Arbrook Common

Wood, Forest in Surrey Elmbridge

England

Arbrook Common

Claremont Landscape Gardens A view across the lake - sadly too early to catch the autumn colour. Claremont Landscape Gardens were originally created for Claremont House and represents the work of some of the best known landscape gardeners, such as Charles Bridgeman, Capability Brown, William Kent and Sir John Vanbrugh. Work on the gardens began around 1715 making it one of the earliest surviving gardens of its kind of landscape design still featuring its original 18th-century layout. — Claremont Landscape Gardens Credit: Richard Rogerson

Arbrook Common is a picturesque wooded area located in Surrey, England. Spanning over an expansive 50 hectares, it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.

The common is predominantly covered by ancient oak woodland, with a dense canopy of towering trees providing a sheltered habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The woodland floor is adorned with a diverse array of wildflowers including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, creating a stunning display during the spring months. The area is also home to several rare and protected species, such as the dormouse and the lesser horseshoe bat.

Arbrook Common is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These trails wind through the woodland, offering glimpses of tranquil ponds, babbling brooks, and small clearings where sunlight filters through the dense foliage.

The common is not only a paradise for nature enthusiasts but also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and birdwatching. It provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby urban areas, offering a sense of serenity and tranquility to anyone who visits.

Managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, Arbrook Common is a cherished natural resource that provides a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature. Its beauty and ecological importance make it a must-visit destination for anyone with an appreciation for the great outdoors.

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Arbrook Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.356107/-0.35864299 or Grid Reference TQ1463. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Claremont Landscape Gardens

A view across the lake - sadly too early to catch the autumn colour. Claremont Landscape Gardens were originally created for Claremont House and represents the work of some of the best known landscape gardeners, such as Charles Bridgeman, Capability Brown, William Kent and Sir John Vanbrugh. Work on the gardens began around 1715 making it one of the earliest surviving gardens of its kind of landscape design still featuring its original 18th-century layout.

Richard Rogerson

The Amphitheatre, Claremont

This unusual turfed amphitheatre is set within the grounds of Claremont Landscape Gardens, overlooking the lake. It used to form the centrepiece of an annual event called the Claremont Fête champêtre. Hundreds of visitors descended on Claremont, most in costume (each year has a different theme) to enjoy four days of music, theatre and fireworks.

Richard Rogerson

Thatched Cottage, Claremont

The single roomed Thatched Cottage at Claremont Landscape Gardens dates from the Victorian Era.

Richard Rogerson

Pedestrian tunnel under railway

A small pedestrian tunnel under the New Guildford railway line, linking Ashton Road and Station Road. Oddly, the path appears not to be recorded as a public right of way on the definitive map and statement, nor as a publicly-maintained path.

Hugh Craddock

Prince of Wales, West End

Chef & Brewer pub facing the green at West End.

Mark Percy

Claremont Landscape Garden

The gardens were originally created by the Duke of Newcastle but were made famous by Prince Leopold and his wife, Princess Charlotte, who loved the park. The three-acre grass amphitheatre on the far side of the lake dates from 1725 to a design of Charles Bridgeman (later Royal Gardener and designer of the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens). The gardens are now owned by the National Trust.

Mark Percy