Bookham Commons

Bookham Commons are ancient commons beside Bookham station near Leatherhead, mentioned in the Domesday Book and now a Site of Special Scientific Interest of old oak woods, grassland plains and tranquil ponds. Since 1941 the London Natural History Society has surveyed the wildlife here, making it one of the best-recorded areas in the country: nightingales and warblers sing in spring, and the woods are among the best in England for the elusive purple emperor butterfly, alongside white admirals and silver-washed fritillaries, thanks to decades of habitat work by the rangers. A bird hide at the upper eastern pond can be reached by wheelchair along the all-weather bridlepaths, and there is a natural play area and dedicated tracks for running, cycling and horse riding. Well-controlled dogs are welcome, on leads where cattle graze. Two easy Trust trails start from the Tunnel car park, a 1.5-mile butterfly walk and a 3-mile activity trail. Reviewers like the flat, wide tracks with rougher trails between them and the routes for children on bikes, and warn that the big pond is unfenced. Tips from visitors: there are no toilets or refreshments, and several car parks are dotted around, so note which one you used.