Heath & Hampstead Walks - HAMPSTEAD HEATH 2012

For a minimal charge you can see The Heath afresh: listen to the songs of its passing migrant birds, walk along its old Saxon ditches, admire trees that have grown since the first Elizabeth was a child, discover hidden gardens and secret arches, and learn to read The Heath in ways that will enrich every one of your visits."

Below is a schedule of all the walks planned for this year and more.

Further information from walks organiser, Thomas Radice, 020 8455 1025 (mob: 07941 528 034); thomas@theradices.co.uk

www.heathandhampsteadsociety.or.uk

WALKS ON HAMPSTEAD HEATH 2011-2012

Walks are normally held on the first Sunday of every month except January. Most start from Burgh House, New End Square. London NW3 1LT - 10 minutes walk from Hampstead Tube Station (for map see www.burghhouse.org.uk). NB parking is extremely difficult locally, especially in spring and summer; the West Heath car park (behind Jack Straw's Castle) is more likely to have spaces than the East Heath car park.

Starting times are either 2.30pm or 10.30am (9.30am for birds), depending on season and subject matter. Walks last approximately two hours. They do not necessarily follow made-up paths; you are recommended to wear suitable footwear as conditions may be rough or muddy.

You will be invited to make a minimum donation of £3.00 per adult, to be collected at the beginning of each walk, to help support future walks programmes and to promote the Society's activities generally.

Children are always welcome so long as they are suitably shod, can walk reasonable distances and are accompanied by an adult taking full responsibility for them.

Please note starting times and meeting points. Further information from walks organiser, Thomas Radice, 020 8455 1025 (mob: 07941 528 034); thomas@theradices.co.uk.

3 April 2.30pm (meet in North End Way, on Hampstead side of Inverforth House)
The Pergola, the Hill Garden and Golders Hill Park led by Peter Tausig, member of the H&HS Committee and Heath Sub-Committee

8 May 9.30 am (meet at Burgh House)
Note early start and that this is the 2nd Sunday of the month
Birds of the Heath in Spring led jointly by John Hunt, former Chairman of the Marylebone Birdwatching Society and Sash Tusa, members of the H&HS Heath Sub-Committee

5 June 2.30pm (meet at Burgh House)
Flora of the Heath led by David Bevan, Conservation Officer and Past President, London Natural History Society, and Fellow of the Linnean Society, London

3 July 2.30pm (meet at Burgh House)
Caring for the Heath: the work of the City of London led by Richard Payne and Meg Game

7 August 2.30pm (meet at the cattle trough in Spaniards Road, near the Spaniards Inn)
The Heath Extension led by Tony Ghilchik, Vice-Chairman of the Heath & Hampstead Society and Chairman of the Heath Sub-Committee; represents the Society on the City of London Heath Management Committee

4 September: two walks (morning and afternoon) - NB different start points
9.30am (meet at Burgh House)
Birds of the Heath in Autumn led by John Hunt and Sash Tusa (see previous details)
2.30pm (meet at the Kenwood Kitchen Garden entrance, Hampstead Lane)
Fungus foray led by Andy Overall, Group Leader, London Fungus Group, and founder of 'Fungi to be with'. Limited numbers: booking open from 1 July (priority to H&HS members). £4.00 per head.

2 October 2.30pm (meet at Burgh House)
Spider foray led by Edward Milner, former BBC producer and National Spider Recorder for Middlesex and London; Member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

6 November 10.30am (meet at the Kenwood Kitchen Garden entrance, Hampstead Lane)
Habitats of the Heath led by Linda Dolata, official volunteer guide, Kew Gardens

4 December 10.30am (meet at Burgh House)
Houses and Landscapes of the Northern Heights led by Thomas Radice, member of the H&HS Heath Sub-Committee

2012 (No walk in January)

5 February 10.30am (meet at Burgh House)
Ponds of the Heath led by Marc Hutchinson, Secretary, Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club; member of the H&HS Committee and Heath Sub-Committee

4 March 10.30am (meet at Burgh House)
Trees of the Heath led by Lynne Leveson, official volunteer guide, Kew Gardens

1 April 10.30am (meet at Burgh House)
Birds of the Heath in Spring led by John Hunt and Sash Tusa (see previous details)

Details correct as at 1 February 2011