Graeme Hendrey Wood

Bluebell wood

© Neil Aldridge

A mixed deciduous woodland reserve located in an old sand quarry on the Lower Greensand ridge.

Location

Rabies Heath Road
Bletchingley
Surrey
RH1 4NB

OS Map Reference

TQ346503

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A static map of Graeme Hendrey Wood

Know before you go

Size
10 hectares
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Parking information

Car park on Rabies Heath Road
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Access

Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Dogs

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When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to June

About the reserve

Named to commemorate its late owner, Graeme Hendrey Wood was worked as a sand and gravel quarry until the 1920s, providing construction material for local roads. The workings have left deep gullies running east to west, parallel to the ridge and this unusual terrain provides shelter for a variety of interesting ferns, mosses and liverworts.

It was also once part of a managed plantation and there are signs of historic coppicing. The mixed deciduous woodland is now dominated by ash and sycamore, along with pedunculate oak, sweet chestnut, silver birch and hazel. On the woodland floor there is ivy, wild garlic, enchanter’s nightshade and dog’s mercury. More notable plant species include birds-nest orchid and adder's-tongue fern. Look out for a fine display of bluebells in the spring.

Roe deer often visit the site and you may also see buzzards high in the trees.

Accessibility and facilities

  • An unsurfaced car park with no marked bays can be found on Rabies Heath Road.
  • There are no accessible self-guided trails at this site.
  • Paths can be steep, uneven and slippery in places and include areas of steps.
  • There are no refreshments or toilets on site.
  • This site is not suitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, or people with serious mobility issues.

Contact us

Contact number: 01483 795440
Contact email: info@surreywt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)

Location map