Background:

Rowhill Nature Reserve lies on the Surrey/Hampshire border between Farnham and Aldershot. It is owned by Rushmoor Borough Council and is about 55 acres in extent and consists of mixed (mostly broad-leaved) woodland which is partly coppiced, a 4 acre field, ponds, streams, a bog around the source of the River Blackwater, about 8 acres of heathland and some native conifers. This very diverse habitat supports a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The Society, a registered charity, was founded in 1968 to manage Rowhill Copse on behalf of its then owners, Aldershot Borough Council. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at the Field Centre, and speakers cover a wide range of subjects, mostly with a natural history or conservation bias. The Society has no paid staff, all management and educational aspects of work in the Reserve being carried out by volunteers. The work of the Society is funded partly by a grant from Rushmoor Borough Council and additional money is raised at a variety of fund-raising events.

The Field Centre is open every Sunday and most Bank Holiday afternoons between 2pm and 4.30pm for visitor information and light refreshments. During the year there are guided walks, a Fungus Foray and occasional special events at the Field Centre include demonstrations of crafts, speakers with special appeal to children and various fund-raising events held sometimes in conjunction with other conservation groups.

Management of the woodland:

The woodland management, coppicing, pond and path maintenance etc. is undertaken by the Rowhill Conservation Volunteers who are affiliated to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. There is a 10-year management plan which is periodically updated. The management is undertaken with co-operation and advice from various specialist bodies such as The Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Rushmoor Borough Council and The Forestry Commission.

Educational opportunities:

Because of the wide variety of habitats in a relatively small area, the Reserve provides excellent educational opportunities and much use is made of the facilities at the Field Centre, and of guided walks within the Reserve, by local schools.

Educational visits range from pre-school children through to students from 6th Form Colleges and the local College of Technology.

Young people working for the Duke of Edinburgh, Trident and Queen's Scout or Guide Awards have carried out tasks in the Reserve with the Conservation Volunteers. Members of the Society accompany school parties around the Reserve and projects may be supervised by members with specialist knowledge or skills.

Who provides the education?

Rowhill Nature Reserve Society, by managing the Reserve as a public amenity and providing educaitonal facilities and an area for scientific studies while practising nature conservation in all aspects.

Where does it take place?

In Rowhill Nature Reserve and its Field Centre which is situated in Cranmore Lane, Aldershot.

Who organises it?

The Society's Education Officers in conjunction with the Conservation Officer. A variety of educational options are offered.

What are the options?

• Guided topic walks e.g. Trees Traill, Detective Trail, Nature Discovery.
• Project Work. Some projects have been compiled with the help of The Forestry Commission Research Staff at Alice Holt. Work can be designed for all age groups.
• Field Work. We can devise activities with guidelines from teachers.
• Conservation Tasks. Small, well supervised tasks can be arranged in conjunction with the Conservation Officer.
• Research. Some aspects of the flora and fauna of the Reserve have not been fully investigated and would make interesting projects for all age groups.

What facilities are available?

The Field Centre has toilets and a kitchen for possible refreshments. There is a display area with information about the Reserve and its wildlife and a work area for a small number of students. Some equipment is available for use in both the Field Centre and the Reserve and there are tools for conservation tasks.

Who uses these facilities?

Playgroups, Infant to Senior Schools, Colleges, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Guides. Young Ornithologists' Clubs and WATCH Groups - any group or organisation with an interest in nature.

What size groups?

The number depends on the age, the nature of the visit or the work to be undertaken. Up to 25 would be a reasonable number for a nature walk.

Should adults be included?

Yes, there is a set ratio of adults to children, depending on age:

Under 5's - 1 adult/5 children
Under 9's - 1 adult/10 children
Under 15's - 1 adult/15 children
6th Form - discretionary

Is there any charge?

No, but donations are always welcome to assist our work.

Is booking essential?

Yes, Rowhill is an officially designated Local Nature Reserve and all use has to be monitored carefully.

How do we book?

Booking forms are available from the Secretary who will discuss the possible content of the proposed visit.

The Secretary is:

Miss Kathy Spink
Gryff's Cottage
20 Hillside Road
Aldershot GU11 3NB

Tel. 01252 317442

Topics which can be covered for school visits to the Reserve (up to Key Stage 2):

• Water/Rivers: - The River Blackwater rises in the Reserve.
• Habitats: - heathland, pinewood, mixed deciduous woodland including coppice, ponds, streams, a boggy habitat which includes the source of the River Blackwater, grassland.
• Habitats and Minibeasts: - a detailed study of two or three of the above habitats.
• Animal Homes.
• Seasonal changes.
• Human Impact on the Reserve.
• Flora and Fauna.
• Woods and Trees.