Blog & News
Event organisers are welcome to send us news stories for the blog. Please use the submit a blog post form in the organisers section.
15/07/11: Mondraker comes to Bedgebury
Quench Cycles has joined forces with distributor Silverfish to sell Mondraker bikes through its Forestry Commission outlets at Bedgebury and Alice Holt. There will be a Demo Day on 23 and 24 July!
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13/07/11: Darling trail is ‘perfick’ way to boost Kent tourism
The Darling Buds of May television series is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year and a new visitor trail is being launched to capture the Larkins’ ‘Perfick’ Kent.
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12/07/11: Oxfordshire’s Glorious Gardens
Why not find out what beautiful gardens you could visit in Oxfordshire this summer? There are a wealth of options, large and small, formal or country gardens, all in wonderful settings. Gardeners and garden-lovers will find plenty to learn from and admire, and there are even tours to take part in.
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07/07/11: Picnic and cycle with the National Trust!
With so many National Trust properties all over the south east, there is lots of choice when you’re packing up the hamper with all sorts of goodies for a relaxing afternoon. Or if you’re feeling a bit more active, how about joining in with the cycling festival between 16 and 24 July?
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04/07/11: Summer at Stansted Park
All sorts of great things are happening every Wednesday in August at Stansted Park – picnics, theatre, dressing up – fun for all the family.
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30/06/11: Fantastic Mr Fox visits Bedgebury
Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox is being brought to life this summer at Bedgebury.
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27/06/11: Countryside 2011 announces Competition Winners!
Countryside 2011’s three Facebook competitions were a huge success with several hundred entries to each, and the lucky winners took home a whole gamut of wonderful prizes.
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22/06/11: It’s Team Green Britain Bike Week!
Team Green Britain Bike Week is the UK’s biggest mass participation cycling event – last year almost half a million people participated at events across the country. The aim is to get more people cycling, more often, and it the event offers something for everyone – from families, schools and companies, to seasoned cyclists and those who have never cycled before. Bike week runs from 18-26 June 2011.
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21/06/11: Rain doesn’t spoil the fun at Rippledown
Despite the rain, visitors flocked to Rippledown, the environmental education centre near Deal and Dover, as it opened its doors for their first Family Outdoor Activity Day on Sunday 5th June.
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14/06/11: Countryside 2011 a great success!
With more than 900 events listed on the Event Directory, there was something to suit everyone who took part in Countryside 2011 throughout the South East. From walking and cycling in Kent to dragon boats in Buckinghamshire; falconry in Oxfordshire to fairy gardens in East Sussex; from mountain boarding in West Sussex to riding in Berkshire.
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12/06/11: Today is the last day of Countryside 2011!
We hope you have enjoyed your experience of Countryside 2011, tried a wealth of different outdoor activities, and want to carry on and do more! With some much to see and do in the English countryside, we hope you’re tempted out into the Great Outdoors for good!
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11/06/11: Open Farm Sunday this weekend!
With around 430 events on the Event Directory to choose from this weekend, Countryside 2011 is delighted to announce that more than 30 farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday this Sunday 12 June throughout the South East are included in the Directory. Why not check and see if there’s one near you?
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11/06/11: Popular Steam Weekend in West Sussex
The Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre near Arundel in West Sussex, holds its popular steam engine event this weekend – a fantastic summer weekend treat not to be missed! The museum has created a special offer for Countryside 2011 – one child free per full paying adult.
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10/06/11: Try some delicious cheeses from Lyburn
Lyburn Farmhouse Cheesemakers, in the heart of the New Forest, make a wide range of cheese from their own cows, and specialise in a more continental type of soft cheese.
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09/06/11: Great outdoor activities to try on the Isle of Wight
Try something new for Countryside 2011 and have a go at sailing in the Solent with Pelican Racing, or why not take on a tree-climbing course with Goodleaf?
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08/06/11: Falconry at Lainston House Hotel
Lainston House Hotel in Hampshire has introduced some very special new residents. Nine aviaries housing a variety of birds of prey including Harris Hawks, a Bengal Eagle and a Tawny Owl and Barn Owl have been created.
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07/06/11: Plenty of boating opportunities in Surrey!
Guildford Boats and Farncombe Boats are both offering special discounts during Countryside 2011…what more could tempt you out onto the river to enjoy a slow river cruise?
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06/06/11: Tell us what you think!
We hope you’re finding plenty to do during Countryside 2011, enjoying the Great Outdoors and perhaps trying out all sorts of new activities. We’d love to hear about it!
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06/06/11: Find out about Roald Dahl and his stories, and create some cool words!
The award-winning Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is aimed at 6 to 12 year olds and their families, and is situated in the village of Great Missenden where Roald Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years.
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04/06/11: Try something new in Berkshire this weekend!
Some great ideas for the weekend – how about a hack through 400 acres of fabulous woodland and grass gallops? Of if you fancy a swim in the open, perhaps you’d like to take part in the Royal Windsor River Swim? For foodies, stock up for the weekend with goodies from the Farmers’ Market in Newbury.
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03/06/11: Lots going on in East Sussex this weekend!
Kids of all ages can have lots of outdoor fun this weekend. Younger children will love to meet all the friendly animals at Middle Farm; slightly older kids could join the Junior Rangers at Wilderness Wood, while big kids (and older!) could opt for serious outdoor experience with a Ray Mears Bushcraft course.
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02/06/11: Take a look at what’s going on in Kent this weekend!
Kent, the Garden of England, is has a wonderful array of events during Countryside 2011, perfect for all the family. Check out what medieval happenings are going on at Leeds Castle and The Canterbury Tales
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01/06/11: Having fun in the springtime sun at RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Get closer to nature and put a spring in your step this weekend at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve, in West Sussex.
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30/05/11: English Wine Week coincides with Countryside 2011
English Wine Week is a celebration of English Wines between 28 May and 5 June; several vineyards are also taking part in Countryside 2011.
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28/05/11: Countryside 2011 launches!
Great news! Countryside 2011 is finally upon us and there are almost 900 events on the Event Directory, which will give you plenty of choice when deciding what to do with your family and friends during May half term and the following week.
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27/05/11: Countryside 2011 gets great press!
Following the fantastic piece about Countryside 2011 broadcast yesterday on ITV Meridian, today’s Daily Mirror has a feature in its ‘Welcome to the Weekend’ section, and we hope the Sunday Times will run a piece in the Style Section this Sunday. Yesterday, Countryside 2011 organiser Exbury Gardens welcomed HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to the steam railway.
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26/05/11: ITV Meridian films Countryside 2011 at Haredown Mountain Boarding Centre
ITV Meridian has today visited the Haredown Mountain Board Centre near Chichester in West Sussex, to find out about activities being run as part of Countryside 2011. The piece is due to be aired tonight on the 6pm news – don’t forget to watch!
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26/05/11: Win a Personalised Map and hone your map reading skills!
No home is complete without its very own personalised map, with your address in the very centre of its local environment. Countryside 2011 partner, the Ordnance Survey, has donated a number of these to competition winners, and is running several events during Countryside 2011.
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25/05/11: Join in with the Countryside 2011 Competitions!
Countryside 2011’s second competition is coming to an end….the third competition will launch this Friday. Join in for your chance to win some great prizes.
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24/05/11: Rural Retreats: Your first port of call to find a place to stay during Countryside 2011
With Countryside 2011 beginning imminently, you’re bound to need somewhere to stay. Rural Retreats features a range of establishments which have created a special discounted offer to link in with the Countryside 2011 fortnight of discovery.
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23/05/11: Countryside 2011 begins this Saturday!
With more than 870 events on the Event Directory, now is the time to start planning what new activities you might try over the next two weeks. Check out the fabulous array of events listed on the Directory…
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20/05/11: South London Press launches fabulous Countryside 2011 Competition!
To celebrate the launch of Countryside 2011, the South London Press is running a competition in its Pulse Magazine which will see one lucky reader get their family out into the Kent countryside for a whole weekend of outdoor activity!
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17/05/11: Archery at Bedgebury is back!
Archery adds another string to Bedgebury’s bow as the ever-popular Bedgebury archery sessions are now well underway again and will continue right through the summer until the end of October.
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16/05/11: Real Cider Showcased
Cider is an increasingly popular drink, agree retailers and journalists, and there are more than 15 real cider producers in Kent alone. Find out why during Countryside 2011….
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13/05/11: Explore Kent iPhone and Android app
Check out the new iPhone and Android app just launched by Explore Kent, to help you plan all your trips round Kent.
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12/05/11: Stonegate Farmers’ Market
For all your foodie needs this weekend, why not visit Stonegate Farmers’ Market in East Sussex on Saturday 14 May, and stock up with a delicious range of seasonal and local produce from a number of local farmers and producers.
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11/05/11: Pebsham Countryside Park Project
The Pebsham Countryside Park Project is an exciting initiative to develop and enhance the green space between Hastings, Bexhill and Crowhurst, an area of approximately 600 hectares (1480 acres) in East Sussex. The intention is to create a sustainable, multi-functional countryside area with space for leisure, relaxation, sport, ecology and education.
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09/05/11: National Garden Scheme - Gardens Open for Charity
Every year NGS gardens across England and Wales welcome about 750,000 visitors to more than 3,700 gardens. Many of these can be found throughout the South East, most of which are privately owned and open just a few times each year. Why not visit one that’s close to you?
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06/05/11: Carry the forest in your pocket with new ForestXplorer iPhone app!
Forestry Commission England has launched a free iPhone app to find your local woodland, download handy trail maps or learn about trees with an easy to use tree identifier.
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05/05/11: Rainbow Ramble at Bocketts Farm
On Sunday 8th May join Rainbow Trust Childrens Charity for a ramble around Norbury Park. Free entry to Bocketts Farm included with every ticket!
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03/05/11: National Family Week is back!
Take a look what’s happening near you during National Family Week 2011, from 30 May to 5 June…
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30/04/11: Time to get out and about!
As spring blossoms into summer, why not make the most of the long weekends with the National Trust? There’s so much to see and do, including May Day events and endless activities for restless kids, come rain or shine.
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28/04/11: Enjoy a great day out this Spring!
Need some inspiration for the kids this Bank Holiday weekend? This spring you can enjoy a full packed programme of activities, baby animals and plenty of play both inside and out, at Bocketts Farm, near Leatherhead in Surrey.
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27/04/11: Activities galore at Bedgebury this Bank Holiday
If you’re after a wide range of outdoor activities to take part in this Bank Holiday weekend, Bedgebury Pinetum is a perfect place to cycle, walk, swing from trees or ride a horse, all available within easy reach of Tunbridge Wells and Hastings.
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26/04/11: Sixth Annual Kent County Fair at The Hop Farm
The Hop Farm have released details of their exciting plans for the sixth annual Kent County Fair, which will be held within their 500 acre site during the Bank Holiday weekend 30 April to 2 May 2011.
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22/04/11: Get Eggs-ploring this Easter at RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Visit RSPB Pulborough Brooks this Easter Weekend (22 – 25 April) and take part in an egg-citing Easter Trail.
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21/04/11: Explore Kent Guided Walks
Kent has a wealth of walks throughout the county, for all ages and abilities. Explore Kent tells you all….
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20/04/11: The Garden Show at Firle Place - This Easter Weekend!
‘A Taste of Spring’: The Garden Show at Firle Place is showcasing a selection of wonderful new ideas to excite the palate of even the most jaded of gardeners.
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15/04/11: Great Gardens of Sussex
A great value passport to Great Gardens of Sussex has been launched: visit three of the gardens and enjoy the fourth free of charge!
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13/04/11: Looking for places to go with your dog?
Looking for activities and places to visit with your canine best friend? Countryside 2011’s event directory is packed with events that you and your dog can enjoy together. Many are free, and there are also special deals and discounts on days out across the South East.
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11/04/11: Pelican Racing - TrySail
Get a taste of sailing this Easter with a Pelican Racing TrySail.
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08/04/11: Sweet Sounds of Spring
Spring has officially arrived at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve with the first reports of nightingales singing around the nature trail.
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04/04/11: River Trips! New to the Event Directory this week
Ever fancied a gentle chug down the river, in an environmentally friendly, electric powered boat? Look no further than the River Stour in Kent.
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31/03/11: Great idea for Mother’s Day!
Stuck for ideas of what to do for your Mother this Mothering Sunday? Why not bring her to Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway?
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28/03/11: Countryside 2011 Event Directory - Now Live!
Good news! The Event Directory is now live on the website with more than 300 listed events. Check some of them out and plan what you might do during our Super Showcase discovery fortnight between 28 May and 12 June.
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25/03/11: Primrose and Camellia Walks at Exbury Gardens
As this beautiful Spring weather continues why not enjoy it to the full by visiting Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway this weekend.
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15/03/11: High Beeches Garden Reopens for 2011
Enjoy the sight of thousands of daffodils together with camellias and the early magnolias at the beautiful, tranquil and historic High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden when it reopens on Saturday 19 March 2011.
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11/03/11: Cooking at Bodiam!
Whether you are an expert baker or just a fan of cakes, you’ll be in heaven this month with two fantastic cooking events!
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08/03/11: Women on Wheels Cycling Initiative launches at Bedgebury
The highly successful Bedgebury Cycle Development Project has launched a new female-only cycle fit programme called ‘Women on Wheels’, in partnership with Quench Cycles – the Bedgebury cycle shop.
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01/03/11: Bedgebury Wins Education Award
Bedgebury is thrilled to have gain recognition for its important education work, having received a Growing Schools Garden Award.
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28/02/11: Spring is in the air!
Come and see the newest waterways and floral art by artist Michele Field.
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11/02/11: Hen Harrier Delights
Come along to the RSPB’s Pulborough Brooks nature reserve and see the male hen harrier, a magnificent bird of prey, which has been putting in a regular appearance at the reserve since the New Year.
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31/01/11: Looking to develop skills in Countryside Management?
Do you have a passion for our countryside heritage? Are you looking to gain knowledge and experience in looking after heathland, downland and woodland to use in your future career? Then Surrey County Council’s Countryside Management Heritage Skills trainee placements could be for you.
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31/01/11: Solo Art Exhibition in Oxford
Check out an art exhibition by artist Michele Field, and perhaps one of her rosebud paintings would make an ideal Valentine’s Day Gift!
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24/01/11: Countryside 2011 Event Directory - Live in March!
Keep an eye out for the Countryside 2011 event directory which will be going live in March. With almost 200 events already listed, there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone looking for a great day out between 28 May and 12 June.
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24/01/11: Amazing Days out with a Seven Wonders of the Weald Attraction Pass
Save cash and get more for your money with The Seven Wonders of the Weald Attraction Pass!
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24/01/11: Winter Roast and Roam at Bodiam Castle
New at Bodiam! The perfect way to relax after the Christmas Festivities with roam and roast days.
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09/12/10: Father Christmas comes to Beaulieu!
Join New Forest Activities for a picturesque Winters day Canoe trip on the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve and enjoy Mulled Wine and a Mince Pie with Father Christmas.
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03/12/10: Snow at Plumpton College
Students at Plumpton College are now planning to use their creative skills to create an even better snow scene. Plumpton College is a specialised landbased college, set in an attractive estate near to Brighton and close to London. http://www.plumpton.ac.uk
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29/11/10: All Aboard to RSPB Pulborough Brooks this Winter!
New Sunday and Bank Holiday service to the Pulborough to Horsham bus route, starting and finishing at RSPB Pulborough Brooks’ car park.
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15/11/10: Winter Wildfowl in Kent
Watch the spectacle of thousands of migratory birds flying in to roost.
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21/10/10: The Electric Forest at Bedgebury
Visitors to Bedgebury this autumn will have the opportunity to see the trees in a whole new light.
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02/08/10: It’s new, impressive, eco-friendly and free
Once a chalk quarry, Buckinghamshire’s College Lake (near Tring) was restored 20 years ago into a marvellous mix of wildlife habitats.
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28/07/10: Trout and About local food festival at Stockbridge – 1st August
Stockbridge is the tasty place to be this Sunday, 1st August, from 10am – 3pm.
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28/07/10: Oxfordshire & Thame County Show - 31st July
It’s billed as The Greatest One Day Agricultural Show in the country. Come along and find out why.
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14/07/10: Kent CAMRA Beer Festival: 22 – 24 July
Get a taste for real regional ales at the second oldest Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) beer festival in England.
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06/07/10: Six of the best: cool ideas for summer on the River Thames
The River Thames is a wonderful source of pleasure and entertainment for holidays and days out. Here are six ideas of where to start.
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03/07/10: Maize Maze Season starts in July
Take on the challenge of a giant maze with intricate paths weaving through of walls of living maize.
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02/07/10: It’s Beatrix Potter Time at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire
Enjoy fun and games with Peter Rabbit and friends this July in the glorious grounds of Mottisfont Abbey beside the River Test.
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30/06/10: The first Surrey Produce Festival: Sunday 4th July
Plenty to see, taste and buy on panoramic Box Hill.
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24/06/10: Festival of Cycling at Bedgebury Forest – 17 & 18 July
Free coaching sessions, skills activities, enduro races, treasure hunt and more in safe and super off-road setting.
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17/06/10: Step Out and Explore
Join guided walks or step out in your own time on National Trails and other well-marked scenic routes.
Discover more of the great outdoors on National Trails, long distance routes which take in some of the finest landscapes in England and Wales.
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14/06/10: Adopt an Otter with the Surrey Wildlife Trust
And help protect the future of this charismatic creature.
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14/06/10: Get Close to Nature
Observe and enjoy birds, beasts, bugs and flowers with your local wildlife experts.
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14/06/10: Join the Fun at Visitor Attractions
Family activities, special events, shows and exhibitions mean that even the most familiar favourites have something you won’t want to miss.
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14/06/10: Enjoy Outdoor Sports and Hobbies
Gliding, clay pigeon shooting, mountain boarding, watersports, family activity days, tree climbing, Nordic walking and more.
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13/06/10: Keep Watching this Website!
Our COUNTRYSIDE 2011 fortnight of discovery may be drawing to a close, but keep visiting the website for current news of rural attractions, activities and events in South East England.
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12/06/10: Get on Your Bike!
Throughout South East England, there are plenty of friendly groups who welcome beginners, more experienced riders, families – in fact anyone who enjoys a bit of exercise on two wheels.
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12/06/10: Discover your River Thames
With special offers on boat trips, boat hire, riverside attractions, hotels and restaurants, a children’s Passport to Fun and a Grand Draw worth over £1,000.
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12/06/10: Visit a farm near you this Sunday, 13th June!
Get in touch with the land that feeds us: Open Farm Sunday invites us to meet the farmers who grow our food and care for the countryside.
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10/06/10: Visit Artists’ Open Studios in South East England
At this time of year, artists and craftspeople open their doors to the public to show off their work and talk about what they do.
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10/06/10: It’s the Big One and it’s happening now!
Catch the South of England Show in West Sussex, from 10th – 12th June.
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10/06/10: Stunning Views and Wild Flowers on the Ridgeway National Trail
Enjoy highlights of Britain’s most ancient footpath on guided walks this Sunday.
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08/06/10: Indoor Attractions for COUNTRYSIDE 2010
Don’t let a wet day dampen your enjoyment of the countryside. The Event Directory has details of some fascinating undercover attractions on a rural theme.
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07/06/10: Get on Your Bike in COUNTRYSIDE 2010!
Our Event Directory gives details of friendly groups who welcome beginners, more experienced riders, families – in fact anyone who enjoys a bit of exercise on two wheels.
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05/06/10: Catch This!
It’s Petal Fall Weekend at Exbury Gardens.
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04/06/10: A Cool Idea for this Sunny Weekend
This is perfect boating weather! Check these Directory entries for special offers on scheduled trips and private boat hire up and down the Thames.
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03/06/10: It’s Festival Time in West Sussex
Be it ale or art, gardens, music, drama, walking or local food – celebrations are underway throughout the Adur district during COUNTRYSIDE 2011.
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02/06/10: Springwatch Events are Happening Now!
Get to know the local wildlife with lots of outdoor activities that are fun and free.
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31/05/10: More Things to Do in the Woods!
Our COUNTRYSIDE 2011 Event Directory features all sorts of wonderful woodland activities and events. Here are more bright ideas for making the most of your time in the woods.
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Missing all those outdoor activities offered for Countryside2011? Get out and about with National Bike Week @TGBBikeWeek http://bit.ly/Hb38D
Congratulations to all the winners of the fab prizes offered by Countryside 2011 http://bit.ly/ltlSB4
We’d love to hear what you thought of the events or activities you took part in. Please complete our online survey http://ow.ly/5gjs9
Water-ski, Wakebaord or Jet Ski at the South East’s Premier Watersports Venue. http://bit.ly/kOqJfG
See the red squirrels in the walk-through enclosure at the British Wildlife Centre! Visit http://bit.ly/k2thrJ
