The Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve, in the heart of the Surrey countryside and on the doorsteps of more than a quarter of a million people, has today been declared by Natural England the 9th National Nature Reserve in the King’s Series.
The reserve has secured its status as a haven for wildlife, ensuring that it can provide a home for rare species such as nightjars, sand lizards, adders and natterjack toads into the future and an area of 2,765ha of greenspace accessible by hundreds of thousands of people.
Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve 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.
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.
The exceptional nature on display in this area, alongside its easy connections with London means 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. The reserve also includes a nature friendly farmed estate, adding to its potential to boost the county’s economy along with visitor spend.
Rob Fairbanks, Director of the Surrey Hills National Landscape says:
“I am thrilled to see the launch of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve. This is a transformative designation to create a bigger, better, and more joined up approach to heathland restoration within the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
“This milestone is a testament to the robust partnership driving it, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Natural England for empowering us to address the biodiversity crisis and a flourishing future for our rare and rich heathland habitats.”