New Nature Reserve Coming to Guildford This Autumn
A 56-acre nature reserve at Burpham Court Farm is set to open later this year as part of Guildford's ambitious Weyside Urban Village development.
Great news for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Guildford – a stunning new nature reserve is just months away from opening its gates to the public.
A Long Time Coming
The 56-acre Burpham Court Farm site, located off Clay Lane near Burpham and Bellfields, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The area, which was previously inaccessible farmland and flood plains, has been carefully developed by Guildford Borough Council since work began in March 2025. The council has been planning to make better use of this land since at least 2016, and those plans are finally coming to fruition.
What to Expect
When the nature reserve opens this autumn, visitors will be able to enjoy a impressive 3.6-kilometre circular walking trail, with one kilometre featuring elevated boardwalks that offer expansive views across the flood plains. A dedicated car park accessed from Clay Lane will make the reserve easily accessible for everyone.
The design has been thoughtfully created to align with Natural England guidelines and includes a comprehensive Biodiversity Net Gain Plan at its heart. The reserve aims to create and preserve natural habitats that will attract pollinators, butterflies, amphibians, and a variety of bird species – making it a genuine asset for local wildlife.
Solving Flooding Issues
One of the key benefits of this project is the solution it brings to the long-standing flooding problems that have affected the area. The nature reserve includes specialised flood alleviation measures, with a carefully designed drainage system that keeps water within the reserve rather than allowing it to spill onto surrounding roads and buildings. This practical approach means the reserve will serve both environmental and community protection purposes.
Part of Something Bigger
The nature reserve forms an important part of the broader Weyside Urban Village project, an ambitious development that will see 1,650 new homes, up to 1,800 square metres of mixed-use and retail space, a new council depot, and enhanced waste management facilities built on brownfield land to the east of the Slyfield Industrial estate.
While the reserve will back onto these new facilities, the careful planning and environmental considerations built into the project demonstrate how development and nature can coexist. The scheme transforms what was once troubled and inaccessible land into a community asset that serves both people and wildlife.
Nearly Ready
Guildford Borough Council reports that the site is coming along well, with just a few finishing touches to complete. These include installing a new footbridge over one of the rivers, creating a pedestrian crossing on Clay Lane, and completing the car park entrance.
For residents and visitors looking for a peaceful place to walk, spot wildlife, and enjoy the outdoors, autumn 2026 can't come soon enough.
Source: New nature reserve to open in Surrey as part of 1,650 home urban village project