Rooted in History

Rooted in History

Rooted In History is the story on foot of the taming of the great Wealden forest from Mesolithic times through to the Anglo-Saxons.

By Rural Strides

Date and time

Thursday, June 12 · 9:15am - 1pm GMT+1

Location

Redford

Car park Redford GU29 0QF United Kingdom

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Rooted in History tells the story of taming the great Wealden forest over 8,000 years, from Mesolithic times to the Anglo-Saxons. This walk is the second in a series of three, with "The Wild Wood" as the first and "Fuel the Fire" the third.

Despite its name, the Wild Wood has always been shaped by humans. Wood was the fundamental material on which early societies were built. Each civilisation that encountered the forest managed its trees in their own way. On this walk, we’ll look for evidence of these past approaches to trees and explore how the landscape has changed.

Though trees are the silent keepers of our rural heritage, few have survived the long span covered in this walk. Only some yews remain. You'll need to walk with imagination and curiosity, visualising what once was and feeling the layers of history beneath your feet.

6 mile walk

Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome


For more information click here

Organized by

Rural Strides

Rural Strides offers private, scheduled and free community guided walks around the Western Weald.

The Western Weald & Downlands, centred on Petersfield, Hampshire, is just one hour from London, yet few know of its beauty & diversity of landscape. Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, where dramatic chalk scarp meets patchwork weald, heavily wooded sandstone ridges and colourful open heaths, this area is the ideal location for a walking adventure. Whether you are a walker or wanderer, I warrant that a week(end) in the Western Weald will be worthwhile.

I am an avid walker & lover of the outdoors, so much so, I set up and organise the Petersfield Walking Festival. I also sit on the town’s Active Travel panel; lead walks for Friends of the South Downs; write about walking for various publications; support local conservation & access initiatives; & provide walking-related consultancy. Recognising that qualifications are as important as experience, I am a qualified lowland walk leader, navigator & outdoor first aider (ITC Level 3) as well as member of the Mountain Training Association & British Mountaineering Council. I hope this gives you confidence to know that I won't be leading you up someone’s garden path!