A chance to celebrate the vibrant history and wildlife of the heathland around Whitehill & Bordon returns next month.

The free Secrets of the Heath event will take place at Hogmoor Inclosure on September 10 and 11 from 11am to 4pm.

There will be Saxon re-enactments, a Bronze Age camp, have-a-go archery, mini-Viking workshops and close encounters with reptiles.

On September 10 visitors can meet goats and sheep, which once grazed the heathland, and Dr Bike will give tips and free bicycle servicing. That night there will be an expert-led bat walk around the inclosure.

On September 11, before the event starts, people can have a go at the countryside dog challenge and enter a prize draw to win a hamper of goodies for their dog.

Heaths are home to a wide variety of fascinating and endangered wildlife species, which include the sand lizard, the natterjack toad and the nightjar.

Without active management the heaths would disappear and those species would be lost.

Olivia French, activities and engagement officer for organiser Heathlands Reunited, said: “We hope the weekend of exciting events will encourage visitors of all ages in the area to take an interest in their local heathland habitat.

“These heathland sites are so rare and special and we want to inspire the community to look after them for future generations to enjoy.”