Burpham Court Farm Nature Reserve

WEYSIDE URBAN VILLAGE

Enhancing Guildford's Community

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

    Yes. Work to complete the new nature reserve has been delayed by heavy rain at the beginning of the year, receiving permissions for highways works on Clay Lane, and coordinating work with partners, such as utilities companies. We expect that the opening date will be in the Autumn. We’re working closely with all parties to make the site safe for visitors, so everyone can enjoy this green space as soon as possible.

  • 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 the 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.


Highway improvement works on Clay Lane - revised dates

Highway improvement works on Clay Lane were originally scheduled to take place between 3 August and 11 September 2026. Following a revision to the programme, the works are now due to take place between 10 August and 18 September 2026.


The works include installing a new pedestrian crossing, a maintenance lay-by and a dedicated entrance to the nature reserve car park, making it safer and easier for visitors to access the site.

Traffic management

To minimise disruption and keep traffic moving, work will be carried out in three phases. As each phase is completed, the traffic management measures will move to the next section of Clay Lane.


  • Phase 1: construction of the new pedestrian crossing.
  • Phase 2: creation of a new maintenance lay-by.
  • Phase 3: construction of the new car park entrance.


So that the works can be carried out safely road temporary traffic management will be in place throughout the programme and may include:

  •  temporary traffic lights 
  • pedestrian diversion routes
  • reduced speed limits through the works area.


One lane will be open at all times. 


Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and maintain access for residents, businesses and road users throughout the works.


What to expect when the works are completed

The works to the reserve are now in their final stages. 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.


The transformation so far