Nightjar walk / Events | Blackwater Valley Nature Walks

Heath and Nightjar walk

Join me for a leisurely guided walk on one of our most attractive heaths. Actively managed by the RSPB Farnham Heath and the adjacent Bourne Woods offer a great opportunity to see and hear the nightjars. There is a strong chance we could also see or hear Dartford warblers, maybe woodlarks and woodcock.

Most of the walk on the heath is along good paths and tracks but some may be on narrower paths - the ground is sometimes uneven, tree roots are everywhere and on some slopes the stones make it potentially slippery. My proposed route does involve some short hilly sections but we will keep them to a minimum.

I would hope to see the following

Nightjars
woodcock
woodlark
stonechats
bell heather
cross-leaved heather
deer

Walking is at your own risk.

Preparation info

The walk will be about 3.5 miles in total at a leisurely pace.
You will finish the walk about 10.30pm
Wear strong shoes or boots with ankle support if you're not used to uneven ground. The stony ground may mean discomfort if your soles are thin.
Be prepared to walk along tracks in the dark, on the way back after seeing the birds. You can use torches if it helps you but I find it easier to use my natural night vision.
Bring binoculars and cameras if you wish.
Wear suitable clothing in case the weather is poor. I will notify you by email if we have to cancel.
Take insect repellant if you attract them! Perfume attracts them.

Meeting place and time

We will meet at 9.00 pm.

This is a car park on Tilford Road south of Farnham OS Map ref SU861443. Nearest post code is GU10 2BH. What3words is performs.scrub.sandals.

I don't expect the car park to be very busy at this time.

Woodcock

Cross-leaved heather