Ashtead Rye Meadows Wetlands
1 Fairholme Crescent, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2HN
In the last 12 years, the landowners and volunteers have been creating a wetland area alongside the Rye Brook. During that time they have planted a Jubilee Wood, reshaped river banks and created ponds and scrapes to encourage the biodiversity of the area. They have laid a hard surface on the two public footpaths to enable circular walks to take place without the need to cross muddy ground and also ensure buggies and pushchairs can be used. Other East/West paths are mown grass and could be too soft for wheelchairs. Volunteers have recently taken on a new skill of hedge laying and the results of this can be seen adjacent to Footpath 24.
They have also created a Centenary Field commemorating those Ashtead residents who fell in the Great War and constructed a wooden walkway to the ponds where there is new seating. There is no wheelchair access to this walkway. The Meadows are a very pleasant walk along the Rye Brook. The story of the Rye Meadows and its restoration has been the subject of a new book published in 2023: 'Restoring the Great Marsh'. The protected area also encourages many different birds, and this has been the subject of a new booklet entitled "The Birds of Ashtead Rye Meadows" written by the late Peter Firth. Both books will be on sale. Cards taken.
We have plans for the future in Centenary Field to widen the brook and re-establish meanders. We plan removing a willow root weir and remove a damaged brick culvert. We'll be happy to show visitors on Sunday 8th.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 06 September:
- 1000-1600
- Saturday 07 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1000-1600
- Monday 09 September:
- 1000-1600
- Tuesday 10 September:
- 1000-1600
- Wednesday 11 September:
- 1000-1600
- Thursday 12 September:
- 1000-1600
- Friday 13 September:
- 1000-1600
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
1 Fairholme Crescent, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2HN
- Directions:
- For Heritage Open Days, Rye Meadows can be entered from three access points; Fairholme Crescent via Footpath 596, Preston Grove (KT21 2HG) and Ashtead Woods Road (KT21 2EQ). Parking is available near all sites on public roads but please park considerately to not inconvenience our neighbours. There is no public parking in Ashtead Woods Road. Dogs welcome but please keep under control and do not allow them into the pond and scrapes. Please pick up after your dogs. All field gates will be open from 10am until 4pm daily throughout the festival. On Sunday 8th September ONLY, volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions about the site. Find out about how the work undertaken over 12 years has enhanced the wildlife and ecology. Learn about hedge laying and creating a wildflower meadow. Find out about our future plans.
- Contact on day:
- David Baker
- Telephone number:
- +447802221898
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Wheelchair access on rough footpaths and tarmac surfaces. Not recommended for the east/west paths on mown grass. There is no wheelchair access to wooden walkway in Centenary Field.
