The Sheepleas - The Reserve - 110 hectares of ancient woodlands in the Surrey Hills

Written By Sarah Joy

Finest piece of botanical and entomological ground within 30 miles of London

Managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust, The Sheepleas is not just a woodland, it’s one of the original 284 Rothschild Reserves and home to Surrey's Coronation Meadow, Sheepleas was once described as ‘the finest piece of botanical and entomological ground within 30 miles of London’. Today it’s home to more than 30 species of butterfly, including the bro

wn argus, grizzled skipper, dingy skipper, silver-washed fritillary and purple emperor, along with a rich variety of fungi and lichens.

As its name suggests, Sheepleas was used for grazing for hundreds of years. These days, with the sheep long gone, trees have recolonised much of the site. Hazels are being coppiced, encouraging ground flora and improving habitat for the dormouse. 12 species of orchid have been recorded, including fly, yellow bird’s nest, greater butterfly, pyramidal, common spotted and chalk fragrant.

Wildflower

Among the woodland, there are some fine examples of chalk grassland, including a central valley and smaller glades. However, the biggest surprises of all are Summerhouse (or Wildflower) and Coronation (or Cowslip) Meadows. These examples of unimproved grassland provide spectacular, ever-changing displays of wild flowers throughout the spring and summer.

You can see early violets and primroses as early as March; in April the bluebells arrive along with an extraordinary display of cowslips; and in May the orchids start appearing. However, July may be the best time of all. The orchids have gone, but there’s a glorious array of blues and yellows from species such as St John’s wort and harebell, along with the pink of wild marjoram, which you can smell everywhere. By the end of summer it’s mainly knapweed, small scabious and, finally, autumn gentian.

You’d be hardpushed to find a more abundant collection of wildflower in one place this close to London.

Walks around West Horsley in Surrey and within The Sheepleas

Walk route 1:

The Diamond Jubilee Trail is a popular one amoungst visitors. It’s a circular walk through East & West Horsley and Effingham using mainly public footpaths and bridleways to link up woods and open spaces with public easy access, including: The Forest, Effingham Common, Great Ridings Wood, Oldlands Wood, Effingham Forest and the Sheepleas. The total distance of the trail is approximately 14.5 km (9 miles)

Walk route 2:

Surrey Wildlife Trust self-guided trail leaflet shows another walk option.

How to find the Sheepleas woodlands and where to park.

There are 3 car parks around the Sheepleas woods.

  1. St Mary’s carpark is on the Epsom Road between Ben & Collvill & the Duke of Wellington. On the A246 road to Guildford.

  2. Green Deane Car Park (East side, nearer to Effingham & Bookham)

  3. Half way up Sheer Road (West Side)

Pre or Post walk refreshments.

The closest places we recommend for lunch or a coffees are:

  • The Duke Of Wellington - (less than 1 mile from us towards Leatherhead) Gastropub - lovely lunch, dinner or a pint.

  • The Queenshead, East Clandon - (5 mins drive from us,2 miles towards Guildford)

  • Quaiche coffeeshop - (5 mins drive from us, 1.8 miles) delicious coffee, freshly baked cakes, yummy bacon sandwiches, soups and more.

If you’re planning a stay in the Surrey Hills. Walking in the Sheepleas is really recommended. Whilst you’re there, if you fancy further immersing yourself in nature. We offer a number of beginner friendly adult craft workshops on our farm.

Further reading:

Why not try a workshop or give a gift voucher to someone you love

Sarah Joy
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