Secrets of the Heath
08 June 2024 to 09 June 2024
11:00 to 16:00
Discover wonderful wildlife and rich heritage of our Lowland heath on 8 and 9 June as the Secrets of the Heath festival returns to Hogmoor Inclosure in Bordon. Join a Saxon shield battle, come face-to-face with some of our native reptiles, and discover more about the incredibly rare wildlife that surrounds the area on our heathlands with a series of information talks. Step back in time and discover some of the fascinating people from the past who would have called the heaths home. Enjoy the full authentic experience with lots of interesting artefacts to touch and demonstrations to see. With Whitehill and Bordon’s rich military heritage, this year we’ve teamed up with Whitehill Town council at their special events on 8th June very nearby in the town centre to commemorate 80th Anniversary of the Normany Landings. As well as re-enactments, a medieval camp and storytelling, visitors to the free annual festival can search for weird and wonderful insects on the heath with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and perfect their birding technique with the RSPB. On Saturday night there is also the chance to join an expert led bat walk and a stargazing session with SDNPA (subject to weather).
Pre book onto the Buttterflies and or Birds talks here: Both talks are now fully booked
11.30am : Brilliant birds of the Wealden Heaths
12.30pm: Butterflies and Moths
There will be tasty treats and light bites to purchase from a variety of food providers across the site over the weekend. Parking at Hogmoor Inclosure is limited, why not leave the car at home and travel by bike or on foot. There will be secure bike parking available on site. Parking will also be free of charge at the SHED in both Parade Square and Woodlands carparks GU35 0DJ, just a short walk from the inclosure.
Check out the event programme here:
The festival is organised by the Heathlands Reunited SAMM project – a partnership of 11 like-minded organisations led by the South Downs National Park Authority. Heaths are rare habitats, rich in wildlife and fantastic open space for families to explore. But they are under threat and would disappear completely without active management. Secrets of the Heath is a chance for people to find out how people have lived and worked the heath over thousands of years and how you can play your part today to #HelpYourHeaths and take action for nature and climate.
For more information email heathlands@southdowns.gov.uk
