Reigate Heath

Reigate Heath lies west of Reigate in Surrey, covering 61.7 hectares of which 51.6 hectares are a Local Nature Reserve. The land is mostly heath and acidic grassland with pockets of woodland and marshy meadow. Bronze Age bowl barrows dot the landscape and are protected as Scheduled Monuments. Ling, bell heather and wavy hair-grass grow across the heath while Yorkshire fog, sharp-flowered rush, meadowsweet, wild angelica and marsh marigold appear in the wetter areas. A golf course occupies one section and is the only part closed to the public. The site is recognised for its biological importance and forms a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its varied habitats support a wide range of plants and provide a refuge for wildlife. Visitors can walk freely across most of the reserve, enjoying open heathland and quiet woodland paths. The barrows offer subtle reminders of the area’s ancient past. The contrast between dry heath and damp meadow creates a changing landscape throughout the year. Paths wind through the heath, linking open grassland with shaded woodland edges. Wildflowers colour the meadows in spring and summer. Marshy areas hold moisture long after rain, supporting specialised plants. The barrows stand as low mounds among the heather, barely rising above the ground. From the higher parts of the heath, distant views of the North Downs appear on clear days.