8 September 2009
Roman family fun weekend at Ashtead Common
The ancient woodland of Ashtead Common will be opened up to
members of the public for a weekend of scenic walks and family fun
from Saturday September 12 2009.
Guided walks taking in some of the Common's most picturesque
sights including the Roman villa will be held on both Saturday and
Sunday. They are scheduled to start at 10.00am, 11.00am, 1.30pm and
2.30pm and must be pre-booked by calling 01372 279083 or emailing
city.commons@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
Visitors on Sunday will also have the chance to celebrate the
site's natural and cultural heritage by trying their hands at a
range of crafts during the Ashtead Common Open Day from 10.30am –
4.30pm. These include children's activities such as printing a
pattern on a clay tile in Roman style, creating mosaics and basket
making.
Tea, cake and other refreshments will be available through the
day.
Bob Warnock, Superintendent of Ashtead Common, said: "This event
offers a unique opportunity for the whole family to engage with the
cultural history of the Common and see more of the area than is
usually accessible.
"Our partnership with Surrey Archaeological Society will give
visitors the chance to view a range of Roman remains, which are
otherwise covered during the rest of the year."
Visitors on both days should meet at the Ashtead Estate Office,
which is a short walk from Ashtead Railway Station.
Ends
Finding Ashtead Common
By train: Ashtead Railway Station is on the southern edge of the
Common and is the easiest way to get to the site, via the entrance
at Woodfield.
By bus: The Countryliner 479 runs from Guildford towards Epsom
and stops at Ashtead Railway station.
By car: Ashtead Common lies close to junction 9 of the M25.
Although there are no public car parks on the site, there is a car
park at Ashtead Railway Station. There is also Stew Ponds car park
off Christchurch Road, Epsom, which can be used for access to both
Ashtead and Epsom Commons.
Notes to editors
Ashtead Common:
Ashtead Common, located in north-east Surrey, has been owned and
managed by the City of London Corporation at no cost to the public
since 1991. It is an ancient wooded common covering approximately
500 acres (200 hectares). It has been a Site of Special Scientific
Interest since 1955 due to the rare invertebrates found there and
the rich community of breeding birds. The site includes two
scheduled Ancient Monuments - a Roman villa and a triangular
earthwork.
Press contact
Sanjay Odedra at the City of London Press Office on 020 7332
1835.