Nature lovers can rejoice because a vast new nature reserve spanning 2,765 hectares has been created in Surrey, extending into Hampshire and West Sussex. Natural England has declared the creation of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR), which will protect green spaces in Guildford, Haslemere, Godalming and Farnham.

The reserve includes Thursley Common, a 350-hectare site known for its winding boardwalk and sweeping views, which has been renamed as part of the Wealden Heaths. Natural England described Thursley Common as "one of the largest remaining fragments" of Surrey’s heathland, which once stretched across much of the county.

Thursley Common was already a designated nature reserve, but the new NNR status extends protection to more than 2,400 additional hectares of heathland, much of which has never previously had such legal safeguards.

It’s a big win for nature – and for walkers.

Yellow shaded areas depict land which will be included in the new National Nature Reserve, which accounts for nearly 3,000 hectares of green space (Image: Natural England)
Yellow shaded areas depict land which will be included in the new National Nature Reserve, which accounts for nearly 3,000 hectares of green space (Image: Natural England) (Natural England)

The 1.3km (0.8 mile) Thursley Common boardwalk was recently voted Britain’s favourite path in a competition by walking charity The Ramblers. More than 600 paths across England, Wales and Scotland were nominated, with the public ultimately choosing the boardwalk as the winner.

Michelle Presley, who nominated the path, said: "It might be one of the underdogs, but it's a little hidden gem."

The boardwalk was destroyed by a wildfire in May 2020, which tore through more than 20 hectares of woodland.

Presley praised the local community for coming together to rebuild it: "I just loved the way the whole community came together after the fire to bring it back."

Jack Cornish, head judge for The Ramblers, described the path as "picture-perfect" with a "powerful story behind it."

National Nature Reserve status is awarded to areas of "national importance" for preserving habitats, species and geological features. It also prevents artificial interventions likely to damage the environment. Natural England said the reserve would serve as an “outdoor laboratory” for research while safeguarding rare wildlife and plant species.

Wealden Heaths NNR covers land in Surrey parishes including Liphook, Elstead, Farnham, Haslemere, Puttenham, Tilford, Milford and Wonersh, with further protected areas in Hampshire and West Sussex.

Being classed as a National Nature Reserve (NNR) singles out an area as of significant importance in terms of preserving its natural environment, including fauna, flora, soil, water, mineral and fossil deposits, as well as wildlife which calls the land home. Natural England said it was “satisfied” that the newly declared reserve meets the criteria for national importance and took action to preserve the green space accordingly. The formal launch is expected this summer.

Management of the reserve will be shared between Natural England and local authorities, including Surrey County Council, Surrey Wildlife Trust and Waverley Borough Council.

The heathland’s rare ecosystem supports a range of wildlife, including ground-nesting birds, insects, and plants adapted to the sandy soil and acidic conditions. Natural England said the new NNR would help protect these fragile species and allow for better conservation efforts.

The creation of the Wealden Heaths NNR marks a significant step in preserving Surrey’s natural landscape, offering greater protection for the area’s wildlife and ensuring its long-term survival.