Thames Basin Heaths Partnership

Thames Basin Heaths Partnership Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire. Three of the UK’s rarest birds nest here. It’s the nesting birds that give this land its legal protection.

Protecting the heaths of the Special Protection Area and promoting , local country walks that help protect the heaths. We’re a partnership of local councils, land managers and nature conservation bodies conserving the heathland of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. The Dartford Warbler, Nightjar and Wo

odlark rely on the heathland and nest on or near the ground, making them very vulnerable to disturbance. On this page we’re sharing the story of the heathland and bringing you news of , a conservation strategy to create dog-friendly local country walks that help protect heathland wildlife. We’d love you to fall in love with your local heathland and help secure its future by spreading the word about keeping to main paths, how to and . By looking after the birds, we can all play our part in making sure that protection stays in place. Protecting the birds protects the heaths. Protecting the heaths protects the birds.

Today is the first day of   ☀We hope that you are enjoying the longer days, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, whereve...
01/06/2026

Today is the first day of ☀

We hope that you are enjoying the longer days, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, wherever you walk!

📸 Photo taken at Bramshill Plantation in Hampshire at dusk

31/05/2026

Thank you to Senior Warden Kay for running a fantastic walk at Bramshill Plantation last night!

Nightjars usually lay their first eggs late May/early June, so coupled with the warm weather they've been very active recently.

With two males churring simultaneously, and three birds flying at once, it was a challenge to determine what was going on last night!

However, much of last night's activity centred around a lone mature pine. We spotted three birds in flight which we presume could be two males competing for the attention of a female. There was a sense that 'three's a crowd'!

I have only observed 'tail feather waggling' on one occasion before, where two Nightjars were perched on a branch together and one was actively waggling! This behaviour is likely courtship behaviour in addition to wing clapping and regular flight calls. Such a privilege to watch!

Every time you watch Nightjars you learn something new. Thank you to those that joined us and shared in the enthusiasm for these magical birds 😀 ~Communications Officer Nicky

The greens are on the wing! Lovely sightings on the   recently, of a Green Hairstreak butterfly and Downy Emerald dragon...
29/05/2026

The greens are on the wing!

Lovely sightings on the recently, of a Green Hairstreak butterfly and Downy Emerald dragonfly.

We just need to spot a Green Tiger beetle next...... 😀

We already have   signage up on the  , but   think this banner from  at Yateley Common is epic! It's large, and is visib...
28/05/2026

We already have signage up on the , but think this banner from at Yateley Common is epic!

It's large, and is visible roadside, giving a strong visual impact 👍

Thank you to everyone that has followed guidance during the recent .

Countryside - Hampshire County Council Countryside - North Sites - Hampshire County Council

We are running FREE half-term activities with our   pop-ups on the   this week!Wardens Sarah and Paula are set up at Lig...
28/05/2026

We are running FREE half-term activities with our pop-ups on the this week!

Wardens Sarah and Paula are set up at Lightwater Country Park in today. They've chosen a lovely shady spot, so why not stop by and find out more about the magic of the heaths with a spotter guide and some !

Surrey Heath

It's hot hot hot out on the  !  ☀You'll find the wardens out on the heaths at cooler times of the day - early morning an...
27/05/2026

It's hot hot hot out on the ! ☀

You'll find the wardens out on the heaths at cooler times of the day - early morning and late afternoons, during the heatwave. They're super-friendly and approachable, such as the lovely Ruth here. So please do stop and say hi if you meet them 😀

  have been running   pop-ups over the last few days, such as this pop-up at Yateley Common in   by wardens Sophie and H...
26/05/2026

have been running pop-ups over the last few days, such as this pop-up at Yateley Common in by wardens Sophie and Hannah.

Our messages are simple, and aligned with those of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service for the :

➡ No BBQ's, pack a picnic instead
➡ Don't start campfires
➡ Extinguish ci******es safely and dispose of responsibly
➡ Take your litter home with you

Thank you to those that dial 999 and report fires, no matter how small. Please continue helping us to spread the word and protect the heaths, wildlife and local communities.

23/05/2026

Experiencing the sights and sounds of the forest dwellers at night is pure magic!

Watching , and feels like such a privilege at a time of the night when these amazing creatures have the forest mostly to themselves. It's so still and peaceful, just the sounds of the forest 😀

We still have a few spaces left on our Nightjar walk on Thursday 4th June. Grab your free ticket before they go! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nightjar-walk-at-bramshill-plantation-tickets-1988021391498?aff=oddtdtcreator

22/05/2026

risk is high at the moment with an increase in temperature and dry conditions on the .

It's going to be a fantastic bank holiday weekend to enjoy the outdoors but please do so responsibly.

➡ Leave BBQs at home and pack a picnic instead
➡ Take litter home with you
➡ No campfires
➡ Dispose of ci******es safely

Please help spread the word -

Today we are celebrating  ! As part of our educational offer, we connect children with their local heathlands. Inspirati...
21/05/2026

Today we are celebrating !

As part of our educational offer, we connect children with their local heathlands.
Inspirational outdoor classrooms full of magical wow moments and opportunities to learn how we can all take action to look after these special places together 😀~Education Officer Michael

Address

Heather Farm
Woking
GU214XY

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