Papercourt Marshes

Papercourt Marshes is a nature reserve in the borough of Guildford, Surrey. It covers ten hectares and is managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. A fifty-hectare lake lies at its centre, surrounded by twenty hectares of marshes, unimproved meadows and streams. The entire site is designated a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Flooded gravel pits add further wetland variety to the landscape. The reserve supports over seventy breeding bird species and ninety wintering species. Botanists recognise greater sweet-grass, reed canary grass and red pondweed among its rich flora. Ecologists and ornithologists visit regularly to study and monitor these habitats. Papercourt Sailing Club holds the only public access rights across the marshes. Visitors find quiet water, reed-fringed banks and open meadows. The flooded gravel pits reflect the sky and attract waterfowl. Paths wind beside the stream where wildflowers grow in season. Dawn and dusk bring the best bird activity. The reserve offers a calm place to watch nature at close range.