Guided Wildflower Wander on Fraser Down

We launched our programme of nature awareness and educational events with a wildflower wander on Fraser Down, Nature Reserve in the Betchworth Hills. This is a private chalk grassland reserve managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. This is a highly sensitive site and it is only open to the public on occasional guided tours by the reserve warden. Our guide was the wonderfully knowledgeable and entertaining Simon Humphreys who has been the voluntary reserve warden since it was started in 2008. Over nearly three hours Simon introduced us to his management practices on the chalk grassland which seek to create diverse habits for wildlife and encourage the greatest diversity of plant and animal species. For example, there are now 15 different species of orchid which will be flowering in late May to July. But at this time of the year we were treated to the wonderful sight of thousands of yellow cow slips covering the hillside. We required great agility to avoid stepping on them.
​
As we walked and paused, Simon shared his knowledge about the grasses, sedges, herbs and wild flowers in the grassland, the scrub that has to be kept under control, the fungi in the soil. He taked about the invertebrates that inhabit this space along with mamals, birds (we spotted a red kite and buzzard along with many small birds) and reptiles - a friendly slow worm. All in all we were informed, educated, entertained and enthused by a man who has a passion for nature. 

Simon is offering a second wildflower wander on Fraser Down  in June-see below

Sat 8th June, 2pm - 4.30pm Wildflower Wander 2
Simon Humphreys, Voluntary Reserve Manager, will provide a second guided walk at Surrey Wildlife Trust's stunning Fraser Down Nature Reserve on Pebble Hill. Orchids and lots of other wild flowers should be in full bloom. Please note the ground is steep and uneven in places. Places are limited due to the sensitivity of the site so booking is essential by emailing [email protected] (details of where to meet/park will be sent once booked).