This spring, people in the South Downs can discover unique wildlife using an illustrative guide, guided walks, and a free family festival.

The event celebrates heathlands, environments home to the UK's six native reptile species which are rarer than rainforests as well as offer a rare immersion into the ancient and often overlooked world of lowland heaths and their historical connections dating back to the Stone Age.

Over the weekend of June 8 and 9, the Hogmoor Inclosure in Whitehill & Bordon will host the Secrets of the Heath festival, commencing each day from 11am to 4pm.

A series of free activities for all age groups will be featured during the event, including Saxon shield battles, wildlife talks, and encounters with native reptiles.

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Additionally, participants can join Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to explore the local insect life and refine their birdwatching skills with the RSPB. A nighttime bat walk, historical re-enactments, and a medieval encampment are also on the schedule, depending on weather conditions.

Rounding out the event, food and drink vendors will be on hand to cater to visitors, and dogs on leads are welcome. Free parking will be available at the nearby SHED in both the Parade Square and Woodlands car parks, which will be clearly signposted on the day.

Saturday, June 8, will include a special event planned by Whitehill Town Council to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, honouring the military heritage of Whitehill & Bordon.

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Before the festival, the South Downs National Park's heathlands team will conduct guided walks as part of National Walking Month in May.

The guide provides additional information on more extensive trails in the region, such as the Shipwright's Way and Serpent Trail, and contains a new circular route from Liphook station.

Olivia French, who leads public engagement around heathlands for the National Park, said: "Lowland heath is extremely rare, only found across parts of the UK and Scandinavia.

"It’s home to a whole host of rare reptile, amphibian, bird and insect species – including some very iconic ones such as the Natterjack toad and sand lizard. It’s a haven for some very special bird species that nest on the ground in spring and summer – the nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler. Much of the heathland in this part of Hampshire is so important for wildlife that it’s protected by law under a Special Protection Area (SPA).

"All these activities across the spring and summer aim to reconnect people to their local heathland habitat and inspire communities to learn more about their heathland, working together to look after them so they can be enjoyed for generations to come."

For more event details, the public can refer to the South Downs National Park's website.