Discover the wild side of Rushmoor as ancient woodlands, nature reserves and hidden habitats reveal the stories of the landscapes that have shaped our local heritage.
Explore a programme of walks, open days and nature-based events celebrating conservation, sustainability, biodiversity and the natural environment.
Brimstone Bat Walk at Wellesley Woodlands
Friday 11 September, Aldershot
and Wednesday 16 September, Aldershot
Join an evening guided walk around Chalk Farm Lake and discover the fascinating world of bats. Set within Wellesley Woodlands, a former military training area that has been transformed into a thriving green space, this event offers a chance to learn about some of the area's most remarkable nocturnal wildlife.
Highlights
- Enjoy a guided evening walk around Chalk Farm Lake
- Learn about the bat species found in Wellesley Woodlands
- Discover how bats navigate, hunt and thrive after dark
- Find out about local conservation efforts and wildlife habitats
- Experience the sights and sounds of nature at twilight
This engaging outdoor event offers a unique opportunity to explore Wellesley Woodlands after hours while learning more about some of the area's most remarkable nocturnal residents.
Cost: Free
Time: 7.15pm to 8.30pm
Location: Chalk Farm Lake, Wellesley Woodlands, Aldershot
Tickets: Pre-booking is required through Eventbrite. For tickets and more information, visit the Eventbrite website.
Organiser: Wellesley Woodlands
Hidden Heritage Habitats - Rowhill Nature Reserve Field Centre Open Days
Sunday 13 September, Aldershot
and Sunday 20 September, Aldershot
Step into one of Aldershot’s best-kept natural treasures at Rowhill Nature Reserve. Covering 55 acres on the Aldershot-Farnham border, this beautiful reserve is home to ancient woodland, heathland, ponds, streams and the source of the River Blackwater.
Visit the Rowhill Field Centre to learn more about the reserve’s wildlife, history and conservation work from the dedicated volunteers who help care for this special place.
Highlights
- Discover the rich natural heritage of Rowhill Nature Reserve
- Learn about the reserve’s woodland, heathland and wetland habitats
- Find out how volunteers manage and protect this important local wildlife site
- Browse the reserve’s natural history and local heritage information
- Enjoy refreshments, homemade items, books and jigsaws available at the field centre
Managed by the Rowhill Nature Reserve Society since 1968, the reserve is a valued community asset where people and nature come together. Whether you're a keen wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful afternoon outdoors, the Field Centre offers a warm welcome.
Cost: Free
Times: Every Sunday from 2pm to 4.30pm
Location: Rowhill Nature Reserve Field Centre, Cranmore Lane, Aldershot, GU11 3BD
Further information: No pre-booking required. For more information visit the Rowhill Nature Reserve website.
Rooted Together - Celebrating 10 Years of Hawley Community Garden
Saturday 12 September, Farnborough
Join Hawley Community Garden for a special celebration marking ten years of growing community, wellbeing and nature. Rooted Together brings people of all ages and backgrounds together for a joyful day of music, dance, storytelling, heritage, wellbeing activities and delicious food from around the world.
Over the past decade, Hawley Community Garden has become much more than a green space. It has grown into a place where retired Gurkha families from the Nepali community and local residents have shared skills, traditions and friendships, creating lasting connections through gardening and a love of the outdoors.
This special anniversary event celebrates the community heritage of Hawley Community Garden and the people who have helped it grow into a welcoming space for culture, wellbeing and social connection.
Highlights
- Enjoy live music, dance and storytelling performances
- Take part in wellbeing activities and creative experiences
- Sample food from different cultures and communities
- Learn about the history of Hawley Community Garden and its first ten years
- Celebrate the friendships and connections that have flourished through gardening and nature
Cost: Free
Time: 10am to 3pm
Location: Hawley Community Garden, Prince Charles Crescent, Farnborough, GU14 8DL
Further information: For updates and more information, visit the Hawley Community Facebook page.
Organiser: Hawley Community Garden and Farnborough Nepalese Community Partnership (FNCP).
Rushmoor Eco Festival
Sunday 13 September, Aldershot
Rushmoor Eco Festival is a vibrant celebration of sustainability, community and natural history. This free, family-friendly event invites you to explore how we can all contribute to tackling climate change and protecting our local history.
- Discover practical tips for sustainable living
- Browse stalls from local businesses offering eco-friendly, upcycled, and locally sourced products
- Learn about and support Rushmoor’s green spaces and the local heritage environment
- Enjoy interactive activities for all ages - from crafts to nature-based games
This event is designed to raise awareness of environmental issues while celebrating the heritage of community-led climate action.
Cost: Free
Times: 11am to 4pm
Location: West End Centre, 48 Queens Road, Aldershot, GU11 3JD
Further information: No pre-booking required. For more information visit our Rushmoor Eco Festival page.
Organiser: Rushmoor Borough Council
Tice's Meadow Tour - From Farm to Quarry to Community Nature Reserve
Wednesday 16 September, Aldershot
Join a 2.5 kilometre walking tour around the reserve. The Tices Meadow team will share the history of the site from prehistoric settlement to farming, quarrying and restoration to an award-winning nature reserve. More than 1500 species of wildlife have been recorded at the reserve including 200 species of bird.
The walk will follow the biodiversity trail taking through woodland, meadow, reed bed and river habitats, with your tour guide helping you to spot the resident wildlife.
Cost: Free
Further information: Pre-booking is required through the Heritage Open Days website. For times, tickets and more information, visit the Heritage Open Days website.
Organiser: The Farnham Society
Useful information
Many activities are free and some require advance booking. Some of these events are not organised by ourselves, so please check each individual organiser's website for more information.
To see the full list of events, please visit our main Rushmoor Heritage Festival page.
Contact us