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Explore ancient woodlands, pastures and hedgerows.
Enjoy the beauty of our 400‑acre estate, nestled in the Surrey countryside just outside Guildford.
With miles of public and permissive footpaths, this tranquil haven is a favourite for walking, jogging, and dog‑lovers alike.
Open to the public at all times and completely free — no booking required — this estate is a place to reconnect with nature, watch the changing seasons, and breathe deeply in the open air.
Across the estate at West Horsley Place there are a number of public and permissive footpaths. They are all free to access for the general public.
Life feels better when we have a strong connection to nature, so how can we make the most of our time outdoors?
Connect with nature by exploring every sense. When you are out in the landscape what does it look, sound and smell like?
Pop your phone away and take a moment to be present. Slow down and notice the beautiful things around you.
Our connection to nature is strengthened when we look after it. Please take away any rubbish and help us keep this place peaceful for all.
Did you know that we have recorded more than 284 different species on the estate? Wildlife to look out for include Red Kite, Roe Deer and much more!
In spring 2019, a Surrey Wildlife Trust survey revealed the incredible ecological richness of West Horsley Place, identifying 12 distinct habitats, including five Habitats of Principal Importance like ancient wood-pasture, traditional orchards, and lowland mixed woodland.
Our ancient woodland is recognised as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance. With some over 400 years old, they are ecological treasures, home to over 31 ancient woodland indicator species — well above the threshold that suggests true ancient origins.
West Horsley Place is bursting with botanical life, with 266 plant species recorded so far — 72 with conservation status, including rarities listed on both national and local Red Data Lists. From iconic Bluebells and Wild Daffodils in the woods to unusual arable species like Prickly Poppy and Sainfoin, the variety is exceptional.
West Horsley Place is alive with wildlife, from badgers and stoats to a remarkable variety of bats—including the rare Alcathoe Bat. Our skies and hedgerows echo with the songs of skylarks, owls, woodpeckers, and dozens of other bird species, making the estate a vital haven for nature.
The estate is a hidden gem for invertebrate life, with butterfly species like White Admiral, Chalk Hill Blue, and Silver-washed Fritillary already recorded — mirroring the rich biodiversity of nearby Sheepleas SSSI. Our hedgerows may even support rarer species like the elusive Brown and White-letter Hairstreaks.
Connect with nature during enriching experiences at West Horsley Place
Friday 5th September, 2025
Sunday 21st September, 2025
Monday 22nd September, 2025
Wednesday 24th September, 2025
Friday 31st October, 2025
West Horsley Place offers a rich mosaic of arable fields, ancient woodlands, hedgerows, ponds, pastures, and formal gardens. Bordering the Sheepleas SSSI and Hatchlands Park, this landscape forms a vital wildlife corridor and sits within two Biodiversity Opportunity Areas. It holds untapped potential for uncovering rare and regionally significant species. As part of the Surrey Hills’ nature recovery network, the estate is not only a haven for biodiversity but also a crucial green space between local communities. Our ongoing conservation efforts aim to deepen our understanding of its natural heritage to protect and enhance this precious environment for the future.
Our ambitious plans for the estate include restoring and expanding our orchard and parkland, bringing our woodlands back into active management after decades of neglect, connecting these woodlands by investing in new woodland creation, shifting from monocultural grassland to enhance grassland species diversity, supporting priority animal species to thrive across the local landscape, and much, much more. All of this will be delivered via an interconnected mosaic of habitats, the management of which will be competitively income-generating and offer opportunities for public access and engagement with nature.
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