Milton Heath & The Nower

About the reserve

A semi-natural woodland reserve with veteran trees, a large open grassland and remnant heathland, The Nower (meaning "at the slope or bank") lies on the Lower Greensand which is a line of low sandy hills sandwiched between the chalk slopes of the North Downs and the clay of the Low Weald.

At the top of the scarp slope you'll find 'The Temple, a roofed canopy with excellent views north towards Denbies Hill and Dorking and south towards the Weald.

The mixed woodland features trees such as elder, hazel and alder, as well as non-native species like Scott's Pine, larch, douglas fir, western hemlock and copper beech, which were planted in the past to provide variety in the landscape.

The reserve is a haven for a variety of bird species including nuthatches, treecreepers, woodpeckers and tawny owls, whilst reptiles such as grass snakes, slow worms, lizards and adders have been recorded on the site.