About the reserve

About the reserve

Lingfield Wildlife Area (LWA) is a community project to convert two fields in Lingfield into a nature reserve for all to enjoy. The fields lie in the Surrey Low Weald and provide lovely views of the North Downs, about 8 miles away.

Tandridge District Council, which owns the fields, has leased them to us. It has undertaken that they will be permanently used for this purpose. Local people are carrying out the project, which began in 1994.

The Wildlife Area covers Bloomer's and Jenner's Fields, which were formerly part of the old Lingfield Common. They lie just north of Lingfield Primary School, the main entrance being in Vicarage Road (here's a location map).

Bloomer's Field is the larger of the two fields and was used as sheep pasture until the early 1990s. Jenner's Field is used as a recreation and children's play area.

Together, the two fields are about 15.5 acres (6.3 hectares) in size and are adjoined by farmland in the north and north-west, and by houses in the east and south.

Because of the closeness of the houses, the fields are in constant use, especially by dog walkers. They also lie on the route of the Lingfield and Crowhurst Age to Age Walk.

For the past few years, the Wildlife Area has additionally been part of the route for the annual Lingfield Marathon Fun Run, which raises money for various charities.

Immediately to the west of the Wildlife Area is Centenary Fields, a Local Nature Reserve owned and managed by Lingfield Parish Council. We do much together and merged our committees in 2003.

Who and what is it for?

The objective of the Wildlife Area is defined in its constitution (here, in full), originally agreed in June 1994. It is:

To create a wildlife area for the people of Lingfield and the surrounding locality, for enjoyment, conservation and education. The area will be created, and maintained in perpetuity, in keeping with the character of the local countryside and giving genuine access to all, irrespective of fitness and physical condition.

Our intention is to make the best use of the features of the terrain and its views of the North Downs, and to have the Wildlife Area blend with the local countryside. We are restoring the existing hedges and planting new hedgerows and a small wood. We use only native trees and flowers, for their own value and to encourage wildlife. (For more on the habitats on the reserve, go here.)

As much as possible we involve local people in the work of the Wildlife Area. We encourage the participation of local schools, conservation groups, Duke of Edinburgh's Award participants and groups acting for the disabled.

Access for all

We believe the countryside should be accessible to everyone, especially people in or with wheelchairs and push chairs. We have therefore put a hard surface on all the main paths (see the large map).

View of Cobham Gate, looking into Bloomer's Field

Although we would like to be able to offer unhindered access to the reserve, experience has shown that we need to keep out livestock and irresponsible users of two or four-wheeled motor vehicles. We have therefore put enlarged 'kissing' gates at all the external entrances.

The picture left shows the view north into the reserve from Cobham Gate.

There are no stiles, steps or steep slopes on any of the paths on the reserve.