Loseley Path Update
We are delighted to announce that the path across the top of the Loseley fields on the south side of The Mount has now officially re-opened.
In order to protect the crops the estate will be installing a fence along the length of the path. This will be simple stock fencing with plain wire above it, which will not interfere with the view but will mean dogs can run freely along the path. However until the fence is installed please be respectful of the farmer’s crops and keep dogs on a lead.
The path starts at the beginning of the field at the top of The Mount, and finishes at the mast enclosure. This is shorter than the previous path but represents the compromise between the farmer’s needs and those of the community. It reverts to the stretch that was walked pre 2008 when there was livestock in the field by the masts and the public had no access.
It is a Permissive Path which makes it easier for the Estate to manage access in response to farming needs and does not introduce long term legal liabilities and operational constraints. It does not mean that Loseley intend to close it in the future. They are hoping that their willingness to fund a fence demonstrates that they are committed to keeping the path open in the long term and they hope everyone will enjoy the path as much as they have always done.
The OVRA Committee are very happy with the outcome and feel it is a genuine win/win outcome for all. We consider our work done and are thus withdrawing from the Steering Group. We thank the Steering Group for all the hard work that they put in behind the scenes to bring about this happy conclusion. We are now excited for a new and better relationship with Loseley and look forward to sharing the first of their regular updates, letting us know what’s going on around the Estate.
Jim Heroys, the Estate Manager, has already sent two documents to share with our communities. One gives the news outlined above, and the other explains a little more about the temporary closure of the Permissive Path between the North Downs Way and the footpath which runs in front of Loseley house and next to the lake. Both of these documents can be found below.
We hope you will join us in our gratitude to Loseley for continuing to share this beautiful walk with us, and we trust that everyone will use the path respectfully and responsibly.
Upcoming Events…
Online presentation for Onslow residents from Guildford’s Flood Alleviation Scheme Team
Monday 18th May 8pm
An illustrated talk to explain the work which is being done and the reason for doing it.
The link to the presentation will be emailed to everyone who has signed up to OVRA a few days before the event.
Or you can join the event by clicking the link here . You may then need the following info so make a note of it before you click the link:
Meeting ID: 376 751 578 849 026
Passcode: mS7yM9v7
🦔 HEDGEHOG HIGHWAYS PROJECT 🦔
We’re not doing monitoring tunnels this year but we’d still love you to report any sightings of hedgehogs (hopefully alive, but also dead) in the Onslow Village area so we can add them to our 2026 map.
Most of our hedgehog sightings last year were in April and May so now is the time to keep a look out!
If you see a hedgehog please email info@ovra.org.uk letting us know when and where you saw it. If you have a photo of it that you’re happy for us to upload to our website hedgehog gallery add that to your email too!
To see hedgehog maps and hedgehog gallery visit the Hedgehog Highway’s page here.
Local News ….
Take part in a University of Surrey Paid Research Project!
Psychology researchers at the University of Surrey are seeking 7-10-year-old children and their parent/guardian to participate in paid research (£50 voucher). The study involves a presurvey and a lab session at the University of Surrey (travel costs reimbursed). For more information click here.
Volunteers needed for a university study which aims to reduce injury from falls amongst older people
Silas Purja, a research postgraduate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey, is conducting a study “Investigating the Effect of Floor Stiffness on Standing and Walking Movement in Healthy Younger and Older Adults“. The research is being conducted to help improve safety and prevent injuries from falls in older adults.
He is looking for volunteers particularly in the 65+ age group, but also anyone aged 18+. The study involves walking and balancing on flooring of different hardnesses whilst being monitored. The session, in the Duke of Kent building on the Stag Hill Campus, lasts for approximately 2 hours. A parking permit is available together with a small payment of £10.
If you would be interested in volunteering please email Silas at sp00447@surrey.ac.uk Aside from helping with the project itself its quite interesting to see the experimental set-up and the visualisation of the data collected.
For more information if you are 65+ please click here
For more information if you are 18+ please click here
