Did you know… Surrey is the most wooded county in England

Woodland covers around fifth of Surrey, making it England’s most wooded county. Alongside providing important ecosystems, woodland helps to prevent soil erosion, limit flooding, and soak up carbon dioxide, giving us even more reason to cherish and protect the amazing countryside that surrounds us.

Surrey woodland is concentrated in areas like Waverley, Guildford, Surrey Heath, Runnymeade, Elmbridge and Mole Valley. These woodlands provide stunning views as well as benefits like better air quality and providing wonderful areas for recreational use. But woodlands take work if they are to remain healthy and sustainable for future generations to enjoy. Surrey County Council has more information on the state of Surrey’s Woodlands and a plan for action to take care of them.

As well being the most wooded county, over a quarter of Surrey’s woodlands are registered as ancient woodland. This means they have been around since at least 1600 and provide diverse and intricate ecosystems. But if they are not maintained and managed correctly, we run the risk of losing them. Surrey’s woodland is typically lowland with Oak and Ash woods. Where soil is more acidic you might find an abundance of Bluebells and Wood Anemone in springtime.

Woodland provides a home to many unique species of plant and animal life such as Bluebells, Stitchwort and Yellow Archangel. Surrey’s woodland is home to Tawny Owls, Nightingales and many bat species to name but a few. When these habitats aren’t managed correctly it can severely impact the plantlife and wildlife that live there.

We are lucky to be surrounded by so much amazing woodland and it’s important to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being so close to nature. But we all have a responsibility to look after and preserve these habitats. You can do your part by ensuring you know and follow the Countryside Code whenever you visit woodland areas. Leave no trace behind and ensure you do not disturb local wild or plant life. Foraging is allowed in some areas but make sure you familiarise yourself with UK laws for foraging before setting out.

Surrey Wildlife Trust has more information on Woodland sites that they manage and information on the species of plants, animals and birds that you might be able to spot in our local woodlands.