Walking (and learning about plants)
Overview
Organiser
Alan Tel: 01483 414597, mobile: 007765481100. email: alanchamilton@btinternet.com
Objective of activity
to enjoy the countryside through easy walks, with occasional stops to exchange knowledge about the plants we see. There will be one indoor session on classification, identification and evolution of plants.
Suitability, etc
Suitable for anyone interested in plants.
Walking difficulty
easy to moderate. All walks are circular. No previous botanical knowledge required. The first walk is the most physically demanding – this will take an estimated 3 to 3.5 hours with two moderately short climbs. Other walks will generally be 2 to 3 hours with fewer hills. In at least one case, an optional second leg will be added for those wishing to walk a bit further.
General Information
Wear outdoor clothing as suitable for the weather on the day. There are no public toilet facilities on any of the walks except possibly at Newlands Corner (first walk). Dogs are permitted. Free car parking is available at all sites (sometimes on-road). It is suggested that you bring a refreshment (e.g. tea) especially for the first walk (longer than the rest).
Participants should bring an emergency telephone number and relevant medical details.
Car sharing will be encouraged: To be arranged when we meet for the first walk.
Botanical equipment
(not essential for participants)
- Suggested floras (i.e. plant identification guides):
- Streeter, David (2009). Collins Flower Guide. HarperCollins, London. ISBN 978-0-00-718389-0. A ‘proper’ flora with detailed keys. Illustrated by drawings.
- Sterry, Paul (2006). Complete British Wild Flowers. HarperCollins, London. ISBN 0-00-720469-9. A concise flora (despite its name!) with the commoner and more conspicuous species. Illustrated by photographs. Various similar publications are available.
- A x10 hand lens is necessary for identifying some species of plants. Search on internet for availability.
Programme
Duration of walks: 10 a.m. to about 1 p.m. (will vary).
- Tuesday 27th September 2011
-
Location: Newlands Corner
Starting Point: Newlands Corner car park, outside the Visitor Centre.
Special Themes: Geology and the flora. Common trees and shrubs.
Handout
Map Reference: TQ043492 - Tuesday 25th October 2011
-
Location: Frensham Little Pond
Starting Point: Frensham Little Pond car park (NW of the lake).
Special Themes: Historical interactions of people and plants; history of the landscape. Lakeside and heathland plants. Handout
Map Reference: SU857418 - Tuesday 22nd November 2011
-
Location: Thursley and Hankley Commons
Starting Point: Elstead Moat Car Park, Thursley Common.
Special Themes: Long term history of the vegetation. Acidic bogs. Concept of succession and its role in vegetation history and for habitat management. Handout
Map Reference: SU899415 - December 2011
-
Date: Date and time agreed with participants
Special Themes: On plant classification, identification and evolution. Handout
Starting Point: At my house.
- Tuesday 24th January 2012
-
Location: Hydon’s Ball
Starting Point: Hambledon Parish Church.
Special Themes: Ancient yew trees. Invasive plant species. Antonia Hill and the history of conservation. Handout
Map Reference: SU970390 - Tuesday 24th April 2012
-
Location: Chiddingfold Woods
Starting Point: Near end of Roundals Lane, South of Hambeldon.
Special Themes: Spring flowers including bluebells (English and Spanish). Woodland management for wildlife and wood products. Handout
Map Reference: SU972375 - Tuesday 22nd 29th May 2012
-
Location: Merrow Downs
Starting Point: Entrance of Downside Road, Guildford.
Special Themes: Chalk grassland and early summer flowers (probably including orchids). Juniper.
Map Reference: TQ016496