May days out in the Surrey countryside

As we move into the second half of spring, Emma Pritchard leads us through some of the natural magic on offer around Surrey this May

There’s something special about an early morning walk: stepping out as the sun rises, the calm while most people are still in bed and, of course, the bird song. So why not join one of the many organised walks taking place on May 3 as part of International Dawn Chorus Day when our feathered friends are at their singing best?

Or you could try one of the other family days roaming across our countryside this month...

• Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden

  ​If you're looking for culture...

  Wood sculptor and creator of the Surrey Hills AONB boundary markers, Walter Bailey, is one of 45 artists showcasing his work in the 10-acre grounds of the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, which open this year on May 2. Look out for Alison Condie’s impressive 7m piece, covered in brightly coloured jewels.​

  http://www.hannahpescharsculpture.com/

• Bookham Commons

  If you're looking for music...

  Head to Bookham Common where bird expert Kevin Duncan will be leading a two-mile walk and pointing out resident heathland birds such as the stonechat, Dartford warbler and woodlark, along with summer visitors the cuckoo, tree pipit and whitethroat. It’s worth setting your alarm for on May 3.

  www.surreybirdclub.org.uk/

• Cobham Mill

  If you're looking for tradition...

  Discover the county’s historic windmills and watermills during National Mills Weekend from May 9-10, including Cobham Mill (Surrey’s last operating watermill) and the 18th-century Shalford Mill on the River Tillingbourne, as they open their doors to the public.

  http://www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk/

• Stoke Park

  If you're looking for variety...

  The Surrey County Show comes to Guildford on May 25. With craft stalls, a petting zoo, donkey rides, farming displays, dog shows, hot air balloons and even stunt shows and scurry driving, there’s something at Stoke Park to suit all ages and interests.

  http://www.surreycountyshow.co.uk/