NUTFIELD MARSH Lies to the east of Redhill, and is an area historically worked for sand extraction. Since 1995, it has been the subject of an enhancement partnership, the Nutfield Ridge & Marsh Project, between the County Council & Mineral Companies. Amongst many initiatives is the creation of a large Surrey Wildlife Trust nature reserve, along the line of the Redhill Brook. This reserve will comprise four main compartments: -

· The Moors – a seasonally flooded wet grassland area with shallow pools & ponds. This is grazed by Sussex cattle and is particularly good for species such as common snipe. The site is part owned by Biffa Waste Services & Linden Homes.

Click here for a pdf of the moors leaflet.

· Holmethorpe Lagoons – this is currently being created as part of the Watercolour development by Linden Homes, on the former sand workings of WBB Minerals. This will comprise a reedbed area and large open water lagoon.

· Mercers West – a WBB Minerals sand quarry, just completing it's restoration, and comprising a large open waterbody.

· Spynes Mere – a former WBB Minerals sandpit restored to a complex of three lagoons and grassland, particularly good for watching wintering waterfowl.

The Group assists each spring with the toad migration to the wetland reserve, across Bletchingley Road. This can involve anything up to 2,000 toads being rescued together with common frog, common & palmate newt.

Additionally on the Marsh, the Group has helped create a community orchard, Chilmead Orchard, owned by Biffa Waste Services, comprising local & traditional apple varieties.

We have also done some restoration work on Marsh Pond, by the Inn on the Pond PH, in association with the new owners and the Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG). This is a breeding site for the nationally rare and protected Great Crested Newt. We look forward to doing further work here, or simply enjoying the hospitality of the Pub, whilst admiring our handiwork!!