Wildlife and Heritage Walks
24 February 2010
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has produced a great booklet of Wildlife and Heritage Walks in the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area of north east Hampshire.
The booklet will help you to explore some of the wildlife-rich landscapes and discover how they have been shaped by local history and past land use. The nine walks described in the guide utilise the extensive network of paths in the area taking you through heathland, woodland, along river banks, field edges and country lanes. Distances vary from 3miles (5km) to 8 miles (13km). Each walk includes a detailed description of the route, accompanied by a map and information about the wildlife and features to look out for along the way.
With walks starting from Sherborne St John, Cliddesden, Mapledurwell, Sherfield on Loddon, Mattingley, Odiham, Dogmersfield, Harley Wintney and Eversley, the Wildlife and Heritage Walks booklet is a great way to explore new places and discover local wildlife.
The booklet costs £3.00 and is available from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust from March 13th.
To celebrate the launch of the booklet, the Wildlife Trust has organised a series of guided walks, following the featured trails.
These take place on March 4th at Eversley, March 13th at Sherborne St John, March 18th at Dogmersfield, and March 27th at Mapledurwell.
After the guided walk at Sherborne on March 13th there will be the opportunity to find out more about the Wildlife Trust at Sherborne St John village hall from 12.30pm. Copies of the Wildlife and Heritage Walks booklet will on sale and refreshments will be available.
For further details of any of the walks, please contact Sarah Lynes, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, on 01256 381103, or look at the website http://www.hwt.org.uk/ (events)
Ends
Photo opportunity
For additional images or to arrange photography, please contact:
Sarah Lynes, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, 01256 381103
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact:
Sarah Lynes, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, 01256 381103
In the north east of Hampshire lies a little known but very special area of villages, towns and countryside. Ancient woodlands, heathland, river valleys and a patchwork of mixed farmland support a wealth of wonderful wildlife, and provide a remote and rural character in an increasingly busy region. This was recognised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and partners who named the area as the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area.
The Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area, valued for so long by local communities, is still a living and working countryside predominantly used for farming and forestry. Both traditional and contemporary land management methods remain essential to the character of the landscape, the wildlife that lives there and the people who enjoy the countryside on their doorstep.
The Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area Project is a partnership initiative established to meet the challenge of protecting and enhancing the area whilst promoting a healthy and sustainable rural economy.
The partnership is led by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust with funding from Hampshire County Council, The Environment Agency and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
The project aims to work with communities, landowners and managers to involve as many people as possible in a shared vision for:
- A varied landscape rich in wildlife
- A healthy rural economy
- An area local people can enjoy and where they can learn more about their countryside and its heritage
For more details visit: www.hwt.org.uk/pages/loddon-and-eversley.htm
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust strives to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is the leading wildlife charity in the counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and is part of a nationwide network of 47 local charities. We work together to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in the UK. With the support of our 27, 000 members, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust is taking effective action to protect our natural heritage, helping it to flourish again. Find out more at http://www.hwt.org.uk/
