Hidden Surrey - Woodlands

Discover seasonal strolls

This autumn, we want to celebrate beautiful woodlands across the county.

Did you know that Surrey is England's most wooded county, with woodland covering nearly a quarter of the county (approximately 24%)?

As the trees turn shades of red, brown, and gold, there is no better time to get out and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot in these rich natural habitats. With so much woodland in Surrey, knowing where to start can be difficult. So, we have picked out several locations that you might like to visit for a walk, run, cycle or on horseback this November.

For further inspiration, you can visit our website to browse walks by area or learn more about our woodlands.

Shere Woodlands

Shere Woodlands sits on the North Downs with outstanding views across the Weald to the south coast. The woodlands suffered badly in the 1987 storms when many 250-year-old beech trees fell. Today, we see the benefit to biodiversity in the fallen trunks that provide a home to many invertebrates and other wildlife. The remaining live beech trees turn spectacular sunset colours in the autumn. Other highlights in the area include Neolithic flint quarries, World War II pill boxes and the North Downs Way National Trail. On Saturdays and Sundays a mobile café runs from the West Hanger car park serving a selection of hot and cold refreshments – a perfect stop off on your autumn weekend walk.

Staple Lane, East Clandon, GU5 9TD
OS map reference: TQ069491
What3Words: loans.nets.cycles

Newlands Corner

Newlands Corner, just outside Guildford, is already famous for its spectacular views of the Tillingbourne Valley, Greensand Ridge and South Downs. However, you might not know that this location in the Surrey Hills National Landscape is home to one of the oldest groves of Yew trees in Europe. Experience these ancient evergreens using the beautiful boardwalk. If you are quiet, you might even spot the roe deer who live amongst the mighty yews and oaks.

Get hungry on your walk? Why not try some of the local food and drink producers around nearby Silent Pool? There is also a refreshment window on site at Newlands Corner.

Don't fancy a walk? Hop on a bike and explore!

This autumn, the Surrey Police Safer Neighbourhood team are running public events at Newlands Corner on burglary and bike theft prevention, encouraging cyclists to tag and add their bikes to the Bike Registry. This will be a fantastic chance to get your bike registered for free by local officers, using official Bike Register marking kits. Simply bring along your bike to Newlands Corner on Saturday 9 or 23 November from 12pm to 4pm.

For more information on Bike Register kits, please visit the National Cycle Database.

Albury Downs, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8SE
What3Words: just.renew.assure
Location grid reference: TQ044493

Langley Vale

Photo credit: Karl Tarratt

This site was purchased by the Woodland Trust in 2014 as the First World War Centenary wood for England, making it the perfect place to visit and reflect this Month of Remembrance. You will find multiple artworks across the site telling local stories of bravery and sacrifice, including The Regiment of Trees by Patrick Walls commemorating Lord Kitchener's inspection of troops on Epsom Downs in January 1915. Langley Vale also has a poppy play area where children can connect with nature.

Headley Road, Ashtead, Epsom KT18 6BZ

Grid reference: TQ209567

Banstead Woods

This Site of Special Scientific Interest was a royal deer park in the medieval period. It is also thought to have once been owned by Ann Boleyn. Today, this ancient woodland is popular with walkers and runners alike. If you prefer a shorter walk, why not try the Banstead Woods Nature Trail (PDF). Want to take in more of the area? Try the slightly longer Banstead Countryside Walk (PDF).

Holly Lane car park, Holly Lane, Banstead, Surrey CR5 3NR

Grid reference: TQ265579

Norbury Park

First mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086, Norbury Park is situated between Dorking and Leatherhead. The ancient woodland in the park is home to dormice, roe deer, badgers, foxes and all three British woodpeckers. Norbury Park is a great choice for families thanks to the beautiful natural play area and picnic benches at Young Street or head into the woodlands and discover Wild!... About Coffee a mobile café with refreshments served from a Land Rover at the top of the hill, with a firepit to keep warm! (open Thursday to Sunday).

Young Street, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9DX
OS grid reference: TQ158538
What3Words: head.paused.region

Volunteer this tree planting season

The Tree Planting Team are seeking volunteers for their winter tree planting events from November through to February. Come and help plant new trees and meet the Council's 1.2 million tree planting target! If you would like to join them, visit the tree planting events page to see all available dates or for more information, please contact trees@surreycc.gov.uk. No experience needed, just wrap up warm, bring a spade and join in!