Quick guide and location map
This pretty common, to the west of Milford, is part of Thursley National Nature Reserve and has joyous seasonal colours and an abundance of wildlife to discover throughout the year.
Quick guide
- Address and references: Milford, Surrey GU8 5RY
Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference: SU932415
What3Words: probing.zooms.buckling - Type of site: Local Nature Reserve, heathland
- Accessibility: mostly flat and some paths suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- Facilities: free car park, bike park, no toilets
- Nature to discover: butterflies, birds, heathland reptiles and invertebrates.
- Dogs: please keep your dog under control
- Size: 62 hectares (153 acres)
Location map
On the map below, use the plus symbol to zoom in to see the locations of the site's paths and car parks and the minus symbol to zoom out to view where the site is situated in Surrey, and to see other countryside sites nearby. The home symbol resets the map to the default setting.
Rodborough Common has one main footpath that leads from Borough Farm Road to Lower Mousehill Lane. There is one onsite car park that is located to the west side of the A3 and the entrance is off the southbound slip road to the A3 at Portsmouth Road, the A3100 and A283, Milford. The surfaced access track goes under the A3 with a two metre height restriction.
Visitor Information Video
Site details
Description
Located to the west of Milford, the hidden gem of Rodborough Common is part of the large heathland open space of Thursley National Nature Reserve, which is managed by Natural England. There are many sandy paths to wander along, far reaching views and areas of natural woodland and open spaces that are good for picnicking. Historic interest - during World War Two (WW11) the area was used as a military training ground.
Rodborough Common is located in the Surrey Hills National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is a Local Nature Reserve.
Please take care of our countryside and open spaces by following the Countryside Code.
What you can do here
- Explore large open space
- Enjoy a picnic, benches available at various locations onsite
- Wander along many peaceful sandy trails
- Cycle along designated bridleways
- Dog walking - under effective control
- Access to Thursley National Nature Reserve
- The Greensand Way long distance trail is nearby
Self-guided walks
There is one 1.5 mile trail with signposts at Rodborough Common. Others are being planned and developed including an Easy Access trail. Follow the colour coded routes on the information board and the signposts along the way.
What you can see here and when
- Seasonal colour on this heathland site: bluebells in the spring and heather August to November, yellow gorse over winter months
- Nature to discover: lots of birds and some mammals can be seen throughout the year, also many species of butterflies can be spotted on sunny days in the late spring and summer. Birds include: fieldfare, stonechat and nightingale. Butterflies include: the Adonis Blue and the Duke of Burgundy. Mammals: rabbits, bats and mice. Heathland reptiles and invertebrates may also be seen here.
Accessibility
- The common is fairly flat but there are hills when you reach Thursley Nature Reserve
- One path from the car park, towards the bike park, suitable for wheelchairs or buggies
- Benches dotted around the site
- Witley Common Easy Access trail nearby (please note car park payable unless National Trust member)
- Royal Common Easy Access trail is one mile east of Elstead.
Facilities
- Large free car park
- There is a bike park on site with professionally constructed bike jumps, this is owned and managed independently of Surrey County Council. The bike park is accessed from the eastern end of Rodborough Common car park and is approximately 200m from there. Please walk your bike along the path when accessing the park
- No toilets
- Bus routes 71, 72, 503 serve Milford which is 15 minutes walk away
Self-guided trails
There are three self-guided routes at Rodborough Common, the Lizard, Bell Heather and Butterfly trails. Take a photo of the information board in the car park before setting off and follow the colour coded routes and signposts along the way.
The Lizard self-guided trail - 1.5 mile, 50 minute walk
Follow the Lizard circular trail which takes you through areas of open and dense woodland and open heath. It is an easy-going route with a sandy surface and two gradients.
The Bell Heather self-guided trail - 1 mile, 30 minute walk
Follow the bell heather trail on the sloping sandy path through peaceful woodland and heathland towards Mousehill Down. On your way back to the car park, pause to rest on the open meadow with views towards Thursley.
The Butterfly self-guided trail - short distance, 10 minute walk
This short route is suitable for most abilities taking in the woodland around the car park. A perfect taster of what Rodborough Common has to offer for those who are not familiar with the area.
Site management, contact and designations
Site management
We own and manage Rodborough Common, including public access, site management and litter bins, car park and visitor services.
You will find more information about how this site is managed for conservation and the wildlife to look out for here Surrey Wildlife Trust.
Contact
Share any photos you take with us on social media @ExploreSurreyUK
If you need to contact us about any issues on Rodborough Common, please use one of the options below:
Environmental designations of Rodborough Common and what they mean
Surrey Hills National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers a quarter of the county of Surrey. The Surrey Hills AONB was created in 1958 for conservation due to its significant landscape value and enjoys levels of protection from development. Find out more about the Surrey Hills.
Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) is a designation given to sites that have substantive local nature conservation and geological value.
Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a special area designated by Natural England as being a natural resource contributing to biodiversity. They must be looked after by the local authority in whose area they are located.
Rodborough Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR) forms part of the Thursley National Nature Reserve (NNR), one of four NNRs located in Surrey.
