The Rye Brook flows through Ashtead Common, Ashtead Rye Meadows & Leatherhead where it joins the River Mole. Over the years, urban & agricultural development has had a detrimental effect on the Rye Brook, with the result that it supported little wildlife and periodically flooded local houses. By restoring the natural processes such as erosion, the depositing of minerals and the occasional flooding of wetland habitats, we are securing a healthy long term future for both wildlife & people.
Surrey Wildlife Trust and Fields in Trust
Early in 2025 the land known as Ashtead Rye Meadows Wetlands was generously gifted to Surrey Wildlife Trust by Daphne and George Burnett. The arrangements for public access remain the same as previously agreed by the Burnetts with Fields in Trust namely:
Centenary Field will be open for public access without restriction; whilst the remainder of Ashtead Rye Meadows will be open to the public during Heritage Open Week (normally in September each year). Rye Meadows volunteers are not permitted to grant access to the Meadows at other times; such access can only be granted by SurreyWildlife Trust.
Visitors to all parts of the Meadows are asked to keep their dogs on leads and remove dog faeces. Dogs disturb wildlife andtheir faeces represent a real hazard to both wildlife and the volunteers who work to maintain thereserve.
"Restoring the Great Marsh" - Our story, now available.
Just in time for Village Day this book was published and brought for sale at the event. It sold very well, and everyone who looked at the book was impressed by the quality of the many photographs and the stories within.
The book retails at £20, and Daphne Burnett has stipulated that all proceeds are to be donated to Ashtead Rotary to continue their good works.
You can buy the book via the shop on this web site, and if you have an Ashtead Post Code, we will deliver free of charge. For other areas we can either calculate the cost of P&P, or you can call to collect. Email us to arrange.
The book is also available to buy from our friends at "Stems", the lovely flower shop in Craddocks Parade, Ashtead, and will also be sold at a launch event in "The Word on the Street" on Saturday 8th October at 11 am . Rye Meadows volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions.
Aims and Objectives of Friends of Ashtead Rye Meadows Wetlands
Aims & Objectives
Objectives
1. To continue in whatever way possible and considered desirable to protect and develop Ashtead Rye Meadows Wetlands as a valuable amenity.
2. To promote Ashtead Rye Meadows Wetlands for the observation and study of flora and fauna in their natural habitat and the conservation and development thereof.
3. To work in partnership with external bodies such as Surrey Wildlife Trust, The Environment Agency, The Woodland Trust, Mole Valley District Council et al, and to involve local residents, local groups, and conservation organisations in the management of Ashtead Rye Meadows Wetlands .
Aims
1. To create a mosaic of habitats in order to improve the biodiversity value of the site.
2. To improve the Rye Brook in line with the Water Framework Directive.
3. To provide a site for local people to enjoy while protecting valuable habitats.
4. To ensure the long term management of the land for these purposes.
5. To raise funds and receive contributions where appropriate to finance the work.
6. To publicise and promote the work.
