RSWT Centenary Event: Our History at Nower Wood, Sat 19th May

The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is 100 years old this year, and all 47 Wildlife Trusts across the country will be holding special events to celebrate this Centenary.  As part of these nationwide celebrations Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) is holding a free open day entitled ‘Our History’ - at Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve, near Leatherhead, on Saturday 19th May from 10am-3pm.  Nower Wood was purchased by SWT in 1971 - with the help of its members - making it one of the oldest Education Reserves of all the Trusts’ with a lot of history to celebrate!

Everyone is welcome and there will be lots of activities for all the family, including:

•    a talk and fascinating stories about Nower Wood in the early days, from Doug Hulyer, who was SWT’s very first Education Officer in the ‘70s;
•    guided walks through the beautiful, ancient woodland, exploring the ecology and history of the wood;
•    children’s activities (adults can join in too!) including pond dipping, minibeast hunting and bush craft;
•    displays about the rich history of Nower Wood and exciting plans for the new-build;
•    a big screen linked to a video microscope showing amazing, live, close-ups of the invertebrates living in the wood;
•    displays from Surrey Bat Group and Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group;
•    a display and products to buy from SWT’s sawmill ‘Norbury Park Wood Products’;
•    the opportunity to learn about small mammals in the wood;
•    refreshments and many products, from cakes to wood products, on sale.

Julie Laing, SWT Senior Education Leader, says: “This should be a great day out in a wonderful wood.  It will be an interesting, informative, fun and sociable day, so please come along and invite anyone who may wish to share happy memories of Nower Wood.”

Aimee Clarke, SWT People and Wildlife Manager, says: “Join in some great activities and events to celebrate the history of this beautiful nature reserve and education centre. If you were one of the million children that have benefitted from being inspired by our education team, please come and share your memories and photos with us.”

Booking is not required.  Nower Wood Educational Reserve is on the B2033 Mill Way, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8QA.  There will be a ‘Park & Ride’ service from Brimmer National Trust car park (about ½ mile towards Box Hill from the main Headley Heath car park).  The NT car park charge is £2.50; the SWT minibus will ferry you at no extra charge. 

The park & ride service will be available from 9.45am to 2pm. Last bus from Nower Wood to Brimmer car park at 3pm.

Diasbled parking only at Nower Wood car park. If you are registered disabled, please contact us for more details on 01372 379509.

Watch the Wildlife Trusts' Centenary Film below