Explore the estate at Polesden Lacey

A close up of daisies, with a view of Ranmore Common in the background — A summer view from Worzel Bank

Take some time to enjoy the ancient woodland at Polesden Lacey. From grazed fields to rare birds and butterflies to beautiful viewpoints, there's so much to explore.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The estate lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), an area that spans the width of Surrey itself.

Ranmore Common, which makes up the majority of our estate, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This designation protects the wide variety of rare woodland birds and bats that can be found across the common. You'll also find butterflies, owls, squirrels, even an adder.

Walks

There are four way-marked routes around the estate, each in differing lengths and difficulty, but all with stunning views of the Surrey Hills. For detailed information about the routes, pick up a walks leaflet for £1 at visitor reception.

Conservation work

There is always conservation work being carried out across the estate. In the summer of 2017, our rangers started a new project to restore over 80 acres of the estate’s chalk grassland, one of the most species-rich habitats in the world. You can read about the project here.

During the winter, they carry out woodland work such as holly clearance, ride widening and coppicing. Although holly is a native species it can quickly dominate woods forcing out other, less vigorous, species. The rangers’ work to clear areas of holly opens up the woodland floor for other species to grow and prevents holly swamping the common.

A wildflower meadow — We plan to restore 87 acres of chalk grassland

Wildlife

The estate is home to a large array of wildlife: you’ll find butterflies such as the Chalkhill Blue and Brown Argus around the areas of chalk grassland; 3 species of owl including little owls; roe deer; 10 species of bat; buzzards; purple emperor butterflies and marsh tits in our woodland and you may even come across common lizards on the heathland.

Produce

The estate team are currently make sure nothing is wasted, making beautiful and useful pieces from the wood cut down as part of their conservation work. In the summer, they make charcoal, and in the winter, firewood. They also produce chopping boards to sell onsite and raise funds to continue with the essential conservation work they carry out throughout the year. You can buy these items in the gift and garden shop and all profits go towards funding our essential conservation work.