Headley Heath

Important notice -

Ground nesting birds are currently active on Headley Heath; please help us care for them by walking on footpaths only and keeping dogs on a lead. BBQs are not allowed on site - thank you.

A wonderful mix of open heathland, woodland and chalk downland

More about this place

Family walking in the woodland at Box Hill, Surrey

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

We’ve opened more than 135 gardens and parks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland through advanced booking. Tickets are released on Friday for the following week. More than 200 coast and countryside car parks are open across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Read this article to find out what's open and what to expect from your visit.

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Headley Heath

Things to see and do

Walks on Headley Heath

Autumn colour on Headley Heath Surrey

Headley Heath circuit 

Enjoy stunning views on this moderate walk over some uneven terrain of open heathland, woodland and chalk downland.

Paths on Headley Heath

Headley Heath Lizard Trail 

Headley Heath provides a rare environment of acid lowland heath and dry chalk downland. It is the perfect habitat for a whole range of wildlife, including lizards. Follow this walk to learn more.

Family walking in the countryside

Headley Heath to White Hill walking trail 

A lovely walk over heathland, through woodland, over open pasture and farmland. There are two steep slopes on the route.

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Headley Heath

Wildlife

Headley Heath grazing map

Conservation grazing on Headley Heath 

The Belted Galloway cattle have returned to Headley Heath. The grazing cattle help us maintain the unique habitats for our special wildlife. They are currently grazing in Area B.

Pond on Headley Heath Surrey
The scarlet elf cup fungus loves to grow on fallen branches
Sand lizard
Headley Heath is one of the few places in Britain where star fruit thrive
Picture of a nightjar

Habitats at Headley Heath 

We manage our habitat at Headley Heath to make sure that we continue to attract wildlife and preserve the rich ecosystem that is in place here. Find out more about the habitats and how we do it.

Finding fabulous fungi on Headley Heath 

Autumn and winter are great seasons for discovering the wonderful world of fungi.Take the opportunity to find out more about fungi as you walk around Headley Heath.

Plants and animals at Headley Heath 

With over 25 species of butterflies, a handful of reptiles and amphibians not to mention mammals, birds and wildflowers, there's plenty of wildlife to spot at Headley.

Conservation work benefits rare plant 

Conservation work on Headley Heath has resulted in a rare marsh plant - the British star fruit - re-establishing itself. Headley is now one of only a handful of sites in the UK where this beauty can be found.

Listen out for the nightjars on Headley Heath  

Visit Headley Heath at dusk to learn more about one of our most secretive birds - nightjars.

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Headley Heath

History

Old postcard view of Headley Heath

From Saxon times 

From the home of a Queen Mother to lords of the manor to defending our nation during the Second World War, Headley Heath has had a truly interesting history.

Reinhard Heydrich

Headley Heath and the Nazi assassination 

Discover Headley Heath's involvement in one of the most daring operations of the Second World War - the only assassination of a senior Nazi leader.

Old photo of Headley Heath

Lords of the Manor 

In the 18th century Headley Heath was part of Ashtead Park Estate. Manors were bought and sold then as today but then the lord of the manor was much more powerful.

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Headley Heath

Get involved

Volunteering at Headley Heath

All the gang

Join in at Headley Heath 

Join our team of volunteers and see how you could make a difference whilst having some fun too at Headley Heath.

Volunteers from the Prince's Trust working in the grounds of Tyntesfield, North Somerset

Work Experience on Headley Heath 

Zoë Golding wants to work in nature conservation when she finishes her studies, here's her account of work experience with the National Trust at Headley Heath.

Headley Heath Surrey

Friends of Headley Heath 

The Friends of Headley Heath work tirelessly to raise funds and help maintain the heathland. Over the years, they've helped with many special projects, like creating the Lizard trail for you all to enjoy.

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Headley Heath

Our work

Volunteers working on Headley Heath
Headley Heath   Surrey

Papillon House School visit Headley Heath

Papillon House School pupils have been visiting Headley Heath over the course of several weeks, meeting with our ranger team and learning about our work.

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