Cookie preferences
Toggle menu

Have your say on the future of local councils in Surrey

Take part in a landmark Government consultation on proposals to replace Surrey's current councils with up to three larger authorities. We support a three unitary approach - Find out more and read our consultation question guide.

Join us at an online or in-person event where you find out more about Local Government Organisation, ask questions and find out how to have your say. 

Riverside Nature Reserve

countryside blue

Visiting Riverside Nature Reserve

Riverside Nature Reserve is a 30 hectare wildlife haven. It is located in North East Guildford along the River Wey. The reserve supports many bird, amphibian and mammal species. The reserve consists of four main habitats: meadow, wetland, open water and woodland.

Location

  • on foot from Stoke Lock, Woking Road, GU1 1QE
  • on foot through Thorneycroft Wood (behind Spectrum Leisure Centre, Parkway) GU1 1UP
  • by car from Bowers Lane in Burpham, GU4 7ND

Things to see and do

  • enjoy views across the lake and reed bed
  • picnic tables 
  • boardwalk routes to explore across the wetlands
  • birdwatching at the bird hide
  • feed the ducks on the main lake (frozen peas are best)
  • just before the sunset, look for bats eating midges

Please remember to follow the The Countryside Code (opens new window)

Riverside Nature Reserve
   
Riverside Nature Reserve 2

Conservation works

  • we have different mowing regimes on our grasslands. We use cattle grazing for habitat management
  • we cut informal paths through the grass sward to encourage visitors to stay on the paths
  • to keep our wetland habitat we remove invasive trees such as willow. If left, it would dry out the marsh

Parking

Riverside Nature Reserve car park is at the end of Bowers Lane.

A Green Flag site

Green Flag Award Logo

Riverside Nature Reserve is a Green Flag award winner. The awards scheme is the national benchmark standard. It recognises well managed parks and green spaces. To win, green spaces must meet high standards and have excellent facilities. For further information and to find other Green Flag parks and open spaces, visit the Green Flag Award website (opens new window).

Management Plan

For a copy of the site management plan, please contact the Countryside team directly at countryside@guildford.gov.uk