New ‘super’ National Nature Reserve in Surrey

Helping people and wildlife live well together

A new ‘super’ National Nature Reserve known as the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR) was officially launched on 27 June. This large nature reserve is part of the well-known Kings Series of National Nature Reserves (NNRs). It combines the existing Thursley NNR (325 hectares) with 2,440 hectares of land managed by partner organisations. We currently own and look after three of the included sites (Crooksbury Hill, Rodborough, and Puttenham Commons).

Why Surrey is special

Surrey is the most wooded county in England. It is home to the Surrey Hills National Landscape, with important heathlands and rare chalk downlands. Sadly, nature is under threat across the UK, from housing development, pollution and changes in climate. This has resulted in rare heathland habitat declining by 85% in just 200 years.

A beacon of hope for nature and people

The new Wealden Heaths NNR is an important step in protecting rare wildlife that lives in the area. But it’s not just for animals. It’s also a special place for people. This large green space covering 2,765 hectares helps support our health and wellbeing and gives everyone a chance to enjoy nature.

A collaborative effort

The Wealden Heaths NNR was developed as part of the Heathland Connections Nature Recovery Project, with the aim of restoring and improving habitat connectivity across the southwest of Surrey. Co-ordinated by Natural England, the project brought together nine landowners and stakeholders, including:

• Surrey Wildlife Trust
• The National Trust
• Forestry England
• Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
• The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• Waverley Borough Council
• The Surrey Hills National Landscape
• Surrey County Council
• The Hampton Estate

Find out more about the UK’s National Nature Reserves by visiting the GOV.UK National Nature Reserves webpage.