Countryside - North Sites - Hampshire County Council

14/08/2026

Please take heed and protect our precious countryside areas 💚

The heat warnings in place across our area mean that the risk of outdoor fire is extremely high, not just out in the countryside, but also in the greenspaces within our towns and cities.

If you're meeting friends on the Common, planning a picnic in your local park, or taking a stroll on the beach, we ask that you help us prevent devastating fires.

Campfires and bonfires are banned in certain locations, so check local guidance, and think twice before lighting.

Ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished and that you take your litter home with you.

Find out how you can support our firefighters and prevent outdoor fires in your town or city, and how you can do your bit to protect your property - https://bit.ly/StaySafeInTheSun

10/08/2026

🦇 Join the South Downs Heathland Reunited Rangers for an evening of wildlife discovery at Shortheath Common.

FREE EVENT

➡️Saturday, August 15th: 8:30PM - 10:30PM Oakhanger Village
Book you place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creatures-of-the-night-at-shortheath-common-tickets-1995684503071?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&_gl=1*17dfx7b*_up*MQ..*_ga*ODg5MTE3MzYuMTc4NjM1Nzc1Nw..*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3ODYzNTc3NTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODYzNTc3NTYkajYwJGwwJGgw

See what comes alive as the sun goes down 🦇

Aged 16-25? Join our Heathland Ranger Team for a spectacular sunset survey and experience nature as you've never seen it before.

We'll explore the site, survey the wildlife we find, and learn about the heathland habitat and the species that call it home.

➡️Thursday 13 August, 7-9.30pm, Shortheath Common

Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youth-action-sunset-survey-heathlands-reunited-shortheath-common-tickets-1992052397345?aff=erelpanelorg

05/08/2026

We are saddened by the recent fire at Castle Bottom.

What makes incidents like this particularly concerning is that our Exmoor ponies were grazing nearby. These animals are a valued part of our conservation work, helping to maintain this special habitat. Wildfires place them and other livestock directly at risk.

A huge thank you to the crews from Hartley Wintney Fire Station for their quick response and helping with the ponies.

You can help reduce the risk of wildfires by:

🔥 Leaving BBQs at home and enjoying a picnic instead
🚮 Taking all litter home with you
📞 Calling 999 immediately if you discover a fire

Countryside - Hampshire County Council

31/07/2026

Celebrating by sharing just some of the places, species and work of the North Sites Ranger Team 💚

17/07/2026

Please be aware that the tracks around will be unusually busy this morning as students from Yateley School take on the challenge of walking 5km. The students and staff from Years 7-9 will explore the heathlands, ponds and woodlands that make up Yateley Common during the trek. We hope everyone taking part has a great time!

15/07/2026

Happy Hampshire Day!

Celebrating the habitats and wildlife of north of Hampshire 💚



Countryside - Hampshire County Council

14/07/2026

Thanks to those who reported the fire on last night so quickly, and of course to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for attending and dealing with the wildfire.

Countryside - Hampshire County Council
Thames Basin Heaths Partnership
Yateley Town Council

12/07/2026

Following the large fire along the A30 opposite Blackbushe Airfield yesterday, please take extra care when visiting the countryside.

The Wildfire Severity Index for the area is currently Exceptional. Our heathlands are tinder dry, meaning fires can start easily and spread rapidly. Wildfires put lives at risk, destroy valuable habitats and wildlife, and place significant pressure on our fire and rescue services.

You can help reduce the risk by:

* Leaving BBQs at home and enjoying a picnic instead.
* Taking all litter home with you, especially glass bottles and cigarette ends or other smoking materials.
* Calling 999 immediately if you discover a fire. Please don’t assume someone else has already reported it.

Thank you for helping to protect our countryside and keep everyone safe.

Countryside - Hampshire County Council
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service

10/07/2026

Catch us on ITV Meridian talking about the recent wildfire at .

The hot weather is set to remain for the foreseeable future so please heed the advice below ⬇️
Thank you.

Countryside - Hampshire County Council
Yateley Town Council
Thames Basin Heaths Partnership