Lightwater Country Park

Photo of a nice view across the heathland with yellow gorse in flower

We love the gorse-lined paths at this time of year

The gorse-lined paths at Lightwater Country Park look stunning at this time of year! This beautiful heathland nature reserve is a lovely place to visit, with spectacular views and lots to explore. There’s a café, play areas and public toilets, making it an excellent place for families to appreciate nature. If you visit, don’t forget to sniff the gorse flowers and see if they remind you of anything. Mind the prickles though!

Lightwater Country Park is managed by Surrey Heath Borough Council and is part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, specially protected for heathland wildlife, especially the heathland birds that nest on the ground throughout the spring and summer months. This is one of the few parts of the Special Protection Area where you won’t see our standard signs displayed, but you will see clear signage indicating the areas where the birds are likely to be nesting and you’re asked to keep dogs on leads here please. Much of this area is fenced for added protection. As with any heathland nature reserve, we ask everyone to give nature space by keeping to main paths from March to September.

Lightwater Country Park, March 2022

The birds we’re particularly trying to protect are rather special, and not ones you’ll see in your garden. Woodlarks, Dartford Warblers and Nightjars will only nest in heathland habitats, like the open areas at Lightwater Country Park, and they need protecting (see the photo gallery below if you’re not sure). There’s lots of other special wildlife too, including Stonechats, Common Lizards and Adders. Have a look at our wildlife gallery for more, and don’t forget to take our free spring spotter sheet with you too.

Find Lightwater Country Park on The Avenue, Lightwater GU18. More about the park and the facilities it offers, on the Surrey Heath Borough Council website.

Lightwater Country Park gallery…

: Lightwater Country Park, March 2022

: Beautiful birch trees are part of the heathland habitat

: The bright yellow gorse looks lovely and flowers for much of the year. What does it smell of?

: Clear signage marks the areas where dogs are required to be on leads

: It’s open areas like this, with low-growing heather and gorse where the special birds nest on the ground

: Stock-proof fencing helps to protect the areas where the birds nest on the ground

: A sign explains what’s so special about heathland and the wildlife that makes its home here

: Explore the path up to High Curley Hill

: For the magnificent view across Surrey

[Click on the images for the full size versions, and to see the captions]

Thames Basin Heaths Partnership

#ThamesBasinHeaths