Heritage Open Days 2024
This year the theme for Heritage Open Days is "Routes, Networks and Connections".
Rye Meadows and Ashtead Common have historic drovers routes that cross the area with cattle watering holes and a ford on the Rye Brook itself.
On Rye Meadows we are working on a heritage site as the fields themselves can be traced back to the 17th Century. You will have a fascinating walk through riverside meadows to enjoy. All the fields will be open to the public between 10am and 4pm. Please keep to the mown paths. Visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/for details of our event and other events in Mole Valley.
Visit this special wetland site, which is the result of a 12 year programme to enhance the nature conservation value of the Rye Brook and its floodplain.
In the last 12 years volunteers have been creating a wetland area alongside the Rye Brook. During that time they 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 public footpaths to enable circular walks to take place without the need to cross muddy ground and also ensure 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 8th September only, between 1000 and 1600 volunteers will be on hand to explain about the Meadows, its history, sell merchandise, including the recently published book 'Restoring the Great Marsh'. To buy the book in advance of a visit, go to our shop. Book priced at £10.
Meet at the Centenary Field off Footpath 596 which starts between 1 Fairholme Crescent and 10 Bushey Shaw. Nearest Post code for SatNavs is KT21 2HN. What three words cure.ritual.hangs No booking is needed