About
OVERVIEW
Rowhill Nature Reserve comprises 55 acres of managed ancient woodland and heathland on a hillside site, situated on the border of Aldershot and Farnham. It is adjacent to the Caesar’s Camp heathlands area (thousands of acres) managed by Thames Valley Heathlands. The River Blackwater (approx. 25 miles in length) has its source in Rowhill Nature Reserve. The river rises via a sphagnum bog towards the top of the reserve and draws water from other streams before continuing along the Blackwater Valley.
Part of the Blackwater Valley Footpath runs through the Rowhill Nature Reserve. It has a relatively small car park (approx. 12 spaces) and is used both by visitors to Rowhill Copse and by those walking across to Caesar’s Camp.
OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
The land and the Field Centre are owned by Rushmoor Borough Council but are managed on a day to day basis by Rowhill Nature Reserve Society via a licence agreement. Rowhill Nature Reserve Society has had responsibility for the Nature Reserve for over 50 years and is 100% staffed by volunteers across several groups. It is a registered charity and all Management Committee members are Trustees. There are 5 main groups: Conservation Volunteers; Fundraising and Events; Technology and Marketing; Centre Maintenance Team; Management Committee.
HABITATS
The majority of the Nature Reserve is recorded as ancient woodland and priority deciduous woodland. Botanical surveys have identified 46 ancient woodland indicator species within the reserve and there are many veteran trees throughout the reserve. In addition to the ancient broadleaved woodland, habitats within Rowhill Copse include coniferous woodland, heathland, grassland field, streams (including the source of the River Blackwater), ponds, and sphagnum bog. These habitats are managed by the conservation volunteers who aim to maintain and enhance their quality.
WILDLIFE
Rowhill Copse is home to a range of wildlife. 45 bird species have been recorded within the reserve including amber listed grey wagtail and song thrush as well as greater spotted woodpecker, firecrest and other notable species. Mammals are abundant in the reserve with deer often spotted in the field and coppiced areas whilst many small mammals are known to be present in the vegetation. At night, there’s activity from badgers and a few different bat species including myotis species. The water features within the reserve supports frogs, toads and common newts whilst slow worms, grass snakes and adders are also known to be present. The reserve supports a biodiverse array of invertebrates with many beetles and spiders as well as 33 butterfly species and 268 moth species. In addition, over 700 species of fungi have been identified within the reserve.
SURROUNDING AREA
Rowhill Copse is surrounded by housing, but given its size, people who visit it often remark that it feels very different from its surroundings, and that you can feel a sense of being somewhere different and unique. It is very popular with dog walkers and families who want to stroll through and enjoy the network of maintained paths. There are clear boundaries around the Reserve, making it a safe place for both animals and children.
ANNUAL EVENTS
There are established events at key points in the year including:
• Plant Sale
• Summer Fair
• Autumn Fair
• Christmas Fair
• Moonlight Walk
MEMBERSHIP
At the time of writing, there are over 200 members of RNRS. Many of those enjoy the monthly talks on environmental topics held at the Field Centre or come to the various events. Given that probably 1,000 people live within a 10 minutes’ walk of the Nature Reserve, there’s the potential to expand both the number of members and volunteers.
FINANCES
The day to day running of the Nature Reserve is funded via voluntary fund raising primarily through the events and membership subscriptions. Rowhill Nature Reserve was designated as a SANG (Source of Alternative Natural Green Space) approximately 10 years ago and that provides modest funding (via Rushmoor Council) for major works (e.g. major clearance of invasive species) that would otherwise be beyond the currently available voluntary resources of the Society. The SANG funds are spent through a 10 year rolling Management Plan agreed between RNRS, Rushmoor BC and BVCT).
PARTNERSHIPS
Rowhill Nature Reserve draws on resources from the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust rangers and volunteers to carry out bigger tasks (e.g. clearing larger fallen trees, clearing on invasive species). Rushmoor Borough Council provide oversight and advice via the Parks and Open Spaces Team and the Ecology Officer.
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Conservation Volunteer
Specific Address