The lowland heathland habitat comprises dry heath, such as the lovely heather covered slopes on either side of Saddleback Hill, and wet heath around Wishmoor Bottom. There are areas of pine woodland and native deciduous woodland, and this diversity of habitats attracts a great variety of wildlife.

However, the heathland habitat is under threat from silver birch, pine scrub and purple moor grass. Alongside other management techniques, such as scrub bashing with volunteers, a grazing agreement with the MoD exists to enable Surrey Wildlife Trust to conservation graze Barossa. 

The Heathland Conservation Society are a local volunteer group who have actively helped to protect this important SSSI over the last two decades.  Their dedication and hard work have significantly helped to improve this area for people and wildlife.

What to wear?

Outdoor clothing and sensible footwear appropriate for the weather.  Ski suits are really good for children when taking part in autumn and winter outdoor activities as they keep the child snug and offer brilliant protection when splashing in puddles :) We have ones similar to this.

There are so many trees here why not make a little educational trip. get your little ones a book or worksheet and help them identify the trees you find.

 We love packing these and hunting for all the things on the cards.  We love packing these and hunting for all the things on the cards. The children have little bags for collecting the items. These are great for allowing the kids to easily see what they have collected so far.

Other activities ideas

The open areas lend themselves to a bit of bird watching.  This kit contains everything you need to take your family bird watching, including bird identifcation cards and binoculars.