Elstead Group of Commons

Bell heather

© Tom Marshall

Elstead Group of Commons

Active military training area

Lowland heath and woodland with a variety of heathland species. The Elstead Group of Commons includes Elstead, Royal, Bagmoor & Guinea Commons.

Location

Between Elstead and Thursley
Surrey
Nearest postcode: GU8 6LL

OS Map Reference

SU4480

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A static map of Elstead Group of Commons

Know before you go

Size
65 hectares
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Parking information

Car park of B3001
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Grazing animals

Cattle
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Access

Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues

Dogs

image/svg+xmlDogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

June to September

About the reserve

The commons are very popular with dog walkers, families and horse riders. They're a great place for bird watching - nightjars, Dartford warblers, tawny owls, woodpeckers and cuckoos have been spotted here. 

The Trust's herd of conservation grazing Belted Galloway cows can often be seen at work keeping scrub under control on precious lowland heath habitats.

The commons are extremely important in Surrey for 'saproxylic invertebrates' such as stag beetles, which are dependent on decaying wood. Fallen trees are deliberately left as deadwood habitats for invertebrates and fungi.

The area boasts several ponds and is a stronghold for breeding toads, supporting an estimated 1,000 individuals! It’s also a good place to spot a variety of dragonflies. Woodland butterflies, notably white admiral and purple hairstreak, are also a feature of these reserves.

Please note that access to this site is subject to the terms and conditions of the Military Byelaws, which are displayed at all major access points.

Contact us

Contact number: 01483 795440
Contact email: info@surreywt.org.uk

Location map

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