Heath week runs from 24th to 30th July and is an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about Surrey’s rare heathland habitat. Organised by the Thames Basin Heaths Partnership and supported by local partners including Surrey Wildlife Trust and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Heath week offers the opportunity to take part in a whole host of FREE events.
Heath week shines a light on an incredibly rare wildlife habitat. Rarer even than the rainforest! Sadly in the last 200 years, we’ve lost around 84% of heathland nationally so the remaining fragments are super-special. Our heaths are home to some amazing wildlife including, nocturnal birds that come all the way from Africa to breed here! And rare butterflies you won’t see anywhere else as well as all six species of reptile that are native to the UK!
Our heaths are amazing and precious, and we all need to play our part in protecting them.
There’s lots going on to get everyone discovering more about their local Surrey heath including.
Butterflies & Other Things with Wings – Monday 24th July 2023 – 10am to 3pm
Chobham Common (Staple Hill Car Park, Staple Hill Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8TU. What3Words: regard.dollar.headed).
Butterfly walks and arts & crafts activities available all day.
Wildfire Roadshow – Tuesday 25th July 2023 – 11 am to 2pm
Chobham Common (Roundabout Car Park, Chobham Road, Chobham, Surrey Heath GU24 8TL. What3Words: pasta.wounds.gloves).
Meet Surrey Fire and Rescue crews and help spread the word about how to #BeWildfireAware.
Heath Week Herbivores – Thursday 27th July 2023 – 10am to 2pm
Whitmoor Common Saltbox Road Car Park, Salt Box Road, Guildford, Surrey GU3 3LH. What3Words: meant.themes.rugs).
Meet the grazing team and hear about the benefits of managing heathland with grazing animals.
Wildfire Roadshow – Friday 28th July 2023 – 11am to 2pm
Whitmoor Common Saltbox Road Car Park, Salt Box Road, Guildford, Surrey GU3 3LH. What3Words: meant.themes.rugs).
Meet the folk that fight the fires and learn key outdoor safety tips.
Reptile Roadshow – Friday 28th July 2023 – 11am to 3pm
Ockham Common Boldermere Car Park on Old Lane, Ockham, Guildford, Surrey KT11 1NA. What3Words: became.pardon.hood).
Meet some of the amazing amphibians and reptiles that inhabit your local heath.
For further detail on the events visit: What’s on in the countryside – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)
