About the event

Join the High Sheriff to explore Lower Woods with GWT, addressing conservation and the future Western Forest, then tea and cakes in the hall

Event Overview

Programme - Guided Walks

Friday 15th May 2026

11.00am walk
2.00pm walk
4.00pm – 5.30pm - Tea, cake and talk
Enjoy tea and  cakes followed by short talks and an open discussion.

Talk information
With introductions from:

• Introduction by High Sheriff Dame Fiona Reynolds
• short speech from Andrew McLaughlin of GWT about the reserve and its wider context including the landscape-scale work GWT is leading
• short speech from Safia Gilder-Hodgson about the proposed Western Forest

All ideas and contributions are warmly welcomed.

Talk location - Hawkesbury Upton Village Hall GL9 1AU

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Time: 4pm–5.30pm

The Village Hall will be open from 1pm, and the day will conclude at 5.30pm.

Walks Information (11am & 2pm)

Location: Post code GL9 1BX.

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NB - Both walks start from Lower Woods Nature Reserve which is 2.5 miles from Hawkesbury.

Morning Walk

• Start time: 11am
• Start point: meet in Lower Woods Nature Reserve car park.
• Distance: approximately 3 miles
• Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Difficulty: This walk will be led by the GWT ranger. The route is mainly on undulating woodland paths, some of which may still be muddy, as this is a very damp area. Stout footwear is necessary. The woodland paths have tree roots and some slippery, muddy sections.

Facilities – A couple of toilets at the Lower Woods Car Park (ask the Ranger for access) or drive to Hawkesbury Village Hall (open from 1pm).

Lunch Break 1–1.45 pm
If doing both walks, please bring a packed lunch or visit the Hawkesbury Village Shop or the Fox Inn Café (Cotswold Kitchen) open 9.00am- 2.30pm, serving coffee, cakes, hot snacks. Indoor seating and toilets.

Afternoon Walk

• Start time: 1.45 pm
• Start point: meet in Lower Woods Nature Reserve car park.
• Distance: approximately 3 miles
• Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Difficulty: This walk will be led by the GWT ranger. The route is mainly on undulating woodland paths, some of which may still be muddy, as this is a very damp area. Stout footwear is necessary. The woodland paths have tree roots and some slippery, muddy sections.

Facilities

A couple of toilets at the Lower Woods Car Park (ask the Ranger for access) or drive to Hawkesbury Village Hall (open from 1pm).

Guides & Support

Both walks will be led by members of the High Sheriff’s team, with a Tail Walker ensuring everyone is supported and stays safe.

Safety Information

Walk leaders will highlight hazards such as tree roots, mud, livestock, electric fences and short sections of road walking, but participants walk at their own risk.

Please bring:

• Suitable footwear
• Waterproofs
• Warm layers or sunscreen, depending on weather

Dogs

Not permitted, except Assistance Dogs.
Walks will proceed in light rain but may be cancelled in severe conditions—please check the website for updates.