Events and activities

Our Countryside Service runs a variety of walks and activities throughout the year at various sites within the district.

Countryside events information

All activities must be paid for in advance when applicable. Refunds will only be given if the booking is cancelled two weeks prior to the event. Any cancellations later than this are unable to be refunded.

Please note that events may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances or unsuitable weather. If this occurs, attendees will be informed and refunded as soon as possible. Walks and activities are due to begin at the times advertised, so please arrive in good time. An adult must accompany all children.

If you are interested in helping out with volunteer tasks, visit the Volunteering page for more information.

If you would like further information or to book and pay using an alternative method to our online option, please call 01252 622122 or email countryside@hart.gov.uk.

Open spaces bookings

Anybody wishing to run an activity or event on Council land must seek approval from us. Failure to notify us of your group activity or event can invalidate group insurance. By working with us we can also recommend the most suitable place for your activity and notify you of any potential onsite hazards such as contractor and management works.

How to request an open spaces booking

Please fill out the application form. Ideally application forms should be completed at least one month before the event or activity is due to take place. Larger events may take several months to approve. Please note commercial activities will be subject to charge. Please also read our Open Spaces Booking terms and conditions.

Apply to hire an open space in Hart

Fees for open spaces bookings

Item	2022/2023 Gross charge	2023/2024 Gross charge (from 1 April 2023)
Car boots	£516	£570
Funfairs	price on application	price on application
Other hire of open space, to be confirmed on the event	price on application	price on application
Outdoor theatre	price on application	price on application
Fitness/education - 1 to 1 once a week	£65	£65
Fitness/education- 1 to 1, multiple times a week	£160	£160
Fitness/education - up to 15 once a week	£150	£150
Fitness/education - up to 15 multiple times a week	£350	£350
Fitness/education - 35 + once a week	£350	£350
Fitness/education - 35+ multiple times a week	£600	£600
Small family event	£100	£100
Non-charity community event	£258	£280
Commercial event	£1,030	£1,130
Admin fee	£50	£50
Charity events - free if 100% goes to charity	free	free
Events ran for free or by volunteers (walking for health/parkrun)	free	free
Commercial filming	price on application	price on application
Student commercial filming/photography of any site per day (up to 12 hours)	£20	£20

Education

Visits for community, school, Guide and Scout groups

Ranger-led visits, activities/walks, presentations and talks are available.

A minimum group size of 15 applies. Activities and walks cost £5 per person.

Presentations and talks cost £12.50 per hour plus £25 admin fee.

Self-led visits to our reserves are encouraged and we offer equipment for hire. We can also assist with a 1.5 hour pre-visit with a ranger to help familiarise you with the site and talk you through information for your chosen subject at a cost of £16.

For more information, please call 01252 622122 or email countryside@hart.gov.uk

Equipment for hire

Item	2022/2023 Gross charge	2023/2024 Gross charge (from 1 April 2023)
Bat-detecting kit (including resources and x3 detectors) £75 deposit applies	£13.50	£14
Per additional detector	£3	£3
Pond-dipping kit per day	£13.50	£14
Bug-hunting kit per day	£13.50	£14
Moth-hunting kit per day	£13.50	£14
Refundable deposit for equipment	£76	£76
Commercial filming	price on application	price on application

Practical conservation tasks for groups

Site management takes place during the winter months (October-February). This is to protect rare species that are active during the summer. Therefore, there are limited tasks available during the summer months. It is best to contact us early if you wish to take part in a community-related task.

If you are a group of 12 or fewer, it may be possible for the Fleet Pond Society to lead your group.