About the reserve

Papercourt Marshes are part of the larger Papercourt SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) complex that lies on a floodplain between the village of Send and the River Wey.

Although the reserve is not publicly accessible, visitors can observe the site from footpaths along three of its boundaries. The site is a great spot for bird watching, so bring a pair of binoculars if you plan a visit!

The name Papercourt has Anglo Saxon associations deriving from Pappeworth meaning Pappe’s Farm and the site and surrounding land were originally worked for minerals before being restored in 1995/6.

The habitats found within the reserve consist of a mixture of open standing water, shallow scrapes, reed-beds, marsh and wet woodland, as well as a network of grassy rides.

Papercourt Marshes is particularly important for birds, with over 100 species recorded including water rail, turtle dove, great crested and little crested grebe and reed and sedge warblers. Hobbies regularly use the site and waders such as wood sandpiper have been recorded.

The mix of open water, marsh scrub, short herbage and bare ground also make Papercourt Marshes good site for aquatic plants and invertebrates.