Oxted Downs | Going against the Flow

Frensham Little Pond can be found on the western border of Surrey, it's a unique 13th Century man-made feature which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Join ranger Matt on a walk around the pond as he's startled by a very rare sighting.Learn about its secret military past and which famous faces have been seen here over the years. This episode is presented by Jo Dyson and ranger Matt Cusack and is funded by the Surrey Hills Access Fund. 

Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl were united by the completion of the Hindhead Tunnel in 2011; nature flourished and now visitors enjoy far-reaching views in peace and tranquillity. The importance of this heathland habitat is going to be further recognised with the designation of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve – of which Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl forms a large part. This episode is presented by Jo Dyson and Lead Ranger Matthew Cusack. 

A tractor rumbles over a stubble field as skylarks sing above. Ancient oaks guard shady ponds where the flash and dazzle of a dragonfly draw you close to the water’s edge. Hedgerows act as nature’s larder. Discover how we work in partnership with our tenant farmers to care for this centuries-old estate. This episode is presented by Jo Dyson and Area Ranger Ashlie Williams and is funded by the Surrey Hills Access Fund.

The mixed-broadleaf woodland at Limpsfield Common provides a haven for Surrey’s native bird species. Learn how we’ve used dead hedging to protect the historic Yalden Spring and about Limpsfield’s important role in early outdoor radio broadcasting. This episode is presented by Jo Dyson and Ranger Conor and is funded by the Surrey Hills Access Fund. 

Oxted Downs in Surrey sits high above the M25, close to the Kent border. Listen in to hear how our ranger team care for native species in this rare chalk grassland, whilst contending with pollutants from traffic on the UK’s busiest road as it thunders by below. This episode is presented by Jo Dyson and Lead Ranger Merry Westall and is funded by the Surrey Hills Access Fund. 

Iconic Box Hill commands spectacular views over the Weald, welcomes one million visitors each year and is a focal point for road cycling. Despite its popularity, it’s home to a multitude of flora and fauna which thrive in its chalk grassland, ancient box woodland and riverine ecosystems. This episode is presented by Jo Dyson and Lead Ranger Meredith Westall and is funded by the Surrey Hills Access Fund. 

Headley Heath in Surrey is home to an astounding array of protected birds, plants, and animals. Its former uses – from common grazing land to military training site have left a legacy of soil disturbance that’s proven invaluable today and created an almost unique habitat for wildflowers to flourish. This episode is presented by Jo Dyson and Area Ranger Theo Howard and is funded by the Surrey Hills Access Fund.

Reigate Hill in Surrey is littered with military remains and secret clues – you just need to know where to look. Learn how this part of the county has played an important role in defence through the years, where archaeology is about looking up as well as down and how we remember those that lost their lives in conflict. This episode is presented by Jo Dyson and Archaeologist James Brown and is funded by the Surrey Hills Access Fund.