Free family fun and wildlife festival returns to Petersfield
August 14, 2018
Secrets of the Heath Festival, Petersfield Heath, 8 & 9 September 11am-5pm
FREE – Event Programme
Discover the horrible histories and wonderful wildlife of South Downs heathland on 8 and 9 September as the Secrets of the Heath festival returns to Petersfield. Join a Saxon shield battle, come face-to-face with a highway woman and meet the snakes & lizards who call the heath their home.
Bring your dog and have a go at the Countryside Dog Ability Challenge, win a certificate and sign up to support our #TakeTheLead campaign.
As well as re-enactments, a medieval camp and bird of prey demonstrations, visitors to the free annual festival can meet the cows and sheep whose grazing helps to protect our heathlands. On Saturday night there is also the chance to join in a bat walk. The festival is organised by the Heathlands Reunited project – a partnership of 11 like-minded organisations led by the South Downs National Park Authority.
There will be tasty treats available to purchase from the local scout group, including hot and cold drinks, Bacon butties in the morning, burgers and hot dogs throughout the day, cakes, crisps & biscuits. Visit the Secrets Bar and say hello to Fran Weston and Lesley Foulkes, who will be offering a friendly welcome and well stocked bar with a tasty selection of Langhams ales, ciders, wines and other refreshments over the weekend.
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 save our heaths through the Heathlands Reunited project.
#HelptheHeaths
For more information email heathlands@southdowns.gov.uk