Burpham Court Farm Nature Reserve
WEYSIDE URBAN VILLAGE
Enhancing Guildford's Community
Work has started on the creation of a new nature reserve at Burpham Court Farm. The land will be transformed into a space to enjoy nature and improve biodiversity.
Nearly 50 hectares of land will be enhanced to create a variety of habitats for Guildford's wildlife. Once completed the new reserve will also open up access to the countryside for residents and visitors to enjoy.
About the site
Burpham Court Farm is 3 km northeast of the centre of Guildford along the River We. It adjoins the Riverside Nature Reserve. The site includes areas of pasture, marshy grassland, woodland and wetland features. Currently the site is not accessible to the public.
The plans
Key features of the proposed nature reserve include:
- Over 3.5 km of new footpaths and cycle routes
- Extra trees and planting, including hedgerow restoration and maintaining ancient and veteran trees
- Four new entrances linking to external footpaths, greenspaces and neighbouring residential areas
- Uninterrupted areas for wildlife
- Enhancement of wetland pools and reedbeds for flocks of winter wading birds
- Ongoing management to maintain biodiversity in wetland areas, wet woodland, and wildflower meadows.
- New picnic areas, seating, and signage to help people engage and learn about local nature
- A new car park.
Timeline
Works on the nature reserve started in March 2025.
Fish pass and wildlife channel
The Environment Agency has completed work on creating a natural bypass channel through Burpham Court Farm. This is to allow fish to migrate around Old Bucks weir.