Countryside - North Sites - Hampshire County Council

11/09/2026

Wildfire Prevention Works Underway

This week we have been carrying out additional track maintenance across the site in order to improve our fire breaks.
While we routinely cut vegetation each year to maintain fire breaks, this year's work includes regrading tracks and removing grass and other vegetation that has gradually spread across track surfaces.
These improvements will strengthen our fuel breaks, helping to reduce the risk of wildfire spreading across the site during periods of hot, dry weather.
Recent years have seen an increase in wildfires affecting countryside and heathland sites. By taking preventative action now, we can help protect visitors, wildlife and the valuable heathland habitats that make this site so special.
Thank you for your patience while these essential works are completed.

09/09/2026

Notice: Access to Wyndham's Pool car park will be limited this morning due to minor track repair works being carried out. Please be patient and follow any safety signage or directions from Ranger staff.
Thank you.

14/08/2026

Please take heed and protect our precious countryside areas 💚

The heat warnings in place across our area mean that the risk of outdoor fire is extremely high, not just out in the countryside, but also in the greenspaces within our towns and cities.

If you're meeting friends on the Common, planning a picnic in your local park, or taking a stroll on the beach, we ask that you help us prevent devastating fires.

Campfires and bonfires are banned in certain locations, so check local guidance, and think twice before lighting.

Ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished and that you take your litter home with you.

Find out how you can support our firefighters and prevent outdoor fires in your town or city, and how you can do your bit to protect your property - https://bit.ly/StaySafeInTheSun

10/08/2026

🦇 Join the South Downs Heathland Reunited Rangers for an evening of wildlife discovery at Shortheath Common.

FREE EVENT

➡️Saturday, August 15th: 8:30PM - 10:30PM Oakhanger Village
Book you place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creatures-of-the-night-at-shortheath-common-tickets-1995684503071?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&_gl=1*17dfx7b*_up*MQ..*_ga*ODg5MTE3MzYuMTc4NjM1Nzc1Nw..*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3ODYzNTc3NTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODYzNTc3NTYkajYwJGwwJGgw

See what comes alive as the sun goes down 🦇

Aged 16-25? Join our Heathland Ranger Team for a spectacular sunset survey and experience nature as you've never seen it before.

We'll explore the site, survey the wildlife we find, and learn about the heathland habitat and the species that call it home.

➡️Thursday 13 August, 7-9.30pm, Shortheath Common

Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youth-action-sunset-survey-heathlands-reunited-shortheath-common-tickets-1992052397345?aff=erelpanelorg

05/08/2026

We are saddened by the recent fire at Castle Bottom.

What makes incidents like this particularly concerning is that our Exmoor ponies were grazing nearby. These animals are a valued part of our conservation work, helping to maintain this special habitat. Wildfires place them and other livestock directly at risk.

A huge thank you to the crews from Hartley Wintney Fire Station for their quick response and helping with the ponies.

You can help reduce the risk of wildfires by:

🔥 Leaving BBQs at home and enjoying a picnic instead
🚮 Taking all litter home with you
📞 Calling 999 immediately if you discover a fire

Countryside - Hampshire County Council

31/07/2026

Celebrating by sharing just some of the places, species and work of the North Sites Ranger Team 💚

17/07/2026

Please be aware that the tracks around will be unusually busy this morning as students from Yateley School take on the challenge of walking 5km. The students and staff from Years 7-9 will explore the heathlands, ponds and woodlands that make up Yateley Common during the trek. We hope everyone taking part has a great time!

15/07/2026

Happy Hampshire Day!

Celebrating the habitats and wildlife of north of Hampshire 💚



Countryside - Hampshire County Council

14/07/2026

Thanks to those who reported the fire on last night so quickly, and of course to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for attending and dealing with the wildfire.

Countryside - Hampshire County Council
Thames Basin Heaths Partnership
Yateley Town Council