WITH an autumnal feel in the air, the weather was perfect for the woodland fair staged by the Deadwater Valley Trust on Saturday, when around 300 people flocked to the Whitehill and Bordon nature reserve to enjoy a taste of nature as well as learning how our Saxon ancestors made tea.

The event, at the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve, was organised by Deadwater Valley Trust community ranger Jenny Clarke, assisted by other rangers and volunteers.

The Scouts created a welcome bonfire and cooked hot dogs, meanwhile woodcarver Chris Matthews, from Woody Wonders, was at work in his converted horsebox.

Staff from Butser Ancient Farm, near Waterlooville, took artefacts to the woodland fair to show how Iron Age (circa 700BC to 43AD) man lived, while a group dressed as Saxons (410AD to 1066) made tea from brambles and nettles, and beer bread for visitors.

Lined up and on display were some classic Range Rovers and also popular was the beautiful leatherwork made by a company called Beneath the Stars.

There were representaives from local groups, including Bordon’s Phoenix Theatre, the Haslemere Walking for Health group and the RSPB. Visitors could explore the scenic woodland that forms much of the Deadwater Valley.

Mrs Clarke said the fair “was a great success”, adding: “We didn’t do it as a fundraiser but to make people more aware of the Deadwater Valley Trust and the work we do.

“It was fun and there was an autumnal feel in the air which was perfect.”

The Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve occupies a corridor of land along the River Deadwater from the Walldown Road bridge downstream to the confluence with the River Wey; an area of mixed woodland (Alexandra Park), and an area of land around Woodlea School, including the Walldown Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The earthwork monument is thought to be what remains of an Iron Age hillfort.

* On Saturday, October 1, from 10am to 4pm, the trust will run a bushcraft session for children age eight and over. The next day, Sunday, October 2, there will be a fungi walk, exploring the different fungi in the reserve. On Saturday, October 8, there will be sketching in the woodland of the Bordon Inclosure.

For more details on classes or to book a place, call 01420 479070.