About the event

Newdigate Brickworks was established in 1928 and became a thriving business, employing local men as skilled brickmakers, claydiggers and general workers. 

Although the brickworks closed during WWII and much of the site became derelict, a small number of handmade bricks continued to be made at the brickworks until 1974, when the brickworks closed for good and the site was abandoned. It was eventually decided that part of the site would be used for a housing development and the remainder would become a nature reserve.

The Mulberries housing development was completed in 2004 and management of the new reserve was taken over by the Surrey Wildlife Trust.

The disused clay pits now host two lakes and a series of smaller ponds. These are home to a variety of aquatic wildlife including Great crested newts, broad bodied chaser and emperor dragonflies. The water bodies attract a good range of wetland birds including kingfishers and snipe.

The mosaic of woodland, scrub, grassland, marsh, water-side and aquatic vegetation communities makes the site particularly diverse. 

Important information:

The walk is approximately 2 miles on footpaths and tracks with some minor obstacles and steps. Walking boots are recommended. We will walk at a gentle pace with lots of opportunities to stop and ask questions.