Woodland nature walk: Laura will guide you on a fascinating and enjoyable leisurely walk through ancient woodland in rural Outwood, Surrey following a short circular route. You will hear all about trees, vegetation, and wildlife habitat of the woods. We will return to Garden Inspiration’s beautiful half-acre English cottage garden for a cream tea, at the end of the walk.
Garden Inspiration caters to small groups (adults, and children under 2 years), Private groups of between 2 and 8 people can be arranged on dates to suit your party at any time of the year.
Gift vouchers for all occasions – Christmas, birthdays, special anniversaries, or a surprise treat!
The Guided Walk
This is an enjoyable and informative 1.5 hour (approximately) tour of this special stretch of Outwood Common. We will identify around a dozen tree species, such as goat willow, hornbeam, and field maple. Laura will talk about the love-life of trees and their uses, and answer questions, such as: why do oaks and pines fare worse in lightning strikes than beech and birch? Where do you find a Purple Emperor butterfly? And just why are brambles and ivy a GOOD thing! What is ancient woodland? And how do you work out the age of a tree?
This is a unique look at native ancient woodland with a cheerful guide.
Fitness not required
The walk is carried out at a leisurely pace on uneven (but not steep) ground. The activity level is moderate/light with a cream tea served to you at the end of the walk, at the White Cottage. The cream tea will definitely not make you fitter!
The terrain
Paths are mostly level. There are narrow tracks made by local walkers and we will be following some of these. The ground can be uneven on these tracks, and at certain times of the year, vegetation can be overgrown. Walks can be muddy too! The walk is just over one mile and will be at a leisurely pace.
About Laura
I look forward to sharing some fascinating woodland facts with you and hope to give you a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Prices
£25 per person
Children under 2 years of age, FOC
Private bookings start at £80, price on application
Dates 2023:
| 2pm to 4pm Thursday 4 May |
| 2pm to 4pm Tuesday 3 September |
| 2pm to 4pm Saturday 7 October |
| Other dates by arrangement |
If you would like to book before 4 May, or after 7 October, for a private occasion, Laura would be delighted to talk to you: laura@igarden.me/ 07776 448889.
Contact Laura via the form below, or call 07776 448889.
Cream tea
Home-baked by yours truly. For large groups, Mary who is a superb baker will come up trumps with the perfect scones. Whoever is cooking, you will be served a high-quality cream tea.
There are a variety of teas from which to choose. Cordial will also be provided. What’s not to love!
You will enjoy your tea outside if the weather is warm and fair, and inside if it is chilly or damp – depending on the time of year.
Weather
The event is not weather dependent other than severe weather. If bad weather is likely Laura will contact you and transfer your booking to an alternative date.
In fine weather, teas are served in the garden. If the weather is less favourable (perish the thought), tea will be served in the large conservatory, which comfortably seats 8 people.
Remember to bring your brolly/ raincoat/ sun lotion/sunhat/ boots, and long trousers if you’re not keen on brushing against vegetation!
Further information
Details about where to meet and admin details will be supplied by email, upon booking. Any other queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Laura.
A little bit about Outwood
Outwood is surrounded by beautiful National Trust land. We are lucky to have an iconic old post mill – pictured left. There are three pubs in the village, ‘The Bell’, ‘Dog and Duck’, and the newly reopened ‘Castle’. Outwood has a quality butcher’s shop ‘Outwood Butcher’ as well as Brightleigh Farm, with its superb animal husbandry methods. Ceramic Fitch, a modern and excellent pottery offer classes and lovely pieces for sale, based at Brightleigh Farm on Saturdays and Sundays. Hookhouse Farm offers a unique wedding venue with its stunning 17th-century threshing barn and warm hospitality. There is Victorian cricket club dating from 1887 which is very active, as well as a community village hall, play area, and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).
Outwood is a great place to both live, and to visit, with its friendly community and beautiful countryside.
Garden Inspiration 