Burpham Court Farm Nature Reserve

WEYSIDE URBAN VILLAGE

Enhancing Guildford's Community

  • Has there been a delay to the opening of the reserve?

    Yes. The nature reserve cannot be opened to the public until the pedestrian crossing at Clay Lane has been installed. The design for the crossing has been approved; however, the works need to be coordinated with other partners. Dates will be confirmed as soon as they are available.

  • How will the public access the site?

    There will be a number of ways to access the site. The main entrance for vehicles will be via Clay Lane only, where there is a free 32-space car park.  


    There are also several pedestrian and cycle links:

    • Clay Lane: A new safe crossing near Jacobs Well.

    • Bowers Lane: Entry via the existing footbridge.

    • Local trails: New links connecting the reserve to the Jacobs Well footpath and the main regional cycle path.


  • Are dogs and cyclists welcome?

    Yes. The reserve will provide a dog-friendly environment; however, dogs will need to be kept on leads in certain areas due to the sensitivity of the local wildlife.

    Cyclists can also cycle through the new reserve. 

  • Will the site flood?

    The site is located within an active floodplain and will continue to flood during times of high rainfall. However the boardwalks and footpaths have been installed so that the reserve can be used at all times. 

  • How is this project being funded?

    The reserve is funded by developer contributions from the Weyside Urban Village scheme. It is a formal SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace), required by law to protect the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA). Ongoing maintenance will be managed by Guildford Borough Council.

  • Can people access the north side of the nature reserve now?

    We cannot open the north side of the nature reserve until the pedestrian crossing is complete and all the work on the site is finished.

A new nature reserve

The nature reserve is nearing completion and will open in late summer or early autumn. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and will confirm an opening date as soon as we can.


The new nature reserve provides 45 hectares of restored riverside meadows, wetlands, and tranquil walking trails. Formerly a closed farm site, this space is being transformed into a nature reserve. It is designed to protect local wildlife while providing the Guildford community with a destination for relaxation and nature connection.


What to expect

While we complete the final stages of landscaping and infrastructure, here is what you can look forward to:

  • Circular trails: A 3.6km circular route offering stunning, year-round views of the River Wey.
  • Accessible boardwalks: Nearly 1km of raised timber boardwalks, ensuring the wetlands can be explored comfortably in all seasons.
  • Inclusive design: All main paths and boardwalks feature DDA-compliant gradients and passing spaces for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and double buggies.
  • Rest points: Strategically placed benches and viewing areas to enjoy the wildflower meadows and birdlife.


Site entrances and parking

To ensure the reserve is safe and accessible once open there will be several access points.

The main entrance for vehicles will be via Clay Lane only, where there is a free 32-space car park.


There are also a number of pedestrian and cycle links:

  • Clay Lane: A new safe crossing near Jacobs Well.
  • Bowers Lane: Entry via the existing footbridge.
  • Local trails: New links connecting the reserve to the Jacobs Well footpath and the main regional cycle path.


A boost for Biodiversity

There are a number of measures to manage and improve biodiversity which include:

  • The creation of new bird hides and "scrapes" (shallow wetlands) to support Skylarks and winter-wading birds.
  • Establishing hectares of wildflower grasslands and native hedging. We have protected 325 significant trees and are planting more along the boundaries.
  • Ongoing management to remove invasive species, allowing native amphibians and pollinators to thrive.


Whats happening now?

Our teams are currently on-site finalising work to the reserve. Current on site works:

  • Completing the final sections of the timber boardwalk network.
  • Installing bird hides and benches along the trail.
  • Preparing the signage for the site. 


We are also working with partners to prepare for the works to install the pedestrian crossing at Clay Lane.


The transformation so far