The new nature reserve is a ‘shining example’ of the best of England’s nature, being home to some of the country’s ‘scarcest wildlife’
14:25, 23 Mar 2026Updated 14:48, 23 Mar 2026
Natural England are welcoming visitors to its newest nature reserve, however there are some rules (Image: Thursley Common nature reserve)(Image: Steve Porter)
Surrey’s newest nature reserve is officially open to the public ahead of the first Spring since its designation as a place of national protection by King Charles III.
Ahead of the coming Spring season though, Natural England is asking the public to take some simple steps to protect some of England’s ‘scarcest wildlife’.
The newly created Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR) covers an expansive 2,760 hectares of heathland in and around Guildford, Haslemere, Godalming, Farnham and into Hampshire.
It encompasses iconic natural landmarks such as the Devil’s Punchbowl, as well as what has previously been named as ‘Britain’s best footpath’. It was declared in July last year, which means its first Spring is on the way.
Thursley Common is home to ‘Britain’s best path’ as chosen by the Ramblers, a national walking charity(Image: Surrey Advertiser)
Ahead of this, bosses at Natural England have highlighted the fragility of the landscape and its wildlife and asked visitors to the nature reserve to keep in mind that “small actions from all of us can make a huge difference”.
James Herd, director of reserves management at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: “Given the increasing pressures faced by the natural world, the creation of Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve is a much-needed piece of good news for wildlife, as well as providing a vital place of recreation and pride for local people.
“As springtime brings more people out to enjoy nature, we all have a part to play in keeping heathland sites in good condition for nature and for other people. Ground-nesting birds like nightjars and woodlark are sensitive to disturbance, so please keep dogs on a lead.”
Woodlarks pictured at the Wealden Heaths NNR(Image: Michael Jones )
Additionally, Natural England is advising the public to keep their barbeque at home, pick up any litter, and dispose of smoking equipment responsibly.
In an effort to limit the risks of fire at Wealden Heaths as the weather gets hotter. With areas such as Thursley Common previously suffering serious fires, like in 2020.
The new Surrey nature reserve is one of 25 nature reserves to be designated across the country by 2028 to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Speaking on this, Stephen Rudd, principal manager for Natural England, said: “The King’s Series National Nature Reserves are about celebrating the very best of England’s nature, and the Wealden Heaths is a shining example of that.
Puttenham Common in Guildford is one of a few existing nature reserves to be ‘annexed’ into the new Wealden Heaths NRR(Image: Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography)
“As we enter ground nesting bird season, this milestone is a timely reminder of how special and how fragile this landscape is. Small actions from all of us can make a huge difference.”
Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR) is based mainly in land of the Waverley borough including historic natural tourist attractions such as the Devil’s Punchbowl, as well as ‘annexing’ already popular nature reserves such as Puttenham Common and the 350-heactare Thursley Common in Godalming.
According to Natural England, the new NNR is home to many species of ground-nesting birds and other sensitive heathland wildlife. Such as nightjars, woodlarks, and Dartford warblers. Alongside natterjack toads, adders and sand lizards.
The Devil’s Punchbowl in Hindhead is included in the new Wealden Heaths NNR and its arguably Surrey’s most iconic area of nature(Image: Surrey Advertiser – Grahame Larter)
Wealden Heaths is also said to be one of the only places in England that you can find species such as silver-studded blue butterflies, among others.
In line with this, walkers have been told to stay on marked paths and keep dogs on leads throughout the nesting season from March to September.
Councillor Adam Duce, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, added: “This is a critical time of year for ground‑nesting birds, and we’re asking visitors to help protect these vulnerable species by staying on paths and keeping dogs on leads.
Yellow shaded areas depict land which will be included in the new National Nature Reserve, which accounts for nearly 3000 hectares of green space(Image: Natural England)
“Sustaining this remarkable heathland depends on collective action. Our strong partnerships across the Wealden Heaths – and the deep local pride people feel for this landscape – are essential to safeguarding its biodiversity.
“With national attention growing, this milestone highlights both the environmental significance of the area and the shared responsibility we all have to protect it for the future.”
The NNR’s near 3000-hectares of land spans from the North Downs near Farnham and Guildford, all the way down to Femhurst in West Sussex, and Bordon, Hampshire in the West.
Organisation responsible for its care include Natural England, National Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council.