West Heath  

Site Description

An isolated piece of Pirbright Registered Common found to the north of the Borough positioned to the west of Pirbright Village.  This SSSI is 9 hectares in size and is an area with free access and unspoilt natural beauty. 

Access/furniture

Public footpaths and tracks dissect the site throughout and in general the area has unrestricted access.  No Parking is available but the Heath is in walking distance of the village green, taking about 20 minutes.  No formal signage. 

Habitat

This are would have once been grazed and its outlook much, much different, the area is now predominantly broadleaved woodland; oak and birch with small open areas of heathland.  One of the most important and threatened habitats nationally, heath provides host to many rare and endangered species, the most commonly known and looked out for being the Nightjar. 

Management

Management is carried out in partnership with the Surrey Heathland Project under a Service Level Agreement.  The Group organise volunteer days, scrub bashing and guided walks.  Footpaths are cut regularly, ditches maintained and reactive tree work is carried out by the Countryside Teams.  There is a management plan for the site and a policy of increasing the area of the Heath through scrub management and programmed tree harvesting.

Westborough Woods  

Site Description

This small community wood some 2 Hectares in size has undergone some transformation in recent years.  The area was inaccessible for many years, surrounded by housing and an iron rail fence.  Two years ago the Borough, through SITA funding (landfill tax credit) opened up the woodland with the help of the local community, installing a new access point and footpaths.

Access/furniture

A woodchip circular footpath takes you around the site, access can be found off Woodside Road where there is some roadside parking.  Formal signage can be found at the access points and where work is being carried out. 

Habitat

Mixed broadleaf woodland, predominantly oak and ash with an understorey of hazel and hawthorn.  A fine example of oak woodland in a high density housing area much used by the local community.

Management

When the woodland was opened up, tree works were carried out, rubbish cleared, bat and bird boxes erected and an ecological survey carried out.  The current unobtrusive management of footpath repair and reactive tree works reflect the high local ecological value.  The woodland is a biodiversity oasis in an urban landscape. 

Merrow Common  

Site Description

A Registered Common, Area of High Ecological Value and Outstanding Natural Beauty found to the east of the Borough bounded by Trodds Lane to the east and farmland to the north.  The Common is steeped in history and is well used by locals being a short distance from many housing estates and the town centre.  Guildford Golf Club covers some of the Common; leased from the Borough with the public retaining a right to roam across it.  This was also the site of Guildford’s racecourse well used until the likes of Ascot grew, and a PoW camp in the Second World War.  The area now contains a diverse footpath network and a variety of landscape types, with spectacular views to London and the north. 

Access/furniture

Public footpaths and tracks dissect the site throughout and in general the area has unrestricted access.  Parking is available on Merrow Down next to the Golf Club at the end of Down Road or the Common can be accessed via Newlands Corner, a County managed beauty spot with parking and café.  Disabled and pushchair access along main tracks.

Habitat

The Golf Course is situated on Chalk Downland, which has over the years suffered form encroachment; the majority of the remainder of the Common is broadleaved woodland.  Predominantly hazel coppice under oak, this woodland is rich in biodiversity and is complemented by stands of impressive old yew trees estimated to be over 1000 years old. 

Management

Only reactive management is carried out currently, tree works, footpath repair and regular firebreak management.  If funding can be sourced the areas of hazel will be restored to managed coppice, increasing biodiversity by varying the age structure in the woodland and range of habitats.  Further management of high forest, long-term retention of individual trees, extension of rides etc.  will also be programmed.

Compton Common   

Site Description

A Registered Common some 4 hectares in size to the east of Guildford around which the village of Compton has grown up.  The Common would have been an essential part of village life offering firewood, building material and fodder for animals.  It is now used for informal recreation, walking, cycling and horse-riding.  It is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Access/furniture

Public footpaths and tracks dissect the site throughout and in general the area has unrestricted access.  Parking is available within the village with the Common never being more than a couple of minutes away.  Disabled and pushchair access along the main tracks from the village centre to The Avenue, locally known as the Black Path.  No seating but plenty of dry places to picnic.

Habitat

Predominantly mixed broadleaved woodland with open areas and glades and some wet woodland.  Along the black path historic pollards (trees which are regularly cut at about 2m to produce new shoots) can be found; these have been put back into cyclical management, these would once have supplied Commoners with firewood, fencing materials and fodder.

Management

Open areas of grassland are cut once per year and where possible cuttings are taken off site.  Footpaths are cut regularly and pollards are managed on a cyclical rotation.

Peasmarsh Common 

Site Description

A Registered Common found just to the south of the town centre on the A3100 road to Godalming.  12 hectares of predominantly wet woodland bounded by the road to the east and railway to the west.  One private property and a pond sit towards the centre of the site. 

Access/furniture

Public footpaths and tracks dissect the site throughout and in general the area has unrestricted access.  Some parking is available next to the village green and at the top of Tilthams Corner Road just before the Citroen Garage.

Habitat

The woodland offers an interesting mosaic of habitats from high forest to scrub and water features.  Predominantly oak woodland with smaller area of important willow wet woodland.  Certain areas are liable to be flooded during the winter months; some of the oak component is also under water some 4 months of the year. 

Management

Footpaths cut regularly, tree work reactive.  Regular consultation with Shalford Parish Council.  A management plan is being drawn up and grant funding sought to begin improvement of this important woodland.

Jubilee Wood – Stoke Park   

Site Description

This small wood only 1 hectare in size is situated in the centre of Stoke Park to the north of the town centre.  It would have originally been linked to both Peacock and Thorneycroft Woodland which would have made a larger area of Semi Ancient Natural Woodland.  It is interesting to note that though the three woodlands are now separated they contain almost the same tree species and ground flora.  The woodland is used for picnicking in the shade and is the site for several displays, stalls and demonstrations during the County show. 

Access/furniture

Access throughout formal parkland, the wood has little ground vegetation with picnic benches and bins towards its centre. 

Habitat

Mixed broadleaf woodland, predominantly oak with hornbeam and ash, an understorey of hazel and hawthorn.  The woodlands structure has slowly become less as pressure from the formal parkland setting and high public usage increases.

Management

Reactive tree works and some tree planting is carried out annually.

Peacock Wood – Stoke Park  

Site Description

This small wood only 1 hectare in size is situated on the edge of Stoke Park bounded by Parkway.  It would have originally been linked to both Jubilee Wood and until the construction of Parkway was part of Thorneycroft Wood.  Collectively they would have made a larger area of Semi Ancient Natural Woodland.  It is interesting to note that though the three woodlands are now separated they contain almost the same tree species and ground flora. 

Access/furniture

The woodland is mainly used for access with a well used footpath and cycle route from the town centre and local college to Spectrum, the Leisure centre on the north side of Stoke Park.

Habitat

Mixed broadleaf woodland, predominantly oak with ash and lime, an understorey of hazel and hawthorn.  The woodlands structure has slowly become less as pressure from the formal parkland setting and high public usage increases.

Management

Reactive tree works and some tree planting is carried out annually

Thorneycroft   

Site Description

This wood is the larger of the three that can be found at Stoke Park, 4 Hectares in size it is situated to the north of the Park and skirts around the back of Spectrum and is the main woodland that also forms part of Riverside Park.  It would have originally been linked to both Peacock and Jubilee Woodland and has been dissected by the A3, which cut off a small section of woodland now located in Riverside Park.  The Semi Ancient Natural Woodland is predominantly oak with sycamore and hazel.  If you look hard enough you can come across some rather splendid and huge lime and Horse chestnut trees the latter being regularly used by Kestrels to nest. 

Access/furniture

Access via Parkway, the rear of Spectrum or from Riverside Park.  The footpath to the rear of Spectrum is metalled and fine for wheelchairs and prams. 

Habitat

Mixed broadleaf woodland, predominantly oak with lime and ash an understorey of hazel and hawthorn.  The woodlands structure has slowly become less as pressure from the formal parkland setting and high public usage increases.

Management

Reactive tree works and some tree planting is carried out annually.

Onslow Arboretum   

Site Description

This delightful young tree collection to the northwest of the town centre is situated in the heart of Onslow Village and bounded by the A3.  The Arboretum has been constructed using the theme Around the World in Eighty Trees and the visitor can pass through Europe, Asia, Australasia etc.  and see eighty different species of trees native to the continents.  Wildflower meadows are also stunning to see during the summer months. 

Access/furniture

Access via Onslow Village Rec.  where there is a small car park or by foot from the A3 and Manor Way.  Wheelchair and pushchair access is available throughout the site.  Many benches and dog bins are available.  The site adjoins the Recreation Ground where there are public toilets and a playground.

Habitat

Individual plantings representative of the Arboretums theme, meadow and grassland underneath trees and dense mixed broadleaf edge.

Management

Young trees are regularly formatively pruned, footpaths maintained, areas of meadow and grassland cut annually with the cuttings from the meadow being taken away.  A regular programme of tree planting is carried out and includes a great number of trees sponsored through the Services’ Tree Sponsorship Scheme.

Willow Park   

Site Description

This one-acre site is tucked away at the back of a small residential development and bounded by the Blackwater Valley Route.  The Park contains a mosaic of different habitats that support a variety of wildlife. 

Access/furniture

One footpath with access for wheelchairs provides a short route to a pond in the corner of the site.  Some roadside parking can be found in Willow Close. 

Habitat

Mixed broadleaf woodland, meadowland and pond supporting a variety of flora and fauna.

Management

The park is managed by the Borough in partnership with the Blackwater Valley Countryside Service under a Service Level Agreement.  Local conservation volunteers carry out many projects.  Footpaths are cut regularly, meadowland mown annually with grass collected to promote ground flora.  Tree work reactive.

Hollybush   

Site Description

Five acres of disused landfill bounded by railway and the Blackwater Valley Route, accessed via the Blackwater Valley Footpath this site next to the river has been reclaimed and is now predominantly wildflower meadow.  Lakeside Road separates if from its sister site of Lakeside Park, in the heart of the Blackwater Valley on the borders of Surrey and Hampshire, west of the centre of Ash

Access/furniture

One footpath splits into two; the high path to the meadowland and the lower Blackwater Path follows the river.  A small area for about three cars can be found at the entrance of Lakeside Road.

Habitat

Mixed broadleaf woodland has come into the site through natural succession and is predominantly hawthorn, willow and birch.  The meadowland provides host to a variety of wildflowers including the Bee orchid.  The rivers edge provides a biodiverse habitat with a huge range of flora and fauna including Kingfisher, Daubentons bats and a wide range of Dragonflies.

Management

Footpaths are cut regularly, meadowland mown annually with grass collected to promote ground flora.  Tree work reactive.

Fox Corner   

Site Description

This five-acre site once a scrap yard and planning nightmare was compulsory purchased some ten years ago by the Council and handed over to the Local Community to manage.  The Council instigated site clearance, pond building, footpath construction and tree planting before handing it over to the Fox Corner Wildlife Association.  The site now has a variety of habitats, is well managed and used by locals and visitors alike.  The Corner can be found to the north of the Borough in-between Worpledson and Pirbright on the A322.  The site has recently achieved Local Nature Reserve Status.

Access/furniture

One footpath with access for wheelchairs provides a circular route through meadowland and by the pond.  A locally crafted height barrier depicting the scene at Fox Corner can be found at the entrance along with good interpretation and information boards. 

Habitat

Mixed broadleaf woodland, meadowland and pond supporting a variety of flora and fauna.

Management

The park is managed by the local community through the association with professional guidance and help from the Parks & Countryside Service.  Volunteer groups meet regularly and annual maintenance tasks such as footpath clearance are carried out by the Countryside Action Team. 

Rowan Field   

Site Description

This four hectare site was given to the Borough by the County following the construction of the Blackwater Valley Route.  Named by local people it has been planted with native trees had a pond and car park constructed and can be found at the end of Shawfield Lane. 

Access/furniture

One footpath with access for wheelchairs provides a circular route around pond in the corner of the site.  Parking can be found via Shawfield Lane.  Formal signage, occasional seating and dog bins are on site

Habitat

New mixed broadleaf woodland, planted for all year round features, meadowland and pond supporting a variety of flora and fauna.

Management

The park is managed by the Borough in partnership with the Blackwater Valley Countryside Service under a Service Level Agreement.  Local conservation volunteers carry out many projects.  Footpaths are cut regularly, meadowland mown annually with grass collected to promote ground flora.  Tree work reactive.

Stuarts Heath  

Site Description

Part of Pirbright Registered Common found to the north of the Borough just southwest of Pirbright Village.  The Heath lies alongside the north of the Aldershot Road from Pirbright.  A five hectares strip of woodland no more than 200meters wide of little value for recreation but is a valuable habitat. 

Access/furniture

A few informal footpaths and tracks dissect the site.  Much of the area is inaccessible, thick with undergrowth and wet areas.

Habitat

Predominantly mixed broadleaved woodland, birch oak and willow much of which is situated in wet, damp areas. 

Management

Reactive tree work carried out.

Gosden Common   

Site Description

A Registered Common found to the north of the Borough positioned next to and within Housing Estate.  The Common has both mature woodland and meadowland. 

Access/furniture

Public footpaths and tracks dissect the site throughout and in general the area has unrestricted access.  Dog bins.  No seating but plenty of dry places to picnic.

Habitat

Predominantly mixed broadleaved woodland, oak, ash with good understorey of hazel, hawthorn and field maple.  An area of meadowland can be found to the south of the site.   

Management

Footpaths are cut regularly, ditches maintained and reactive tree work is carried out by the Countryside Teams.  Meadowland is cut annually and removed.

Sanger Drive   

Site Description

This one hectare site is tucked away next to a small, modern residential development in the village of Send to the northeast of the Borough.  Accessed via Sanger Drive just off the main Send Road the park was given to the Council following construction of the development.  The Open space is managed as a small nature reserve with a pond and boardwalk. 

Access/furniture

One footpath with boardwalk provides a short route to a pond in the centre of the site.  Some roadside parking can be found in Sanger Drive. 

Habitat

Wet grassland, marshland with a mosaic of willows and individual tree plantings dotted around the site

Management

The park is managed by the local community through a formal association with professional guidance and help from the Parks & Countryside Service.  Volunteer groups meet regularly and annual maintenance tasks such as footpath clearance are carried out by the Countryside Action Team

Tiltham Corner   

Site Description

Two hectares found to the south of the Borough positioned either side of Tilthams Corner Road.  Predominantly wet woodland with little access but good roadside amenity.

Access/furniture

Public footpaths and tracks dissect the site throughout and in general the area has unrestricted access. 

Habitat

Predominantly mixed broadleaved woodland, oak, willow with a poor understorey the area can often be found to be flooded during the winter months as it is situated in the River Wey flood plain. 

Management

Reactive tree work is carried out and trees pruned back off the highway.

Devoil Close   

Site Description

Two hectares found in Burpham in-between Sainsburys and the Weybrook Park Housing Estate.  It offers a good amenity between the two sites and a valuable walk through and habitat for flora and fauna.

Access/furniture

Metalled footpaths dissect the site throughout and in general the area has unrestricted access. 

Habitat

Predominantly mixed broadleaved woodland, oak with hazel understorey and a small patch of dense conifer and broadleaf plantation, planted when the estate was built.  A stream runs through the centre of the Estate and this skirts the woodland in one place.

Management

Reactive tree work is carried out and trees pruned back off footpaths.