Our field meetings programme for 2022 is set out below. To view and print a pdf copy, click here, and here for photographs of some recent and very enjoyable meetings.
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 a packed lunch for all-day meetings. Many will be on uneven or wet ground so please ensure that you wear appropriate footwear.
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 a packed lunch for all-day meetings. Many will be on uneven or wet ground so please ensure that you wear appropriate footwear.
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Wednesday 4 May: Frensham Little Pond (SSSI, National Trust). Meeting point: SU8573 4181
Leader: Bill Stanworth
For species of dry, sandy heathland, acid grassland and marginal vegetation of the Pond. Wear appropriate footwear and bring a weed drag if you have one. Meet at the car park south of Priory Lane. Please note that the NT car park (larger one) is free to members, others asked to pay by card (or at Tern Café).
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Saturday 14 May: West Horsley Place Bioblitz. Meeting point: TQ0897 5296
Leader: Isobel Girvan
For a general recording day, probably concentrating on woodland (with Wild Daffodil and Early Purple-orchid) and other areas not covered in last year's Bioblitz. Please follow parking signs as other recording groups and members of the public will also be present.
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Saturday 21 May: Dunsfold, Rickhurst Rews. Meeting point:TQ0154 3513
Leader: Dick Alder
For spring flora in 16-acre privately-owned coppiced ancient woodland on Weald Clay, with one of Surrey’s largest Wild-service Trees. To book your place on this meeting, please contact isobel.girvan@surreywt.org.uk
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Wednesday 8 June: Nutfield Marsh. Meeting point: TQ3020 5144 (RH1 4EU)
Leader: Simon Elson
For general recording in open grassland, ponds and along the Chilmead Brook. The grassland was much degraded after horse grazing but is now recovering. The Chilmead Brook is benefitting from a dewatering flow from Mercers South Quarry. Meet at the Inn on the Pond car park.
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Saturday 11 June: Farley Heath/Blackheath. Meeting point: TQ0514 4482
Leader: Jon Wilson
For c.5km circuit of open woodland and areas of both dry and wet heathland. Meet at Hurtwood Car Park 8 (Roman Temple) on W side of Farley Heath Road. If time permits, we may also visit a small pond in August Lane.
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Saturday 18 June: Riddlesdown. Meeting point: TQ3366 5926. Note: 10.00am start
Leaders: Matt Johnson/Linda Pitkin
For short guided visit around Riddlesdown Chalk Pit with ranger, Matt Johnson, followed by visit to species-rich chalk downland supporting many rare species. Park in main road or local side streets (or come by public transport) and meet by Jewsons on E side of A22 (Godstone Road).Linda has kindly invited those attending to tea at her house after the meeting. Details on the day. Numbers restricted to 20. To book your place, please contact Isobel Girvan at isobel.girvan@surreywt.org.uk. Arrive in good time for a 10.00am start.
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Sunday 26 June: Guildford, Pewley Meadow and Rosamund Meadow. Meeting point: TQ0191 4908
Leader: Isobel Girvan
For survey of newly managed SWT reserves north of Pewley Downs that were previously horse grazed. Park and meet in Longdown Road. Limited spaces so please car share where possible. Access to the site will be via Rosamund Community Garden. Alternatively, allow extra time and park west of Pewley Downs (Fort Road) and walk east (approx. 20 minutes) to Longdown Road.
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Sunday 3 July: Nonsuch Park. Meeting point: TQ2345 6365
Leader: Pete Howarth
Nonsuch Park for general recording at Round Pond, across to Cherry Orchard Farm Nursery and possibly Warren Farm if time permits. Use one of the free car parks (N of The Avenue or E of the A24, London Road) and meet by the Mansion House café and facilities.
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Thursday 14 July: Effingham Common. Meeting point: TQ1053 5524
Leader: Honor Gay
For a survey of species-rich open grassland, ponds and marshy areas on London clays, silts and sands. Meet at the cricket club car park on the SE side of Effingham Common Rd. Come by train if you can. It is a 10-minute walk from Effingham Junction.
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Sunday 17 July: Newdigate Brickworks. Meeting point: TQ2032 4261
Leader: Isobel Girvan
For general recording at SWT reserve. This is a former claypit and brickworks with grassland, woodland and several waterbodies. Park in car park off Mulberry Place. We have been asked not to park on Mulberry Place Road.
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Saturday 6 August: Addington, Spring Park. Meeting point: TQ3743 6416 (CR0 5AQ)
Leaders: Caroline Bateman/Geoffrey Kitchener
For a 2 to 3-mile circuit on undulating ground with the Kent Botanical Recording Group for heathland (Shirley Heath) and ancient woodland (Threehalfpenny and Spring Park Woods). Meet at the NE end of Addington Village Road just beyond the cricket pitch (CR0 5AQ). NB There is no direct access from the A2022 and you will need to take the Addington Village exit from the A2022 roundabout. Alternatively, take the tram to Addington Village which is within easy walking distance.
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Friday 19th August: Buckland Park Lake. Meeting point: TQ 2264 5075
Leaders: Caroline Bateman/Susan Medcalf
For botanical survey of lake margins in former Folkestone Sand quarry. Follow signs along winding road down to the Meadow car park area. To book your place on this meeting, please contact Isobel Girvan at isobel.girvan@surreywt.org.uk. Those whose names are not on the list will be asked to pay an entrance fee of £7.00
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Sunday 11 September: Ash Ranges. Meeting point: SU9342 5381
Leader Isobel Girvan
Ash Ranges for late summer heathland recording. Park down Henley Gate (track) off Pirbright Road (A324). Meet at the gates opposite Rails Lane. Further parking inside the site may be available on the day. Bring cake and a flask of tea in memory of Eileen.
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Saturday 22 October: The Social will be held on Saturday 22 October in Box Hill Village Hall at 2.00pm. TQ1953 5151
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All those attending field meetings do so at their own risk.