Our field meetings programme for 2026 is set out below. To view and print a pdf copy, click here, and here for photographs of some recent and very enjoyable meetings.
.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday 25th April
Hoopers Farm, Dormansland for ancient woodland and hedges.
Recording session on undulating terrain for a medium walk in conditions that may well be muddy after wet weather.
Parking: Meet on site off Moor Lane, Dormansland. TQ426427, TN8 5QU, W3W crop.glitz.wizard.
Leader: Caroline Bateman. BOOKING ESSENTIAL – NB parking is limited so numbers will be restricted. Please let Caroline know if you would like to attend ([email protected]) and she will provide detailed instructions on how to get to Hoopers Farm. There is another event at the farm on the same day so we have been asked to arrive and park in the courtyard by 10.15 at the latest.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 12th May
Farleigh Golf Course, Farleigh for the first of two visits. We will be visiting Frith Wood (also marked as Birchen Shaw) covering approximately 25ha of ancient woodland.
Recording session, of intermediate terrain on a long walk with good ground conditions.
Parking: Park and meet at the main golf course car park off Old Farleigh Road and down drive. Toilet facilities will be available. TQ371610, CR6 9PE (may not be reliable), W3W skirt.slows.groom
Leader: Jane Lowe
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday 14th May
Riverside Walk, Virginia Water for wet woodland walk around 20ha Local Nature Reserve managed by Runnymede Borough Council (RBC). Andi Roy Biodiversity Officer at RBC comments that it is ‘home to one of the most northerly populations Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage in Surrey, as well as carpets of Wood-sorrel, Wood Anemone and Moschatel. The wet woodland alder carr is home to Greater Tussock-sedge, Marsh Marigold, Skullcap and, less happily but still of botanical interest, American Skunk-cabbage. The whole site is fairly unique in this part of the world with plenty to keep everyone interested.’
Recording session, of intermediate terrain on a medium length walk. Ground conditions could be wet/boggy, variable depending on recent weather. Boots or wellies recommended.
Parking: Street parking is available on Cabrera Avenue. Meet at site entrance on bend of Cabrera Avenue and Beechmont Avenue. SU996675, GU25 4EZ, W3W doctor.fakes.hiking
Leaders: Andi Roy & Isobel Girvan
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 31st May (Half day session only, 10.30am to 1.30pm)
Chertsey Meads, Chertsey aimed at beginners and new members, all levels are welcome to join in a relaxed morning teaching environment and not a recording session at this Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). We will be taking a gentle walk through this species rich traditional hay meadow to learn how to identify some of the common and not so common species. We will look at plant identification based on field characteristics, as well as how to make plant records and a species list for a site. Bring a notebook, an id book and hand lens if you have them.
Training session, on easy terrain, with good ground conditions and a short walk.
Parking: Park and meet in the first car park off Mead Lane, if full there is a second car park to the north east. TQ054662, KT16 8PA, W3W banana.lived.bumpy
Leaders: Jon Wilson and Isobel Girvan___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday 3rd June
The Plain, Wimbledon Common for a walk over a large area of meadow/heath, near The Windmill for identifying plants and looking at axiophytes (worthy plants).
Training and education session on easy terrain, with good ground conditions for a
medium walk.
Meeting: Outside visitors centre for Wimbledon & Putney Commons. The closest car park is Windmill car park with limited spaces, so using public transport is advised.
The number 93 bus runs regularly along Parkside and runs between Putney Bridge and Wimbledon rail stations.
The nearest tube station is Southfields with a half hour uphill walk. TQ2300 7237, SW19 5NR, W3W slang.spends.shell
Leader: Simon Riley BOOKING ESSENTIAL [email protected]
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monday 15th June
Molesey Heath, Molesey for a walk around Local Nature Reserve of grassland, scrub and riparian habitat covering 17ha managed by Elmbridge Borough Council. This is a reclaimed landfill site and former gravel pit.
Recording session, on easy terrain for a medium length walk. Ground conditions good.
Parking: Street parking on Approach Road and nearby streets. Meet at site entrance at end of Approach Road. TQ133675, KT8 2LL, W3W invest.makes.gently
Leaders: Ben West & Val Bradfield
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 16th June
Farleigh Golf Course, Farleigh for grassland recording. SWT are working with the golf course to survey the calcareous grassland roughs. This is a connection piece with SWT’s Elm Farm to the south and LWT’s Hutchinson’s Bank to the north. This formal visit will be followed by two informal visits.
Recording session, of intermediate terrain on a long walk with good ground conditions.
Parking: Park and meet at the main golf course car park off Old Farleigh Road. Toilet facilities will be available. TQ371610, CR6 9PE (postcode not reliable), W3W
skirt.slows.groom
Leader: Jane Lowe
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday 18th June
Smithwood Common, nr Rowly for neutral grassland with woodland and scrub across common land.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium length walk with good ground conditions.
Parking: We have kind permission to park at Pittance Farm with thanks to a supportive local landowner. TQ054417, GU6 8QX, W3W angers.date.livid
Leader: Isobel Girvan
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday 20th June
Happy Valley, Coulsdon a SSSI owned and managed by Croydon Borough Council. We will be exploring chalk grassland and looking for, amongst other species Des Etangs’ St. John’s-wort, Round-headed Rampion, Chalk Milkwort and Woolly Thistle which should be out in flower (if present) as it was last recorded by SBS in 2018. We will walk towards Farthing Downs.
Recording session, of steep terrain on a medium walk with good ground conditions.
Parking: Free car park in Happy Valley car park off Fox Lane near Fox Pub. TQ316567 CR3 5QS, W3W scary.amount.knots
Leader: Jon Wilson
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 5th July
Walton Downs/Epsom Downs for chalk grassland, hoping to see specialities such as Round-headed Rampion.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a long walk, with good ground conditions.
Parking: Either within the racecourse at 7th Furlong Car Park (meeting place as well) at
TQ2221 5784 or Hut Car Park off Tattenham Corner Road TQ2242 5844 and walk south to the meeting place. KT18 5PU, W3W office.muddy.hoot
Leader: Ava Marley with introduction from Sarah Clift, Senior Countryside Officer at Epsom & Ewell.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monday 13th July
Ash Green Meadows, Ash Green SNCI and SANG site. It is an area of former agricultural land in the west of semi-improved damp grassland and a number of rough grassland fields in the east, with wooded strips, hedgerows and scrub.
Recording session, on easy terrain, with good to damp ground conditions and a medium length walk.
Parking: Small car park and some street parking towards end of South Lane. SU894497, GU12 6GH, W3W hung.watch.nature
Leader: Isobel Girvan
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 19th July
Tankersford Common, Tilford where we will be on private RSPB heathland with acid grassland covering approximately 30ha.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a long walk with good conditions.
Parking: Park and meet at RSPB car park, part of Tilford Rural Centre off The Reeds Road. Please note that there will be a 15-20 minute walk to the site, mostly off road. SU858432, GU10 2DL, W3W wishing.dragons.meatballs
Leaders: Isobel Girvan & Bill Stanworth
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monday 27th July
Shamley Green for across an area of grassland including village green under a new conservation based mowing regime.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium walk, under good ground conditions.
Parking: Various on street parking options. TQ032438, GU5 0UB, W3W year.warnings.hence
Leader: Caroline Bateman with intro by Jane Lovett
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday 1st August
Tatsfield & Biggin Hill for a joint meeting with the Kent Botanical Recording Group. General recording on both sides of the Vice County boundary on difficult terrain c.3 mile circular walk and a degree of fitness required as there is tricky descent on uneven chalky path and steep ascent up steps at the end of the meeting.
Parking: Park in Edward Road or Moselle Road and meet at the south end of Edward Road where it meets Sutherland Avenue (avoiding the latter as it is unsurfaced). TQ4238 5826, TN16 3HN, twin.author.logic
Leaders: Caroline Bateman and Geoffrey Kitchener
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday 8th August
Send, Fields south of Tannery Lane. Recording session on easy flat terrain on footpaths and margins of previously arable fields where interesting flora are coming up such as Green Bristle-grass. In the afternoon, for those who are interested in a longer day, we can walk up to Papercourt SSSI just up the river.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium walk, under good to damp ground conditions.
Parking: Car park opposite Tanner Business Centre. TQ029563, GU23 7EF, W3W hammer.pinks.author
Leader: James Alvarez
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 16th August
Epsom Common for aquatics as well as areas of woodland and grassland.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium walk, under good ground conditions.
Parking: Epsom Common car park off Christ Church Road to walk south to Stew Pond TQ182611, KT19 8HQ, W3W frames.bland.abode
Leader: Jon Wilson
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 23rd August
Hankley Common to look for heathland rarities which could include Marsh Fern, Marsh Clubmoss or Red-tipped Cudweed and depends on the route taken on the day.
Recording and training session, on moderate terrain, with a long walk to see all species with good ground conditions.
Parking: Hankley Upper Car Park (aka Dropzone Car Park), with access via Houndown Lane. SU890410, GU8 6LL, W3W estimated.upward.tomato
Leaders: Rob Free and Adele Dodgson BOOKING ESSENTIAL – NB parking may need to change and numbers will be restricted. Please let Rob know if you would like to attend
([email protected] ) and he will provide any updates on parking if required.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 13th September
Urban botany around Guildford. We will walk around streets and rummage into the nooks and crannies of Guildford for street plants.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium walk, under good ground condition.
Parking & meeting: Meet by the information board in front of Guildford Central Rail Station. Parking Is readily available in various car parks including at Guildford train station (charges apply). SU9922 4956, GU1 4UT, W3W shall.swift.calculating
Leader: Amanda Tuke BOOKING ESSENTIAL email [email protected]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please note: postcodes for general area only, GR and W3W are more precise. With W3W take care with plurals.
Unless otherwise stated, meetings will start at 10.30. Please arrive by 10.15 so that we can make a prompt start. Each meeting will contain a strong educational component to help new or less experienced members. Bring packed lunch as all-day meetings. Many will be on uneven or wet ground so please ensure that you wear appropriate clothes and footwear. SBS participants take part in field meetings at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety. Nothing in this notice excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence. Dogs are not permitted. In exceptionally severe or dangerous conditions, please assume that the meeting is cancelled. Junior members are always welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. If any of the leaders are unable to be present, every effort will be made to find a substitute. Non-members are very welcome at our meetings.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday 25th April
Hoopers Farm, Dormansland for ancient woodland and hedges.
Recording session on undulating terrain for a medium walk in conditions that may well be muddy after wet weather.
Parking: Meet on site off Moor Lane, Dormansland. TQ426427, TN8 5QU, W3W crop.glitz.wizard.
Leader: Caroline Bateman. BOOKING ESSENTIAL – NB parking is limited so numbers will be restricted. Please let Caroline know if you would like to attend ([email protected]) and she will provide detailed instructions on how to get to Hoopers Farm. There is another event at the farm on the same day so we have been asked to arrive and park in the courtyard by 10.15 at the latest.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 12th May
Farleigh Golf Course, Farleigh for the first of two visits. We will be visiting Frith Wood (also marked as Birchen Shaw) covering approximately 25ha of ancient woodland.
Recording session, of intermediate terrain on a long walk with good ground conditions.
Parking: Park and meet at the main golf course car park off Old Farleigh Road and down drive. Toilet facilities will be available. TQ371610, CR6 9PE (may not be reliable), W3W skirt.slows.groom
Leader: Jane Lowe
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday 14th May
Riverside Walk, Virginia Water for wet woodland walk around 20ha Local Nature Reserve managed by Runnymede Borough Council (RBC). Andi Roy Biodiversity Officer at RBC comments that it is ‘home to one of the most northerly populations Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage in Surrey, as well as carpets of Wood-sorrel, Wood Anemone and Moschatel. The wet woodland alder carr is home to Greater Tussock-sedge, Marsh Marigold, Skullcap and, less happily but still of botanical interest, American Skunk-cabbage. The whole site is fairly unique in this part of the world with plenty to keep everyone interested.’
Recording session, of intermediate terrain on a medium length walk. Ground conditions could be wet/boggy, variable depending on recent weather. Boots or wellies recommended.
Parking: Street parking is available on Cabrera Avenue. Meet at site entrance on bend of Cabrera Avenue and Beechmont Avenue. SU996675, GU25 4EZ, W3W doctor.fakes.hiking
Leaders: Andi Roy & Isobel Girvan
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 31st May (Half day session only, 10.30am to 1.30pm)
Chertsey Meads, Chertsey aimed at beginners and new members, all levels are welcome to join in a relaxed morning teaching environment and not a recording session at this Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). We will be taking a gentle walk through this species rich traditional hay meadow to learn how to identify some of the common and not so common species. We will look at plant identification based on field characteristics, as well as how to make plant records and a species list for a site. Bring a notebook, an id book and hand lens if you have them.
Training session, on easy terrain, with good ground conditions and a short walk.
Parking: Park and meet in the first car park off Mead Lane, if full there is a second car park to the north east. TQ054662, KT16 8PA, W3W banana.lived.bumpy
Leaders: Jon Wilson and Isobel Girvan___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday 3rd June
The Plain, Wimbledon Common for a walk over a large area of meadow/heath, near The Windmill for identifying plants and looking at axiophytes (worthy plants).
Training and education session on easy terrain, with good ground conditions for a
medium walk.
Meeting: Outside visitors centre for Wimbledon & Putney Commons. The closest car park is Windmill car park with limited spaces, so using public transport is advised.
The number 93 bus runs regularly along Parkside and runs between Putney Bridge and Wimbledon rail stations.
The nearest tube station is Southfields with a half hour uphill walk. TQ2300 7237, SW19 5NR, W3W slang.spends.shell
Leader: Simon Riley BOOKING ESSENTIAL [email protected]
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monday 15th June
Molesey Heath, Molesey for a walk around Local Nature Reserve of grassland, scrub and riparian habitat covering 17ha managed by Elmbridge Borough Council. This is a reclaimed landfill site and former gravel pit.
Recording session, on easy terrain for a medium length walk. Ground conditions good.
Parking: Street parking on Approach Road and nearby streets. Meet at site entrance at end of Approach Road. TQ133675, KT8 2LL, W3W invest.makes.gently
Leaders: Ben West & Val Bradfield
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 16th June
Farleigh Golf Course, Farleigh for grassland recording. SWT are working with the golf course to survey the calcareous grassland roughs. This is a connection piece with SWT’s Elm Farm to the south and LWT’s Hutchinson’s Bank to the north. This formal visit will be followed by two informal visits.
Recording session, of intermediate terrain on a long walk with good ground conditions.
Parking: Park and meet at the main golf course car park off Old Farleigh Road. Toilet facilities will be available. TQ371610, CR6 9PE (postcode not reliable), W3W
skirt.slows.groom
Leader: Jane Lowe
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday 18th June
Smithwood Common, nr Rowly for neutral grassland with woodland and scrub across common land.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium length walk with good ground conditions.
Parking: We have kind permission to park at Pittance Farm with thanks to a supportive local landowner. TQ054417, GU6 8QX, W3W angers.date.livid
Leader: Isobel Girvan
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday 20th June
Happy Valley, Coulsdon a SSSI owned and managed by Croydon Borough Council. We will be exploring chalk grassland and looking for, amongst other species Des Etangs’ St. John’s-wort, Round-headed Rampion, Chalk Milkwort and Woolly Thistle which should be out in flower (if present) as it was last recorded by SBS in 2018. We will walk towards Farthing Downs.
Recording session, of steep terrain on a medium walk with good ground conditions.
Parking: Free car park in Happy Valley car park off Fox Lane near Fox Pub. TQ316567 CR3 5QS, W3W scary.amount.knots
Leader: Jon Wilson
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 5th July
Walton Downs/Epsom Downs for chalk grassland, hoping to see specialities such as Round-headed Rampion.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a long walk, with good ground conditions.
Parking: Either within the racecourse at 7th Furlong Car Park (meeting place as well) at
TQ2221 5784 or Hut Car Park off Tattenham Corner Road TQ2242 5844 and walk south to the meeting place. KT18 5PU, W3W office.muddy.hoot
Leader: Ava Marley with introduction from Sarah Clift, Senior Countryside Officer at Epsom & Ewell.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monday 13th July
Ash Green Meadows, Ash Green SNCI and SANG site. It is an area of former agricultural land in the west of semi-improved damp grassland and a number of rough grassland fields in the east, with wooded strips, hedgerows and scrub.
Recording session, on easy terrain, with good to damp ground conditions and a medium length walk.
Parking: Small car park and some street parking towards end of South Lane. SU894497, GU12 6GH, W3W hung.watch.nature
Leader: Isobel Girvan
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 19th July
Tankersford Common, Tilford where we will be on private RSPB heathland with acid grassland covering approximately 30ha.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a long walk with good conditions.
Parking: Park and meet at RSPB car park, part of Tilford Rural Centre off The Reeds Road. Please note that there will be a 15-20 minute walk to the site, mostly off road. SU858432, GU10 2DL, W3W wishing.dragons.meatballs
Leaders: Isobel Girvan & Bill Stanworth
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monday 27th July
Shamley Green for across an area of grassland including village green under a new conservation based mowing regime.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium walk, under good ground conditions.
Parking: Various on street parking options. TQ032438, GU5 0UB, W3W year.warnings.hence
Leader: Caroline Bateman with intro by Jane Lovett
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday 1st August
Tatsfield & Biggin Hill for a joint meeting with the Kent Botanical Recording Group. General recording on both sides of the Vice County boundary on difficult terrain c.3 mile circular walk and a degree of fitness required as there is tricky descent on uneven chalky path and steep ascent up steps at the end of the meeting.
Parking: Park in Edward Road or Moselle Road and meet at the south end of Edward Road where it meets Sutherland Avenue (avoiding the latter as it is unsurfaced). TQ4238 5826, TN16 3HN, twin.author.logic
Leaders: Caroline Bateman and Geoffrey Kitchener
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday 8th August
Send, Fields south of Tannery Lane. Recording session on easy flat terrain on footpaths and margins of previously arable fields where interesting flora are coming up such as Green Bristle-grass. In the afternoon, for those who are interested in a longer day, we can walk up to Papercourt SSSI just up the river.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium walk, under good to damp ground conditions.
Parking: Car park opposite Tanner Business Centre. TQ029563, GU23 7EF, W3W hammer.pinks.author
Leader: James Alvarez
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 16th August
Epsom Common for aquatics as well as areas of woodland and grassland.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium walk, under good ground conditions.
Parking: Epsom Common car park off Christ Church Road to walk south to Stew Pond TQ182611, KT19 8HQ, W3W frames.bland.abode
Leader: Jon Wilson
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 23rd August
Hankley Common to look for heathland rarities which could include Marsh Fern, Marsh Clubmoss or Red-tipped Cudweed and depends on the route taken on the day.
Recording and training session, on moderate terrain, with a long walk to see all species with good ground conditions.
Parking: Hankley Upper Car Park (aka Dropzone Car Park), with access via Houndown Lane. SU890410, GU8 6LL, W3W estimated.upward.tomato
Leaders: Rob Free and Adele Dodgson BOOKING ESSENTIAL – NB parking may need to change and numbers will be restricted. Please let Rob know if you would like to attend
([email protected] ) and he will provide any updates on parking if required.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday 13th September
Urban botany around Guildford. We will walk around streets and rummage into the nooks and crannies of Guildford for street plants.
Recording session, on easy terrain, for a medium walk, under good ground condition.
Parking & meeting: Meet by the information board in front of Guildford Central Rail Station. Parking Is readily available in various car parks including at Guildford train station (charges apply). SU9922 4956, GU1 4UT, W3W shall.swift.calculating
Leader: Amanda Tuke BOOKING ESSENTIAL email [email protected]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please note: postcodes for general area only, GR and W3W are more precise. With W3W take care with plurals.
Unless otherwise stated, meetings will start at 10.30. Please arrive by 10.15 so that we can make a prompt start. Each meeting will contain a strong educational component to help new or less experienced members. Bring packed lunch as all-day meetings. Many will be on uneven or wet ground so please ensure that you wear appropriate clothes and footwear. SBS participants take part in field meetings at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety. Nothing in this notice excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence. Dogs are not permitted. In exceptionally severe or dangerous conditions, please assume that the meeting is cancelled. Junior members are always welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. If any of the leaders are unable to be present, every effort will be made to find a substitute. Non-members are very welcome at our meetings.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________