There are so many wonderful places to visit across ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø's countryside during all seasons. We hope to provide inspiration of where you can go for seasonal colour and a variety of habitats, although if you visit the same place in a different season, you'll find new views and experiences.
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Spring
From March, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is awash with colour as the spring flowers including bluebells burst into bloom. There are many woodlands to visit for this annual treat, take a look at the .
Here are a few places to visit on our Countryside Estate for the best natural bluebell displays:
- White Down, above Abinger
- Shere Woodland
- Sheepleas, East and West Horsley
- Tilburstow Hill, Bletchingley
- Staffhurst Woods, south of Oxted.
If immersing yourself in nature and wildlife-watching is what you are after then visiting your local common and sitting quietly will bring you many rewards. Early risers can experience the dawn chorus any time from late April to early May as the sun rises.
And as the sun sets on heathland sites in late spring, listen for wonderful ground nesting bird sounds, such as the nightjar and the rare Dartford warbler calling before nesting for the night. Visit these vast areas of heathland:
- Puttenham Common, near the Hogs Back
- Chobham Common
- Rodborough Common and Thursley National Nature Reserve, near Milford
- Wisley and Ockham Commons.
Summer
Wildflower meadows on chalk grassland provide natural summer colour, with plenty of wildlife to spot including many rare butterfly species. Everywhere the trees are in full bloom, hopefully the sun is shining and the days are long. Summer is a great time of year to get the family outdoors for a picnic or some time spent enjoying the natural environment.
- ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is a popular cycling destination with its rolling ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Hills and stunning scenery. If you are looking for a family-friendly off-road ride, take to your two wheels and cycle the Downs Link, a disused railway line linking the North Downs and the South Downs.
- With long days ahead, don't miss this opportunity to get out and explore the countryside on foot. Enjoy glorious views on sections of hilly, long distance trails such as the North Downs Way and the Greensand Way.
You will find late summer colour on areas of heathland with their annual display of purple heather, see above for some ideas of heathland sites or visit the webpages to discover more.
Sites on our Countryside Estate that you can visit for summer fun include:
- Crooksbury Hill, near Farnham
- Chinthurst Hill, Wonersh
- Worplesdon Group of Commons, near Guildford
- Newlands Corner, Albury Downs.
Autumn
Autumn brings a splash of rich colour to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, particularly as we are the most wooded county in England. Head up to a viewpoint for the best place to see a variety of orange, yellow and brown colours or simply wander through the woodland and be at one with nature.
Why not try forest bathing, this Japanese practice is a process of relaxation; known in Japan as 'shinrin yoku'. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breat