Featuring Surrey beauty spots, Thursley Common, Frensham Ponds and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve has been declared the 9th National Nature Reserve in the King’s Series by Natural England.
It stretches across an area around three times that of Richmond Park, boasting a rich mix of open dry and wet heath, acidic grassland, regenerating woodland and scrubby heath – as well as providing a home for rare species such as Nightjars, Sand Lizards, Adders and Natterjack Toads.
Heathland habitats are incredibly important for a range of species, and popular with walkers, cyclists and riders. However, heathlands in England have declined by around 80% in the last two centuries, making this declaration vitally important for the survival of these precious places.
“Britain is a nation of nature lovers - proud of our iconic landscapes and charismatic wildlife,” says Nature Minister Mary Creagh.
“This new reserve offers wonderful opportunities for people to experience the outdoors and spot rare wildlife in a place which has been a source of cultural inspiration for centuries.”
The Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve is home of The Devil’s Punchbowl, the dramatic natural amphitheatre in the heathlands near Hindhead which is said to have been formed when the Devil scooped up earth to throw at Thor.
The area has also provided inspiration to a range of literary greats through the years, from Alfred Lord Tennyson to Arthur Conan Doyle.
It continues to be a destination for nature lovers, boasting the Thursley Common Boardwalk, which has been named ‘Britain’s Favourite Path’ by the Ramblers Association.
The exceptional nature on display in the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve, alongside its easy connections with London, mean it already sees thousands of visitors each year, and its declaration as a National Nature Reserve means that future generations will continue to be able to connect with nature in the idyllic surroundings of the reserve.
