Prey Heath

Wood, Forest in Surrey Woking

England

Prey Heath

Worplesdon Station Worplesdon station was built between Woking and Guildford in 1883. The surrounding area has remained largely rural although there are some large houses within walking distance. It is therefore a quiet place for most of the day but nevertheless enjoys an hourly off-peak service in either direction. In this view, looking towards Guildford, the platforms are deserted and there is a hint of morning mist through the bridge (which was soon to clear leaving a bright sunny day). — Worplesdon Station Credit: Stephen McKay

Prey Heath is a picturesque wooded area located in Surrey, England. Stretching across a sprawling landscape, it is known for its enchanting beauty and tranquil ambiance. This forested paradise is nestled between the towns of Woking and Guildford and covers an area of approximately 200 acres.

The woodland of Prey Heath is predominantly composed of various species of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, birch, beech, and pine. These trees create a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest floor is covered with a lush carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to its natural charm.

The area attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers who come to explore the many trails that wind through the forest. These trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and provide opportunities for spotting wildlife, such as deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

Prey Heath is also home to a wide range of habitats, including ponds and wetlands, which attract a rich diversity of amphibians, reptiles, and insects. The forest is particularly renowned for its bird population, with species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds making it their home.

In addition to its natural splendor, Prey Heath holds historical significance. It was once part of the larger Worplesdon Estate and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological importance.

Overall, Prey Heath in Surrey is a captivating woodland retreat, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature's beauty and serenity.

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Prey Heath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.290468/-0.5785322 or Grid Reference SU9955. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Worplesdon Station

Worplesdon station was built between Woking and Guildford in 1883. The surrounding area has remained largely rural although there are some large houses within walking distance. It is therefore a quiet place for most of the day but nevertheless enjoys an hourly off-peak service in either direction. In this view, looking towards Guildford, the platforms are deserted and there is a hint of morning mist through the bridge (which was soon to clear leaving a bright sunny day).

Stephen McKay

Outside Worplesdon Station

Worplesdon station is approached via a short drive leading off Prey Heath Road. At the junction the National Rail sign leans at a jaunty angle.

Stephen McKay

Prey Heath

Prey Heath is bisected by the Woking to Guildford railway line and this is the area to the east of it. A path leads off Prey Heath Road at first in a northerly direction before making a dogleg turn across the heath; this is a convenient point of access from Worplesdon station.

Stephen McKay

Path across Prey Heath

A public footpath heads in a north-easterly direction across this surviving stretch of Surrey heathland.

Stephen McKay

Prey Heath

This is part of the eastern section of the heath, east of the Woking to Guildford railway line. The information board makes the point that the scene is always changing across the year.

Stephen McKay

Path across Prey Heath

Here the path passes through a wooded section of the heath. The gate is probably there for stock control purposes.

Stephen McKay

Path to Havering Farm

This public footpath, effectively an extension of Burdenshot Hill, leads across the stile and then over the Woking to Guildford railway.

Stephen McKay

Railway south of Worplesdon

A Portsmouth to London Waterloo train approaches Worplesdon at speed on the Portsmouth Direct Line.

Stephen McKay

Burdenshot Hill, Worplesdon

Burdenshot Hill is a private road to the north east of Worplesdon village lined with some very large houses. The one in view here is called Oakhanger. From the end of this road a path leads to Worplesdon station.

Stephen McKay

The way to Worplesdon

Motorists are directed down Goose Rye Road to Worplesdon village. Worplesdon was recorded in the Domesday Book as Werpesdune and there is evidence that the area was settled in Roman times; the Goose Rye name is derived from a local farm.

Stephen McKay

Goose Rye Road, Worplesdon

Goose Rye Road passes through a thickly wooded area on its approach to Worplesdon village. In the 19th century this was common heathland used for grazing animals.

Stephen McKay

Path towards Jordan Hill

This footpath heads intriguingly into this stretch of woodland that forms the northern part of the Whitmoor Common Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Stephen McKay

Whitmoor Common

Woodland, part of Whitmoor Common Site of Special Scientific Interest, seen from the track south of Goose Rye Road and Gosling Cottage.

Stephen McKay

Worplesdon Station

A non-stopping London Waterloo to Haslemere train passes through Worplesdon station between Woking and Guildford on the Portsmouth Direct Line.

Stephen McKay

The Jolly Farmer, Worplesdon

It is good to see a pub deep in the Surrey countryside that appears to be thriving. It was built in the mid 18th century and is now a Fuller's house with a beer garden to the rear. It stands adjacent to Whitmoor Common.

Stephen McKay

The Jolly Farmer, Worplesdon - pub sign

The artist for this Fuller's pub sign has chosen a curious image featuring an American tractor built by Case. For many years Case was a major manufacturer of agricultural machinery in the USA but the company did not enter the British market until it acquired David Brown Tractors of Yorkshire in the 1970s - long after the machine featured here would have been a museum piece.

Stephen McKay

Private road across Whitmoor Common

There are a number of private roads across this part of Surrey - private, that is, for motor vehicles - giving access to some of the very large houses in this area.

Stephen McKay