Horsley Meadows Contact
The site contact for our Horsley Meadows space is Surrey Wildlife Countryside Team Tel: 01483 910087
This space is managed in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust
Region: South East
Formerly agricultural fields, enjoy a circular stroll through these restored grassland and wildflower meadows set amongst veteran oak trees and experience the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of spending time in the great outdoors and among nature. This Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) was established in 2020 to avoid increased recreational pressure on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) from new residential development by providing alternative recreation areas that offer a similar experience to the SPA.
The grassland at Horsley Meadows provides many benefits for wildlife, including seeds for birds and nectar for bees and hoverflies. It also provides shelter for invertebrates and mammals and breeding opportunities for species such as meadow brown butterflies. Skylarks are also found on this site and we ask visitors to keep their dogs under close control between March and August to protect these ground nesting birds.
Grazing or cutting and removing grass helps to reduce soil fertility and increase the diversity of plants. Working together with Surrey Wildlife Trust, we are aiming to ensure precious local habitats and wildlife friendly management techniques thrive.
Volunteering is a great way to learn more about nature and make a lasting
difference. Find out more by getting in touch with Surrey Wildlife Trust on the contact details below.
The site contact for our Horsley Meadows space is Surrey Wildlife Countryside Team Tel: 01483 910087
This space is managed in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust
This site is open 24 hours a day.
(click here to find the nearest public toilets)
The Barley Mow, West Horsley is open daily from 12pm and is nearby.
The site is free to use.
The land is generally level throughout. There are no surfaced paths.
Well controlled dogs are welcome.
Walking, bird watching and wildlife spotting.
In addition to grassland habitats the site includes scattered mature oak trees, a stream and sections of of hedgerows with scrub oak, ash, dog rose, gorse, hawthorn, blackthorn, willow and English elm. Important bird sightings include skylark, red kite and green woodpecker.
Hatchlands Park (NT), Clandon Wood, Painshill, West Horsley Place, RHS Garden Wisley
Long Reach, West Horsley, Surrey, KT24 6NB
Site size: 25 hectares
This Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) was established in 2020. The purpose of this and other local SANGs is to avoid increased recreational pressure on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) from new residential development by providing alternative recreation areas that offer a similar experience to the SPA.
The land was formerly agricultural fields that came out of arable production in 2016. Following establishment of the SANG the site is being managed in accordance with a SANG management plan, for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Management by the Land Trust will seek to enhance the biodiversity and recreational value of the new site for wildlife and visitors. As a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) we offer dog friendly and family-friendly circular routes in the countryside to reduce pressure on our precious heathland habitats known as Special Protection Areas (SPA). The Land Trust has a number of other SANGs in Surrey and Hampshire to visit.
To contact the Land Trust about this site or how we could help manage your space please email our Estates and Community Officer (South & West) Marie-Anne Phillips .
To enquire about holding an event on a Land Trust site, please click here.
We are always on the look out for enthusiastic, committed people who want to make a real and lasting difference in their local community.
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