Work to create a new nature reserve at Burpham Court Farm remains on track for completion in early 2026. This is a key milestone in the Weyside Urban Village regeneration project that will significantly improve biodiversity.

With the footpaths and shallow drainage basins now constructed, most of the heavy machinery has been moved off site.  Work is continuing and is now focused on the planting and finishing the raised boardwalks.

Creating new habitats

The design of the nature reserve has been carefully designed to align with the Natural England guidelines. A dedicated Biodiversity Net Gain Plan underpins the scheme, ensuring the new landscapes deliver measurable biodiversity improvements, while also creating an inviting semi-natural green space for the community to enjoy. Works being undertaken will preserve and enhance a wide range of habitats that include:

• wildflower and meadow grasslands
• new native hedgerows
• woodland and scrub areas
• ponds, ditches and riverbank environment
• wetland features.

These habitats will attract pollinators, butterflies, amphibians and a variety of bird species, improving biodiversity across the River Wey corridor.

The landscape is being transformed from inaccessible agricultural land to a thoughtfully planned Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace. Environmental specialists are overseeing all habitat management, ensuring that every stage of work is carried out sensitively and in line with ecological best practice.

By improving the condition of the land, planting hedgerows, creating wildlife corridors that support birds, insects and small mammals the completed project is expected to deliver a 30% increase in habitat value.

Flood alleviation

The scheme includes flood alleviation measures. These will help to mitigate against the environmental impact of climate change.

The drainage system put in place is designed to keep water within the nature reserve. Creating more shallow basins in the landscape will collect rainwater that can drain away naturally through the ground.

These areas also provide the perfect habitat for wading birds, such as the Plover and Lapwing that can be often seen at Burpham Court Farm.

Making nature accessible for everyone

Once complete, the site will be a fantastic new greenspace enhancing biodiversity and providing a place for residents and visitors to enjoy.

There is a 3.6-kilometre circular walking trail that includes nearly one kilometre of boardwalks. This will provide outstanding access for people with mobility issues as well as families with young children.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Lead Councillor for Economy and Place at Guildford Borough Council, said: “The Weyside Urban Village scheme has allowed us to create better access to nature for residents and visitors. We’re not only providing beautiful new green spaces but also helping to safeguard Guildford’s natural environment for generations to come.”

Cllr Angela Goodwin, Lead Councillor for Environment and Recreation at Guildford Borough Council, added: “The new nature reserve at Burpham Court Farm is a fantastic addition to our growing collection of parks and green spaces, strengthening Guildford’s reputation as one of England’s greenest towns.”

This transformation is being funded as part of the Weyside Urban Village regeneration scheme. Developer contributions will help to pay for the work.