Events and activities
You'll find many things to do and enjoy in our fantastic outdoor spaces
We run a variety of walks and activities throughout the year at various sites within the district.
Countryside events information
You can book one of our activities through our Book a countryside activity page.
All activities must be paid for in advance when applicable. Refunds will only be given if the booking is cancelled one week prior to the event. Any cancellations later than this are unable to be refunded.
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 will begin at the times advertised, so you should arrive in good time. An adult must accompany all children under 16.
Open spaces bookings
Anybody wishing to run an activity or event on Council land must seek approval from us. By working with us we can recommend the most suitable place for your activity and notify you of any potential onsite hazards such as contractor and management works.
Failure to notify us of your group activity or event can invalidate group insurance.
How to hire open spaces
You can apply online using our open space booking form. Applications 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 | 2023/24 gross charge | 2024/25 gross charge from 1 April 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Car boots | £570 | £593 |
| 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 | £68 |
| Fitness/education- 1 to 1, multiple times a week | £160 | £166 |
| Fitness/education - up to 15 once a week | £150 | £156 |
| Fitness/education - up to 15 multiple times a week | £350 | £364 |
| Fitness/education - 35 + once a week | £350 | £364 |
| Fitness/education - 35+ multiple times a week | £600 | £624 |
| Small family event | £100 | £104 |
| Non-charity community event | £280 | £291 |
| Commercial event | £1,130 | £1,175 |
| Admin fee | £50 | £52 |
| Charity events - free if 100% goes to charity | free | free |
| Events run 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 | Free |
For information on filming opportunities and fees, please see our filming in Hart page
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 £13.00 per hour plus £26 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 £17.
For more information, please call 01252 622122 or email countryside@hart.gov.uk
Equipment for hire
| Item | 2023/2024 Gross charge |
2024/2025 Gross charge from 1 April 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Bat-detecting kit (including resources and x3 detectors) £75 deposit applies | £14 | £15 |
| Per additional detector | £3 | £3 |
| Pond-dipping kit per day | £14 | £15 |
| Bug-hunting kit per day | £14 | £15 |
| Moth-hunting kit per day | £14 | £15 |
| Refundable deposit for equipment | £76 | £79 |
| 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.