About the reserve

When 37.5 acres of former farmland on the suburban edge of Guildford were put up for auction in 2021, they looked destined for development until the local community and Surrey Wildlife Trust stepped in to acquire the site.

The Trust is now managing this chalk grassland site for nature as part of The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 by 30 initiative, which aims to connect and protect at least 30% of our land and sea for nature by 2030. In fact, Pewley Meadows is one of the largest of fifty priority mini-landscapes for nature restoration in Surrey.

Pewley Meadows is barely half a mile from Guildford High Street and feels very much part of the town. With spectacular views of Guildford cathedral, the town centre, north to Woking and beyond, the site adjoins neighbouring Pewley Downs nature reserve (managed by Guildford Borough Council) and provides a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle below.

With pretty grassland flora including yellow rattle, oxeye daisies and a smattering of wild orchids, the site supports a number of insects including the rare small blue butterfly. Visitors will often be treated to the view of a lonely buzzard or red kite riding the thermals and from early spring the melodic trill of skylarks fills the air.

Whilst access is currently limited to a path along the top of the site, the Trust plans future access improvements to the reserve, with space for the local community to enjoy the natural space they saved for nature.