Ashtead Common, Ancient woodland and nature reserve in Surrey, England
Ashtead Common is a 200-hectare woodland in Surrey, England, with sections of dense oak and hornbeam forest alternating with open glades and grassy areas. The site has multiple access points and a network of clearly marked trails that wind through different parts of the reserve.
The City of London Corporation acquired this land in the 1870s to protect the countryside from urban development and ensure the public could access it freely. This early conservation effort established it as one of the first woodland reserves in the area.
This place draws walkers, cyclists, and riders who share the pathways and spend time outdoors among trees and open spaces. On weekends and mild days, you will see families enjoying the glades and moving through the forest at their own pace.
This site is easy to reach by car with parking at multiple entrances, and each access point offers a good starting location depending on where you are coming from. The trails are wide enough for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, allowing you to choose routes based on your fitness level and available time.
The woodland contains more than 2,300 ancient oak trees aged between 300 and 400 years, maintained through a traditional cutting method used for centuries. These old trees provide habitat for rare insects and fungi that depend on dead wood to survive.
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