Today I found out that the Dragonfly Trail along the Thursley Common boardwalk has been rebuilt and is open!
There is something primeval about Thursley Common. With carnivorous plants, peat bogs and dragons (lizards or dragonflies – take your pick!), it is a breathtaking National Nature Reserve with a wonderful, fresh atmosphere and a range of habitats, including areas of peat bogs, heathland, woodland, and ponds.
The Fire At the end of May 2020, a fire tore through the boardwalk area. Lots of trees and vegetation were lost and so was the boardwalk, with its Dragonfly Trail. Moat Pond In the autumn it is surrounded by fungus – we spotted 50 different types last autumn! (I’m sure it goes without saying but we never touch fungus, we just look at it). The Dragonfly Trail The Trails If we are after a longer walk, we venture along one of the marked trails. The Wildlife On one visit there were thousands of tiny toads hopping across the paths in every direction. The Lizards Thor’s Den You can walk there from Moat Pond but it is quite far so you may prefer to drive (GU8 6QD).
This is a picture of Moat Pond before the fire.
This is roughly the same area after the fire. 
We start our visit at Moat Pond, which is almost always smelling of pine and covered in ducks.
This leads you along the boardwalk and over the peat bogs. 
Along the way you can spot lots of insects and lizards 
and also sundews.
When we want a short visit we walk around Moat Pond and watch the wildlife from one of the many little beach-like areas. 
Thursley Common teems with nature and you can almost always see something wonderful.
From spring to autumn, you can see animals on every visit, including animals such as dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, and spiders. 
The lizards are easiest to see when warming themselves on the boardwalk during sunny days. 
There is nearby a play area called Thor’s Den on the edge of Thursley Common.
Visit the Thursley Common website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Thursley, near Farnham Opens: Daily Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic. How Long We Spent There: Up to 3 hours Parking: There are lots of places to park along the road and a few car parks. We use the Moat Pond car park (GU8 6LW) as it is closest to Moat Pond. Wildlife You Might See: Toads, frogs, wood ants, dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, spiders, grasshoppers and ducks. Information Written: July 2019
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW
Cost: Free
Facilities: None
Buggies: Buggy friendly – we use an all terrain buggy as some areas are sandy and there are roots along some of the paths.
Cost of Parking: Free but a donation using a parking app is suggested.
Information Checked: October 2024
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