World Ranger Day Event: Rangers Powering Transformative Conservation

To fit with the theme for World Ranger Day, we will meet at Southwood Country Park where the team will show us round and talk us through its transformation from golf course to country park, and how their ongoing management balances the needs of both visitors and wildlife.

We'll break for lunch at the country park. There is a cafe on site, but you are welcome to bring a packed lunch.

In the afternoon we will head up to Yateley Common SSSI and Castle Bottom National Nature Reserve to look at the massive efforts that go into conserving heathlands. As you will see on the day, these 2 heathland sites have very different challenges. Yateley Common is heavily used by the local community, whereas Castle Bottom is more isolated. We will drive from Southwood Country Park to Yateley Common, where there is free parking, and then walk to Castle Bottom NNR. The study day will end back at Yateley Common.

Please wear suitable clothes and footwear for walking and being outside most of the day. Tea and coffee available from 9.30am, please bring your own mug.

For further information, contact hannah.graves@hants.gov.uk

This event is kindly organised by Hampshire County Council, working in partnership with the Countryside Management Association.