Wildlife
The Surrey Hills is an area rich and diverse in wildlife due to its varied geology and landform. It contains internationally important sites for nature conservation ranging from the chalk grassland and yew and box woodland of the North Downs, to the river valleys of the Wey, Mole and Tillingbourne, to the rare heaths of the Wealden Greensand.
Particular areas in and around the Surrey Hills are associated with rare, endangered or beautiful plants and animals. Ashtead Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because the ancient oak pollards provide a home for nationally rare invertebrates. The grasslands of the chalk downs are important for ground flora, insects and butterflies, including the rare Adonis Blue.
The Surrey Wildlife Trust has produced an atlas of invertebrates such as butterflies, moths and ladybirds and another on amphibians and reptiles (telephone 01483 488055). The Trust runs an educational nature reserve at Nower Wood on the B2033 near Headley village.
Juniper hall in Mickleham is the home of the Field Studies Council. With the Wildlife Trust, FSC offers courses for all ages for those interested in finding out about the local wildlife. Courses available have residential and non-residential places. www.field-studies-council.org.
