59 ha (145 acres). Managed by agreement since 1988. SU 936 612. SSSI, LNR and SPA.
Brentmoor Heath occupies the north eastern corner of a very extensive block of lowland heath that includes the MoD lands: Colony Bog, Pirbright and Bisley ranges and the training areas of West End Common.
The reserve is predominantly wet and dry heath habitats, with areas of woodland, acid grassland and ponds.
In the dry heath, dominated by ling, there is scattered gorse a species typical of the lowland heaths of north-west Surrey.
Areas of open ground in the wet heath support the insectivorous sundews, cotton-grass and white beak sedge in an otherwise characteristic community of cross-leaved heath, purple moor grass and deer grass. Stands of mature Scots pine and an area of young oak and birch add to the diversity of habitats present on the reserve.
Management is on ongoing to prevent trees from predominating in the areas of open heath and shading out the heathland plants. Small clumps of trees and scrub and wooded fringes are, however, valuable and should encourage heathland birds such as nightjar which is common in the area.
Location: Open access via several public footpaths running off the A322 Guildford/Bagshot Road, near West End. Bus nos 34, 590 & 591 stop under ½ mile away.
SITE NEWS
The meadow opposite the Hare & Hounds and Matchetts Meadow behind the pond on the verge of Brentmoor Road have been included as Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). This means that all areas of Brentmoor Heath now enjoy some measure of protection. Most is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), of national importance and protected under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) or SNCI that carries no specific legal protection but indicates to the Planning Department that there is a presumption against any development.
Please use the link below to view the latest Brentmoor Heath newsletter.
We encourage visitors to use environmentally friendly forms of transport wherever possible. Many of our reserves are accessible by bicycle, many are close to the National Cycle Network. View a location map of this reserve on the National Cycle Network website.
The Surrey Wildlife Trust Ltd is a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England No: 645176. President: Dr. David Bellamy OBE VAT No: 791.3799.78. Registered Charity No: 208123. Charities Aid Foundation "Give As You Earn."
Registration No: 005805.