WHEN
Monday
12 October 2026
TIME
1.30pm-3.00pm
FACILITATOR
Angie
VENUE
Please note: Refreshments are not included
Earlswood Common Car Park (Free Parking, limited spaces)
2 Woodhatch Road
Reigate RH2 7QH
Find it using what3words: ///rope.hooks.words
Lakes Café and toilets on site. Come suitably dressed for the changeable English summer weather!
Please note: Refreshments are not included
ABOUT THIS SESSION
Join us at Earlswood Lakes: Earlswood Common is a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and also a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). The area is a haven for wildlife and is used and enjoyed by many local people as it borders Woodhatch, Mead Vale, Redhill, Earlswood and South Earlswood and also linking with Salfords and the edge of Reigate. Take photos and enjoy the nature and wildlife.
Friendly well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome to join us on the walk.
Please note: Refreshments are not included
History:
The Lower Lake is the older of the two lakes. It is mentioned as early as 1363 and was used for swimming and skating at the end of the 19th Century, with maps of 1896 showing bathing boxes present on both lakes.
The site was used for tile making in the Middle Ages.
Earlswood Common has many cultural links, and was mentioned by Charles Dickens in various articles that he wrote, and the Common was home to George Eliot, another famous Victorian author, for a while. Earlswood Common was the site of the Reigate Workhouse in the 19th Century, and this later became Redhill Hospital.
Nature at Earlswood Common and Lakes:
Earlswood Common contains a variety of habitats including two large lakes, a number of smaller ponds, wetland corridors, scattered trees and woodland and semi-improved grassland which includes the nationally rare plant Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile). The presence of Chamomile is one of the main reasons for the SNCI designation. Other species of interest include Dwarf Gorse (Ulex minor), acid grassland and Sedges.
Animal species seen on the Common include Roe deer, rabbits and foxes as well as a pair of swans. The site is also important for bats, birds and many species of insects. In addition the wetland habitats make the site ideal for toads and frogs.
Known fish species include: Carp, Chub, Common Carp, Dace, Mirror Carp, Perch, Pike and Roach
Please note: Refreshments are not included
WHO CAN JOIN THESE SESSIONS
Anyone who lives in Surrey and is over the age of 16.
HOW THE SESSIONS ARE RUN
Face-to-face with our experienced facilitator.
Please note: Refreshments are not included
HOW TO JOIN
If you are currently registered with Waythrough, all you need to do is speak to your Community Links Advisor or email waythroughcc@waythrough.org.uk and to let us know which course or workshop you would like to attend.
If you are new to Waythrough, you will be asked to complete a registration form and have an introductory call with one of the team. Please find an online application form here: Waythrough Booking Form.
Alternatively you can call us on 01737 771 282 or email us to arrange joining on waythroughcc@waythrough.org.uk
After completing the booking & registration form you will receive an introductory welcome call from one of our team.
It’s not always possible to join a session happening the same day, but we often have regular sessions weekly. We’re normally able to respond within 24/48 hours of you contacting us.
For the latest news follow us on Facebook: @WaythroughCC
Our national website is waythrough.org.uk
