Heritage Open Days 2026
All fields open 10am to 4pm
The theme for Heritage Open Days 2026 is ‘Everyday Histories’
Now Rye Meadows doesn't have historic manor houses or Grade 1 listed buildings but it does have history that can be traced back as far as the Lawrence Map of 1638. Many of the field names on this map have been maintained in the fields of Rye Meadows e.g. Seamers, Fraudings, Jack Adams and Tomletts and these can be seen on the field gate signs.
Visit this special wetland site, which is the result of a 14 year programme to enhance the nature conservation value of the Rye Brook and its floodplain.
In the last 14 years volunteers have been creating a wetland area alongside the Rye Brook, though this year the area can hardly be described as a "Wetland". Weeks of dry hot weather and now officially in a drought condition, the meadows have dried out, the pond has disappeared and as our Chairman remarked the area could be renamed as "Ashtead Dry Meadows".
Since inception in 2011 the volunteers and members of the public have planted a Jubilee Wood, reshaped the river banks and created ponds and scrapes to encourage the biodiversity of the area. They have laid a hard surface on the two public footpaths to enable circular walks to take place without the need to cross muddy ground and also ensured buggies and pushchairs can be used. Other East/West paths are mown grass and could be too soft for wheelchairs.
They have also created a Centenary Field commemorating those Ashtead residents who fell in the Great War and constructed a wooden walkway to the ponds where there is new seating. There is no wheelchair access to this walkway.
The Meadows are a very pleasant walk along the Rye Brook. The story of the Rye Meadows and its restoration has been the subject of a book published in 2022: 'Restoring the Great Marsh'.
On Sunday 20th September only, between 1000 and 1600 volunteers will be on hand to explain about the Meadows, display the maps and tell its history. We will also be selling merchandise, including our book 'Restoring the Great Marsh'. in which the history of the meadows is featured. To buy the book, go to our shop. Book priced at £10.
Those who come will be lucky enough to enjoy the fabulours chocolate brownie that will be made and kindly donated by chef David Gillott of the Four Gables Group.
If you enjoy the fresh air do come and buy one of the books, or perhaps buy a mug or two and a tea towel or two to dry them up with! All available via the Shop. All funds go towards keeping the volunteers going, though funds from the book sales are donated to Ashtead Rotary for their charity work.
If you come on the day and have no money will will gladly take your order and if you live in the KT21 area we will deliver and take payment at the door. Cards accepted.
Thank you.