mark. It's part of a quiz.
Question 4 in our heathland bird quiz was: This heathland bird isn’t often seen in the daytime, but at dusk can sometimes be seen patrolling its territory – a behaviour called ‘roding’. As it flies, it makes a mouse-like squeak. A nice one to listen out for. What bird is it?
A photo taken at dusk, as people wait for Nightjars to start churring in the fading light. The group stand patiently listening to Steve.
Warden Steve was in action again at Whitmoor Common on Thursday evening for another Walk on the Dark Side. The Nightjars put on yet another great performance!
Photo of a boy working on a colouring sheet. The sheet depicts a curled up Adder.
Our coiled Adder craft was a big hit at Ockham Common on Friday!

Photo of a small boy holding up a colied cardboard snake complete with bright red tongue.
The Adders look brilliant when they’re coloured in and the tongue’s attached!
Photo of a small boy holding up an uncolied cardboard snake.
They uncoil too! Well done boys, beautiful work!
Photo of a plastic container full of tongues - cut out of red card! Ready to stick on cardboard Adders!
We love it that Senior Warden Zoe made a pile of red tongues, ready for your Adders!
Photo of a long, thin brown snake, held in a hand. The snake is thinner than the hand's fingers.
The Smooth Snake ARC brought along, was the star of the show though!
Photo of a grey and buff coloured bird perched on a gorse bush. Partly obscured by a large pink question mark. It's part of a quiz.
Question 5 in our heathland bird quiz was: A favourite of many, this is a pretty heathland bird. The males sport beautiful crimson markings. Although numbers have declined in recent decades, they’re still seen on the heaths of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area across Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire. Often in large flocks in winter. What bird is it? 🐦
Photo of a man in a Fire Service uniform with a spaniel by his side. A sign says "Extreme risk of Fire".
No fire engine was available for the Wildfire Roadshow at Whitmoor Common, but who could complain when the ever-popular Ed & Monty were there. Thank you so much for coming again!

Photo of a cardboard fir engine. Made out of a box. A circle on the side of the box is the hose! Very cute!
And a big, big thank you to the little boy who brought his own fire engine to show to the Fire Service! What a brilliant invention. Love the hose on the side!
Photo of people standing at a view point. A man is looking out across the heathland and into the distance.
On Friday afternoon, Warden Kay and Elinor from Heathlands Reunited led a walk called Sensing Nature at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham. It’s a beautiful walk, with breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities to take a closer look at heathland nature.
Photo of Warden Kay under the shade of an oak tree. She and one of the walk participants are gazing up into the tree.
On Saturday morning Warden Kay was back in action, on a nature walk with a difference at Chobham Common.
Photo montage of Kay's walk at Chobham Common. Heather, gorse, a gall on an oak leaf, a view across heathland and a group of friendly people.
Kay’s walk, short in distance, but rich in detail, was the perfect way to forget our day to day cares and immerse ourselves in the heathland landscape.
Photo of a man in sunglasses, holding notes and a walking stick. He's talking to a group of people.
Meanwhile, the Chobham Commons Preservation Society walked through time to reveal some of the historical myths and mysteries of the southern part of the Common.
Photo montage of family activities. Painting and signs from the nature trail. A cricket on a flower.
At Bramshill Plantation, Forestry England set up a fantastic self-guided nature trail to explore this very special forest or you could step into our arts & crafts gazebo for a spot of painting.

Photo of a small child who holds out a colourful painting of the forest.
With arts & crafts celebrating the wildlife of the forest. Nice work!
A ranger in a green top holds out a pot for two small girls to look at. I think the pot contains an insect.
Bug hunting was a big hit too!
Colourful photo of a painted stone on a brightly coloured tablecloth. The stone has a brown bird painted on it and the word "Woodlark".
And it’s good to see the special birds that nest in the forest clearings were on the table 🐦
Photo of a brown streaky bird. Partly obscured by a large pink question mark. It's part of a quiz.
Question 6 in our heathland bird quiz was: This small, streaky bird is a summer visitor to the heaths. Like many birds, its population has sadly declined over the past 25 years, so we aren’t treated to its beautiful song, and parachuting display, as often as we once were. What bird is it? 🐦
Photo of Warden Steve talking to a group of people. He waves his arms enthusiastically.
On Saturday morning Warden Steve took us on A Trip to the Movies, exploring some of the film and TV locations that have been used at Chobham Common. Photo credit: Rob Searle.
Photo of a white gazebo and tanks of wildlife. HIWARG volunteers are talking to people about the animals.
Then on Sunday we joined the HIWARG (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian & Reptile Group) for a Reptile & Amphibian Roadshow at Yateley Common.

Photo of a Grass Snake in the hand of a HIWARG volunteer. You can identify it's a Grass Snake by its yellow collar.
With live animals to see, including this obliging Grass Snake.
A small boy in a bright red hat posts a message to nature into a wooden postbox. A boy in the foreground wearing a colourful hat, is colouring in an Adder with bright colours.
More beautiful coiled Adders were coloured in fantastic colours and many of you wrote a ‘Postcard to nature’. So many in fact that we almost ran out of postcards.
Photo of two people bent over a paiting, working on the colouring in of a couple of section. They look very concentrated.
Sunday was also an opportunity to finish off the beautiful painting we started on Wednesday. Thank you to all the brilliant people who helped us.
Phot of two people holding up a finished painting. It looks bright and beautiful. It shows lots of different wildlife of the heath, includes reptiles, a frog, butterflies and dragonflies, Woodlark, Nightjar and Dartford Warbler.
The finished paining, depicting all the wonderful wildlife of the heath, will be displayed in Yateley by the Yateley Society.
Photo of a group of people gathered at dusk. They're listening for Nightjars.
And then a little Heath Week Extra. Michael led one last Nightjar walk of the season. It had rained all day on Wednesday 2nd August, but the evening came good and we heard churring on and off for quite a while, and everyone saw at least one Nightjar fly at Horsell Common.
Photo of a small brown streaky bird with a white eye stripe. Partly obscured by a large pink question mark. It's part of a quiz.
Question 7 in our heathland bird quiz was: Last but not least in our #HeathWeek2023 heathland bird quiz, is our lyrical heathland songbird. Its beautiful song heralds spring on the heath, where it builds its nest in tussocky vegetation on the ground. As with other birds that nest on the ground, it’s terribly vulnerable to being disturbed. What bird is it? 🐦

Photo of a swath of heathland, the Common Heather has turned purple.
And as we drew Heath Week to a close, the heather lit up the heathland and turned it to a sea of purple.

We’d love to hear what you thought of Heath Week and your ideas to make it better, please take a moment to give feedback. Thank you!

Bookmark our What’s on page to find more free, family-friendly activities!

Put a date in your dairy, Heath Week 2024 will be Monday 29th July to Sunday 4th August!

 

Heath Week 2022

Monday 25th July to Sunday 31st July. Click on a picture to start the 2022 story…

Pretty banner for Heath Week - Monday 25th to Sunday 31st July 2022
Photo of two children colouring in butterflies at the art & crafts table.
On Monday, the arts & crafts table at “Butterflies and other things with wings” was a big hit at Chobham Common, Staple Hill! Thanks for coming!
Photo of a little girl holding a butterfly chart.
As well as the painting, Mike & Michael were leading mini-guided walks to see how many different butterflies and insects they could find!
Photo of Warden Mike looking for butterflies with a group of children.
Warden Mike said it was a delight to meet so many of you, you’re such brilliant butterfly experts!
Photo of a little girl looking through a large yellow magnifying glass at Ragwort flowers.
Investigating a Ragwort plant! A good one for Cinnabar moth caterpillars at this time of year.
Photo of a black and yellow Cinnabar moth caterpillar on yellow Ragwort flowers.
And here’s what’s she was looking for, a black & yellow Cinnabar moth caterpillar!

Photo of a very well camouflaged Grayling butterfly.
Can you spot the Grayling butterfly? Just one of the many butterflies we identified. The list also includes Gatekeeper, Peacock, Red Admiral and Comma.
Photo of Wardens Sam & Steve fire investigation dog Chester, a black & white spaniel.
Meanwhile, Wardens Tim, Sam & Steve were at the Wildfire Roadshow event at Chobham Common Roundabout. Unfortunately we didn’t have a fire engine, because they were all at an ongoing incident at Hankley Common, but we did have fire investigation dog, Chester!
Photo of a mum and her child stroking Chester, the dog.
Thank you to everyone for your understanding about the fire engine, hope you enjoyed meeting Chester!
PCSO Sian from Surrey Heath Police beside a Police car, with kids inside!
And thank you so much to the Surrey Heath PCSOs who let everyone try out their car for size!
Photo of two girls looking at our wildlife information map.
It was great to meet so many families and it’s fantastic that you’re all hugely passionate about wildlife!
Fantastic macro photograph of a grey spider. Part of the spider is obscured by a large question mark.
Question 1 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: What spider – thought to have been extinct in the UK since 1999 – was discovered on an MOD heathland training area in 2020? Clue: The Fantastic Reynard! Answer: Great Fox Spider Alopecosa fabrilis. Read more at: www.surreywildlifetrust.org/news/surrey-wildlife-trust-rediscovers-great-fox-spiders.

Photo of a child's plastic water bottle
A favourite water bottle, lost, but returned to its relieved owner Ella!
Photo of a little girl and alittle boy proudly holding the Nightjar nests they've made
Thank you to Freya and Harvey, who came to Tuesday’s event at Whitmoor Common and made Nightjar nests with Warden Tim and Warden Ruth. Brilliant!
Photo of our gazebos and information boards, with two adults standing either side
And here are our Natural England managers, Stephen and Ruth, come to help out and join in the fun!
Photo of a group of people on the edge of the heath at dusk
Three Churrs for Horsell Common was a walk on Tuesday evening with our Education Officer, Michael, to hear the Nightjars churring at dusk. As the sun goes down, the magic begins!
Macro photo of a spider with black legs and a bright red body, credit Ian Hughes. Part of the spider is obscured by a large question mark.
Question 2 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: What spider – on the brink of extinction in the mid-1980s, when a single colony of just 7 individuals was left in the UK – was translocated to the heathland at RSPB’s Arne reserve in Dorset in 2011 and is now said to be thriving there? Answer: Ladybird Spider Eresus sandaliatus. Read more at: www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/natures-home-magazine/birds-and-wildlife-articles/features/ladybird-spiders-at-arne/.
Photo of Warden Tim behind the display in the gazebo.
On Wednesday we had another Wildfire Roadshow at Barossa near Camberley to spread the #BewildfireAware message.

Photo of a spaniel with a "K9 Fire Patrol" coat on.
Ed from Surrey Fire & Rescue brought Monty along. The fire engines were still busy at Hankley Common, but Monty entertained us all and helped us spread the #BeWildfireAware message.
Photo of a little girl painting.
Instead of fire engines, we had arts & crafts!
Photo of Warden Ruth explaining about the wildlife to two attentive children.
And talked to lots of families about the special wildlife of the heaths.
Photo of Wardens Tim, Mike and Ruth, and Monty the dog jumping up.
We had a great time…
Photo of Warden Tim cuddling the dog Monty.
…and enjoyed getting to know Monty.
Photo of Andrew holding his insect net, with a crowd of interested people looking on.
Also on Wednesday, entomologist Andrew from Horsell Common Preservation Society led a wonderful walk to look at the smaller creatures of the heath.

Two young girls holding up their paintings of frogs.
Meanwhile over at Yateley Common, there were more budding artists at work. Just look at these fantastic frog paintings! Beautiful job!
Photo of a little girl in the sunshine, holding up a picture she drew of a nightjar.
What a special Nightjar! So many talented artists!
Photo of a large group of people standing in front of our gazebo.
The event at Yateley, organised by Hampshire Countryside Service, was a great celebration of our Partnership, with members of the our team, the RSPB, Yateley Society and more!
Phot of a group of people on the heath at dusk.
That evening, our nocturnal Education Officer, Michael, was at it again with another Three Churrs for Horsell Common Nightjar walk.
Photo of a white spider on a white flower. The spider is clutching a bee. Part of the spider is obscured by a large question mark.
Question 3 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: What’s the common name of Misumena vatia – a spider that can change colour, varying from white to yellow to green? Answer: The Flower Crab Spider. It sits waiting to ambush visiting insects and changes to the colour of the flower. There’s also the less common Pink Crab Spider, Thomisus onustus, that spends most of its time in Bell Heather. Read more at: www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/spiders/flower-crab-spider.
Photo of Warden Zoe holding up the scavenger hunt worksheet.
On Thursday Senior Warden Zoe setup her Sensory Scavenger Hunt at Horsell Common.

Photo of Warden Zoe handing out the scavenger hunt worksheets to a group of boys.
She had lots of visitors that she sent off to explore the heath and see what they could discover!
Photo of a child holding out the completed scavenger hunt sheet.
They all came back delighted to show us their completed forms…
Photo of two young boys holding out the completed scavenger hunt sheets.
…and lots and lots wanted a place in the gallery!
Photo of a white board where children have written what they've seen. Emperor dragonfly, flower, bird, bee, cricket etc etc.
And to write what they’d seen on our whiteboard!
Photo of two young artists holding up their finished butterflies!
As well as the scavenger hunt, we also had a colouring table. A welcome activity to do in the shade on a hot heathland day! Again, lot and lots of you were keen to get a place in the gallery.
Photo of two young artists holding up their finished colouring sheets, with bees, birds and a Belted Galloway cow.
Thank you so much for coming!

Photo of a group with Michael on a shady heathland path
Meanwhile, at Wildmoor Heath near Crowthorne, Education Officer Michael was setting off on his “Heathland for Beginners” walk!
Photo of Michael pointing at something with a very long stick!
Michael always goes to great lengths to share his passion for heathland.
Photo of a group getting involved with Michael's activity to learn to use their phones.
In the afternoon, Michael ran a session to learn more about fantastic apps you can use on your phone to identify wildlife.
Photo of smiling lady with a black whippet.
Over at Edenbrook Country Park on Thursday, our Heathland Hounds team were having a lovely day with Natalie Light, dog trainer and behaviourist.
Photo of a group of dog walkers at a blue gazebo.
Thanks to everyone who came to the training walks and the drop-in sessions!
'Good dog guide' graphics. Please go to 'Good dog guide' on the main menu for an accessible version.
One of the best things we can all do, especially if we’re dog owners, is stick to main paths during the bird-nesting season. The ‘Good dog guide’ will keep us on the right…ahem…track!

Photo of a brown spider with white stripes along its body, stretched out on the water surface. Part of the spider is obscured by a large question mark.
Question 4 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: What spider – widespread on wet heaths in southern Britain – typically constructs its nurseries in Bog Myrtle or heather? Clue: Robinson Crusoe and Tom Hanks (Castaway) Answer: the Raft Spider Dolomedes fimbriatus. Read more at: www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/spiders/raft-spider.
Photo of a warden beside a Fire & Rescue Service Land Rover
On Friday, we didn’t have a fire engine (more emergencies!), but we did have a Fire & Rescue Service Land Rover, dressing up, fire investigation dog Suki, colouring and badge-making! Here’s Warden Jo at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham to prove it!
Photo of a lady in front of a Fire Service Land Rover, with collie dog.
Lovely to see Chris from Heathland Hounds there too, with her canine companion.
Photo of a Smooth Snake in the hand
While over at Ockham Common there were reptiles and amphibians for us all to enjoy and learn about. This is a very rare Smooth Snake, a patient individual that allowed many of you to handle it, under the careful supervision of the ARC team.
Photo of a warden showing a Smooth Snake to a fascinated toddler
Enjoyed by old and young!
Close-up photo of the Smooth Snake.
The rare Smooth Snake can only be found at a few heathland sites in the UK. It looks a bit like an adder, but lacks the distinctive zig-zag pattern along its back. Its scales are flat and smooth, unlike those of the Grass Snake and Adder which have a ridge (or ‘keel’) down the middle.

Photo of a young lady holding a Smooth Snake.
Another taker for the Smooth Snake experience.
Photo of a young child colouring in a picture of a reptile
And yet more colouring!
Phot of the team in front of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation gazebo
We couldn’t have done it without this fantastic team from the RSPB and Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, and a lot of help from Surrey Wildlife Trust. Thank you all!
Phot of different coloured heaths and yellow gorse in flower.
In the afternoon, Elinor from Heathlands Reunited kindly led a mindfulness walk for us at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham. It was wonderful to take a moment in this hectic week to focus on the senses and appreciate the colours, textures and smells of the heath. Thank you Elinor.
Photo of a group at dusk, cupping their hands behind their ears to better hear the Nightjars churr!
And in the evening, Warden Louis led his first Nightjar walk. The Ockham Common Nightjars did him proud, with plenty of churring and enough flying for everyone to get a decent view of these fascinating nocturnal birds.
Photo of Warden Nicky and Ranger Mads in front of the Heath Week sign.
Activities got underway on Saturday with Forestry England’s wonderful nature trail at Bramshill Plantation.

Photo of a smart information sign with information about Woodlark and Dartford Warbler
Forestry England created an information station and a self-guided nature trail to teach you about birds like the Nightjar and Woodlark. They depend on management of the forest and nest in areas of young plantation.
Photo of two children looking pleased about their visit to Bramshill.
It was so nice of everyone to drop by to learn about this very special forest.
Photo of a spider in its web, the web has a thick white section running vertically through the web, but the main body of the spider is obscured by a large question mark
Question 5 in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: First recorded in Rye, East Sussex in 1922, this spider – restricted to a few coastal locations until the 1970s – has now become widespread in southeast England & is spreading northwards. What is it? Clue: It’s visibly unmistakeable. And for a bonus point: It positions itself in its web looking downwards towards the ground to capture what specific prey? Answer: the Wasp Spider Argiope bruennichi. And the prey: grasshoppers and crickets. Read more at: www.britishspiders.org.uk/wasp-spider.
Photo of three people in a gazebo.
A huge, huge thank you to the Forestry England team who made it happen.
Fire engine approaching
Meanwhile in Crowthorne there was another anxious wait to see if the Fire Service would be able to bring a fire engine to Wildmoor Heath. It briefly arrived…then had to leave to attend yet another emergency!
Photo of a small boy in fire fighting suit!
A massive thank you to Neil from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who came straight from fighting a fire and a night shift to let everyone dress up in his kit and help us spread the #BeWildfireAware message! What a star!

Phot of three wardens with Ruth in full fire fighting suit!
A big thank you from all of us us (they’re having far too much fun!).
Photo of an insect with an orange striped body on a sandy surface.
The last question in our Heath Week Spider Quiz was: In the UK, this family of animals numbers 40 species. From about March to October, they hunt spiders. What are they? The answer is spider-hunting wasps or Pompilidae. Heathland examples include the Ridge-saddled Spider-wasp Cryptocheilus notatus and (pictured) Black-banded Spider-wasp Anoplius viaticus. Heathland’s rich invertebrate fauna includes 100s of species of spider. A fact exploited by these fascinating invertebrates. The female wasp lays an egg on a paralysed spider in her sandy burrow, and when it hatches, the larva consumes the spider!
Photo of a Grass Snake in the hand, with tanks of animals in the background.
On Sunday morning the team from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian & Reptile Group (HIWARG) were setting up at Yateley Common for another Reptile & Amphibian Roadshow.
Photo of a family enjoying holding a Grass Snake.
Thanks so much to the HIWARG team, who are all volunteers, for your time and patience in showing everyone the animals.
Photo of a young girl holding up her reptile colouring sheet.
We had lots of wonderful artists at the craft table too…
Photo of a girl wearing a sweatshirt with a large snake design on it.
…some even came appropriately dressed!

Children in a large off-road fire vehicle.
Meanwhile at Horsell Common, the Surrey Fire & Rescue Service arrived on cue with a large off-road vehicle they use to fight heathland fires locally. The unimog!
Photo of two small children in the cab.
There was a queue to clamber into the cab of this impressive machine.
Photo of a small child in the cab.
It was great to see so many of you here to learn about the risk of wildfire on the heaths…
Photo of a Land Rover used by the Surrey Fire & Rescue Service.
…and meet the crews that fight the fires.
Photo of two small children in the cab.
We’re so grateful to the Fire Service for coming along and helping us spread this important message. Isn’t that right boys?
Photo of a black & white spaniel with a child's helmet on, and a brown & white spaniel in the background.
Aww, and Chester and Monty were there again too! We love Chester and Monty!

Photo of a group of children colouring at the craft table.
And for those of an artistic persuasion, one last chance to sit round the colouring table.
Photo of a tranquil lake at Fishpool
On Sunday afternoon we had a lovely walk around the heathland at Fishpool on Chobham Common with Rob Searle from the Chobham Commons Preservation Society. Thank you so much Rob, for all the fascinating history you dug up for us.
Pink banner and QR code.
We’d love to hear what you think of #HeathWeek2022! Please give feedback at: //arcg.is/0inWDH.

Heath Week 2021

Saturday 24th July to Friday 30th July. Click on a picture to start the 2021 story…

Banner for Heath Week 2021 - Saturday 24th to Friday 30th July 2021
The Heathland Photography Competition address is www.blackwatervalleynaturewalks.co.uk/heathland-photography-competition
Blackwater Valley Nature Walks kicked things off with the launch of the Heathland Photography Competition: www.blackwatervalleynaturewalks.co.uk/heathland-photography-competition
Green-eyed flower bee on heather
If you’ve taken a beautiful photograph of local heathland, find the details of the photography competition at: www.blackwatervalleynaturewalks.co.uk/heathland-photography-competition. This exceptional picture was taken by our Education officer, Michael. But don’t worry, we won’t let him enter!
Photograph showing a foggy viewpoint for the start of Heath Week!
After a week of blazing hot weather, the first day of Heath Week had a rather foggy start after a night of thunder storms! Here we are on Saturday 24th July at the viewpoint at Caesar’s Camp near Farnham, waiting nervously for the Fire & Rescue Service to arrive with the fire engines. But sometimes emergencies have to take priority and on this occasion the Farnham watch were mobilised to three back to back incidents 😟
Montage of photographs of kids having fun with drones and fire vehicles!
But we all had a great time at Caesar’s Camp, despite challenging weather and fire engines that had to go off to emergencies!
Photograph of two young boys dressed as fire fighters!
And found some brilliant new recruits to the #BeWildfireAware campaign!

Montage of photographs including the children enjoying the fire engines
There were some very happy children at Barossa on Sunday! A huge thank you to Camberley Fire Station, who brought along the fire engine and explained everything to their eager audience!
Photograph of dog owners waiting to speak with Natalie Light. With inset picture of Nat, Nicky & Jo.
And there was a great turnout to speak to brilliant dog trainer and behaviourist, Natalie Light, at Wyndham’s Pool, Yateley Country Park. More about Heathland Hounds here.
'Good dog guide' graphics. Please go to 'Good dog guide' on the main menu for an accessible version.
One of the best things we can all do, especially if we’re dog owners, is stick to main paths during the bird-nesting season. The ‘Good dog guide’ will keep us on the right…ahem…track!
Montage of some of the Heathland Hounds enjoying some advice from Natalie.
The event on Sunday was the perfect place to get some useful advice and hone your skills, with Natalie on hand to help.
A family enjoying the scavenger hunt at Lightwater!
Also on Sunday, Warden Zoe ran her first sensory scavenger hunt at Lightwater Country Park! What a brilliant way to get families outside and children engaged with nature!
Photograph of Warden Andi pointing out a butterfly yo two attentive children
Here’s Warden Andi on the scavenger hunt pointing out butterflies.

Photo of a girl pinning on a badge
And this little girl was very pleased with her “Heath Week Hero” badge 😊
Warden Zoe getting a couple of attentive children started on the scavenger hunt
On Tuesday Warden Zoe got off to a great start with a 2nd date for her sensory scavenger hunt at Whitmoor Common…
Wardens in the rain!
…but then it all went horribly wrong! Months of planning washed away in torrential rain! Hey ho!
Photograph of Michael explaining about nightjars
Education Officer Michael ran two popular nightjar walks at Horsell Common on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at dusk to see the incredible birds that migrate from Africa to nest here. (picture kindly tweeted by Sarah Dudley).
Montage of photographs of the event
Wednesday morning’s weather was better for Warden Val at the official opening of the Yateley Common Nature Trail. It wasn’t long before the havens opened again though!
Photograph of Warden Val and Project Manager Ruth having a good look at the reptiles
The team kicked off Thursday with a ‘Forestry Finds’ event at Bramshill Forest. Pete from HIWARG (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian & Reptile Group) was there to show us some of the species you might be lucky enough to spot in the wild.

Montage of photographs of people having fun with the fire fighting equipment
The ‘Wildfire Roadshow’ at Chobham Common on Thursday was a great success…with beautiful sunshine and two fire engines! A great turnout and lots of fun! Another huge thank you to Surrey Fire & Rescue Service.
Photo of Andrew pointing something out to interested children
And on Thursday afternoon Andrew Halstead, retired RHS entomologist and trustee for Horsell Common Preservation Society, took a group on a wonderful guided walk to look at the insect life on Horsell Common.
Photograph of Warden Nicky with a group at dusk.
Later that same day Warden Nicky was out again, this time at Wildmoor Heath to see if she could conjure up a nightjar or two! She did I hear!
Photo of the light trap.
After Nicky’s nightjar walk, the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) set up a light trap to see what moths we have on the heathland at Wildmoor.
Photo of people standing around a light in the dark.
Some of the people who came on the walk stayed to see what moths were being attracted to the light.
Crowds standing around a gazebo at Ockham Common.
Despite another iffy weather forecast for Friday, the Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC) team set up at Ockham Common and people bravely ventured out to see them. We had a great turnout all day!

Two members of the ARC team showing a family a smooth snake.
The dedicated ARC team had kindly brought a smooth snake and a grass snake, slow worms and natterjack toads for us to take a closer look at. All species that thrive on heathland, though we don’t currently have a population of natterjacks on the Thames Basin Heaths.
Member of ARC team helping a small child hold a smooth snake.
The smooth snake was incredibly relaxed and lots of people got the chance to handle it under the careful supervision of the ARC team.
Warden Tin holding a smooth snake on his wrist.
Here’s Warden Tim enjoying his turn!
Group gathered on a hill at Chobham Common.
And last, but not least, Rob of the Chobham Commons Preservation Committee took a group on a walk across Chobham Common to appreciate the historic context of the landscape and the site of the Great Camp, where Queen Victoria came to review her troops in 1853.
Click here to give feedback on Heath Week
Tell us what you think of Heath Week and what you’d like to see next year by visiting our survey at FEEDBACK SURVEY.

 

Heath Week 2019

Sunday 28th July to Saturday 3rd August. Click on a picture to start the 2019 story…

Heath Week 2019 logo
A week of activities for all the family! Bringing you the very best of the heaths across Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire, the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area and beyond.
The RSPB kicked off the week with their Big Wild Sleepout at Farnham Heath. What a great family get together!
The second event was a botany walk organised by Warden Flo. What better way to get Heath Week 2019 underway than a look at the heather creating a purple paradise across Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire! This is common heather, or ling, seen at Sheets Heath on Sunday on a walk called ‘Brilliant Botany’. It’s this heather that creates the swathes of purple on the heaths.
This type of heather is called Cross-leaved Heath, you’ll find it in damper areas. Take a close look at the arrangement of leaves and you’ll see where it gets its name.
Warden Flo looked at three types of heather on her “Brilliant Botany” walk at Sheets Heath. This one’s the most vivid pink, it’s called Bell Heather and is found in drier areas.

Did you know we have insect-eating plants on the heaths? This is a sundew, a carnivorous plant seen on Flo’s walk at Sheets Heath.
Warden Jamie’s favourite smell is grass snake! He was very pleased to see, and probably smell, this one at Englemere Pond during his nature walk on Monday. Grass snakes are completely harmless, but best only handled by trained professionals like Jamie.
Next came “Butterflies & Other Things with Wings” with the wardens at Chobham Common. We were all set for butterfly-themed crafts and guided walks to look for Grayling butterflies.
Heathlands are very special places and the Grayling is a very special butterfly. It’s rare nowadays, but if you have eagle-eyes, you can spot them on sandy paths on the heaths.
You need eagle-eyes because they are so well camouflaged! But with your help, we were able to spot some. How many can you spot in this picture?
This Grayling butterfly sat right on this little girl’s hat!

Yet another Grayling! Who said they were hard to spot?
Warden Mike, who some of you may know from our social media feeds, is looking at bristle bent grass, the food plant of the Grayling butterfly caterpillar.
Taking a closer look at a butterfly at “Butterflies & Other Things with Wings” at Chobham Common.
Taking a closer look at a butterfly at “Butterflies & Other Things with Wings” at Chobham Common with Education Officer Michael.
Badge making was a great hit at “Butterflies & Other Things with Wings” at Chobham Common on Monday.
With lots of beautiful badges made!

Come to one of our craft days and you could make one too 🙂
Such spectacular weather on Monday to go with the spectacular artwork!
What happened to summer!? We weren’t so lucky with the weather on Tuesday! Here’s Warden Rupert checking on the cattle ready for ‘Herd on the Heath’. Unfortunately we had to cancel three events, including one of our ever popular nightjar walks. Look out for more of these next year. June is the best month to see this elusive, but absolutely fascinating bird, that comes all the way from Africa to nest on the heaths.
Fortunately the K9 Fire Patrol weren’t the only ones braving the weather at Horsell Common on Tuesday.
K9 Fire Patrol dog Nellie at the site of a recent fire on Horsell Common. Why not join our squad and help us prevent fires? To find out more, email us at tbhpartnership@naturalengland.org.uk.
Thank you to everyone who came to talk to us about the patrol. It’s great that so many people are interested in helping prevent fires. Regular dog walkers can help just by doing their normal walks. Email tbhpartnership@naturalengland.org.uk for details.

Entomologist Andrew Halstead entertained on Tuesday evening with tales of wonderfully named heathland insects such as the pantaloon bee, the box-headed blood bee and the hieroglyphic ladybird!
35 species of moth came to the light trap we set at Heather Farm after Andrew’s talk on Tuesday evening…and that wasn’t even the best weather for attracting moths. Moths are amazingly diverse!
On Wednesday of Heath Week 2019, Andrew Halstead, entomologist extraordinaire, took us to see the wolves of Horsell Common! The famous sand pit, notorious as the site of a Martian invasion in H.G. Wells’s War of the Worlds, is now home to 1000s of wolves! The shallow bowl of the sandpit makes it a very special habitat for these and other amazing creatures.
Here’s one of them! A bee wolf! A fascinating solitary wasp that preys on bees. Heathlands are home to 100s of species of incredible insects, each with its own story!
On Wednesday we also teamed up with ARC, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, to bring you a reptile roadshow with live animals, free crafts and even a local vet to allay your fears about adders.
Everyone enjoyed meeting the reptiles and amphibians. What a great opportunity to see and even handle such interesting creatures!

Including this silky slow worm.
What a whopper!
There were more colourful specimens observed too!
The reptiles made by Warden Jo’s craft team were just as impressive. Did you make this one yourself Warden Jamie?
Our crafty visitors took many beautiful reptile creations home as souvenirs of a great visit to Ockham Common.
As many of the lovely people our wardens speak to are dog owners, we thought…wouldn’t it be great to do something for them during Heath Week! So Heathland Hounds were down at Caesar’s Camp on Thursday with doggy goodies to give away and doggy chat. And for anyone interested in free advice, we had professional dog behaviourist Natalie Light with us.

Natalie, looking very colourful, a keen conservationist, has a wealth of practical training tips and ideas for keeping walks interesting.
Spot the conehead cricket! Jut one of the great finds at Esher Common with Elmbridge Borough Council on Thursday afternoon.
Thursday evening with Surrey Wildlife Trust at Ockham Common was a treat. Our Education Officer Michael led a twilight walk to introduce some of you to his favourite bird, the nightjar. These mythical creatures nest on the heaths of Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire.
Nightjars in flight are always a crowd-pleaser!
If you’ve never seen a nightjar while out on the heaths, it’s not surprising! They are beautifully camouflaged, sit motionless during the day, and are only active when it’s dark!
Early birds on Friday at Wildmoor Heath were rewarded. The overnight light trap had attracted moths of all shapes and sizes!

Thank you to BBOWT, the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust for organising this super event.
On Friday we were with the Hampshire Countryside team at Yateley Common with a bee, butterfly and bug-themed nature day!
Our butterfly craft activities went down a storm!
With loads of you making these fantastic winged creatures to take home with you! Thanks for coming!
The creations were terrific!
Saturday brought an opportunity to get up close to a fire engine!

Also an opportunity to hear about the work of the Ministry of Defence. Around 50% of the Special Protection Area is used for military training, and lots of you had questions about access, parking, dog walking and training.
We work very closely with the DIO, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, who coordinate military training across the area. Many thanks to the DIO for accompanying us on two guided walks at Caesar’s Camp on Saturday.
We’re very lucky to have rare birds like the nightjar that come all the way from Africa to nest on the heaths. The children who came to see us at Lightwater on Saturday could colour one in!
Stone-painting, as well as colouring, is always popular at our free craft pitstops. We run them all year too. Visit our ‘What’s On’ page for all the latest!
Badge-making too!
So that was that! A fantastic week of fun across the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area and beyond. We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who came! Hope to see you next year!

Dates for 2023: Monday 24th July to Sunday 30th July

Subscribe

Subscribe and we'll email you occasional updates to our very best content...

x