Ranmore

2 miles north west of Dorking. Ranmore Common is 470 acres of exceptional wooded common which adjoins the southern boundary of the Polesden Lacey estate. It has its own car park, with ice cream van during the summer.

Denbies Hillside is 744 acres of woodland and downland on the south escarpment of the North Downs. The hillside is probably best known as a site that attracts a wide variety of different species of butterfly. The butterflies that may be found range from the widespread Meadow Brown to the nationally rare Silver Spotted Skipper. The area is the core site in Surrey for the Adonis Blue. The stunning electric blue of the butterfly can be seen regularly by visitors to the hillside in May, and August during second broods. Birds of prey are not an uncommon sight. Skylarks used to be heard high in the sky. Beside the paths and spread throughout the downland there are numerous species of wildflower, the most distinctive probably being the Pyramidal and Bee Orchids. Soay sheep and Exmoor ponies, both rare breeds, are kept on the hillside to ensure that the hillside remains a good habitat for a diverse range of species.

For further details of any of these North Downs properties please contact the Property Manager at The National Trust, North Downs Countryside Management, Warren Farm Barns, Headley Lane, Mickleham, Dorking RH5 6DG Tel: 01372 220640

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