Venture into the Lost World of Thursley Common, Thursley

Venture into the Lost World of Thursley Common, Thursley

Venture into the Lost World of Thursley Common, Thursley
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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.

 

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, SurreyThis is a picture of Moat Pond before the fire.

 

 

 

 

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, SurreyThis is roughly the same area after the fire. 

 

 

 

 

 

Moat Pond

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, SurreyWe start our visit at Moat Pond, which is almost always smelling of pine and covered in ducks.

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

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, SurreyThis leads you along the boardwalk and over the peat bogs.

 

 

 

 

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, SurreyAlong the way you can spot lots of insects and lizards

 

 

 

 

 

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, Surreyand also sundews.

 

 

 

 

 

The Trails

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, SurreyWhen we want a short visit we walk around Moat Pond and watch the wildlife from one of the many little beach-like areas.

If we are after a longer walk, we venture along one of the marked trails. 

 

 

 

The Wildlife

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, SurreyThursley Common teems with nature and you can almost always see something wonderful.

 

 

 

 

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, SurreyFrom spring to autumn, you can see animals on every visit, including animals such as dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, and spiders.

On one visit there were thousands of tiny toads hopping across the paths in every direction. 

 

 

The Lizards

Thursley Common and Moat Pond, Thursley, SurreyThe lizards are easiest to see when warming themselves on the boardwalk during sunny days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thor’s Den

Thor's Den - Thursley PlaygroundThere is nearby a play area called Thor’s Den on the edge of Thursley Common.

You can walk there from Moat Pond but it is quite far so you may prefer to drive (GU8 6QD).

Read More

 

Visit the Thursley Common website

 


Further Information

Nearest Town: Thursley, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: Up to 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly – we use an all terrain buggy as some areas are sandy and there are roots along some of the paths. 

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. 
Cost of Parking: Free but a donation using a parking app is suggested.

Wildlife You Might See: Toads, frogs, wood ants, dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, spiders, grasshoppers and ducks.

Information Written: July 2019
Information Checked: October 2023

Visitor Information

 


Ratings

Our visit to Thursley Common National Nature Reserve is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

 

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