Visitors to the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR) can enjoy a spectacular spring this year but are being asked to take simple steps to protect rare ground-nesting birds and other sensitive heathland wildlife.
Species including nightjars, woodlarks, and Dartford warblers nest directly on the ground, often within a few steps of well-used paths. Walkers are asked to stay on marked paths and keep dogs on leads throughout the nesting season from March to September to avoid disturbing hidden nests.
Disturbance doesn’t just affect birds, other rare heathland species such as natterjack toads, adders and sand lizards can also be harmed when people or dogs stray off the paths.
The Wealden Heaths NNR covers 2,760 hectares across the Surrey and Hampshire border, this is around three times the size of Richmond Park. The reserve supports some of England's scarcest wildlife, including silver-studded blue butterflies.
Spring brings vivid yellow gorse across the heathland. Visitors are encouraged to soak up the sunshine, listen to birdsong, and observe the landscape's slow, natural changes.
Stephen Rudd, Principal Manager, Natural England said:
“The King’s Series National Nature Reserves are about celebrating the very best of England’s nature, and the Wealden Heaths is a shining example of that.
“As we enter ground nesting bird season, this milestone is a timely reminder of how special and how fragile this landscape is. Small actions from all of us can make a huge difference.”
England's lowland heathland has declined by around 80% over the last two centuries. Protecting what remains is a deliberate policy choice, and the Wealden Heaths NNR represents one of the most significant commitments to that goal.
The reserve is cared for by a partnership of nine organisations: Natural England, RSPB, National Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Hampton Estate, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Waverley Borough Council, Surrey County Council and Forestry England, with support from the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Councillor Adam Duce, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said:
“As we reach the halfway point in the King’s Series of National Nature Reserve declarations, we’re proud to see the Wealden Heaths recognised as a nationally important landscape for nature recovery. This is a critical time of year for ground‑nesting birds, and we’re asking visitors to help protect these vulnerable species by staying on paths and keeping dogs on leads.
“Sustaining this remarkable heathland depends on collective action. Our strong partnerships across the Wealden Heaths - and the deep local pride people feel for this landscape - are essential to safeguarding its biodiversity. With national attention growing, this milestone highlights both the environmental significance of the area and the shared responsibility we all have to protect it for the future.”
The Wealden Heaths was designated a National Nature Reserve in 2024, as part of the King's Series created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. The programme is establishing 25 new or expanded NNRs across England by 2028, with more than half now declared.
The King’s Series of National Nature Reserves reached a significant halfway milestone yesterday (Thursday 19 March), with His Majesty King Charles III himself launching the new Seven Sisters NNR, which covers the chalk cliffs of Sussex and the unique downland habitat behind them, becoming the 13th of the 25 sites to receive the King’s endorsement.
The King’s Series now cover an area of 17,000 hectares or 65 square miles, equivalent to twice the size of the city of Brighton. Around 1.4 million people live within 5km of a King’s Series NNR, and can experience the benefits they bring for health, wellbeing, education, and the local economy to communities around the country.
Image: shows members of our parks and countryside team at the designation of The Wealden Heaths as a National Nature Reserve in June 2025.