Nutfield March lies to the east of Redhill, and is an area historically worked for sand extraction. Since 1995, it has been the subject of an enhancement partnership, the Nutfield Ridge and Marsh Project, between the County Council and Mineral Companies. Amongst many initiatives is the creation of a large Surrey Wildlife Trust nature reserve, along the line of the Redhill Brook. This reserve comprises of four main compartments:
The Moors. A seasonally flooded wet grassland area with shallow pools and ponds. This is grazed by Sussex cattle and is particularly good for species such as common snipe. The site is part owned by Biffa Waste Services and Linden Homes. SWT. Link to pdf of the leaflet?
Holmethorpe Lagoons. A reedbed area and large open water lagoon that is part of the Watercolour development by Linden Homes on the former sand workings of WBB Minerals.
Mercers West – a WBB Minerals sand quarry, just completing its restoration, and comprising a large open waterbody. On the site of a former sand quarry, we restored osier beds of willow. We’ve now reached the stage where we are coppicing these trees to produce materials for basketry and garden structures. In April 2026, we found two grass snakes here, a great sign that nature is returning to this site! Sibelco
Spynes Mere. A former WBB Minerals sandpit restored to a complex of three lagoons and grassland, particularly good for watching wintering waterfowl.
In the past, we assisted each spring with the toad migration to the wetland reserve, across Bletchingley Road. We helped rescue up to 2,000 toads each year, along with common frogs, and common and palmate newts.
Additionally on the Marsh, RACV helped create a community orchard, Chilmead Orchard, owned by Biffa Waste Services, comprising local and traditional apple varieties.
We have also done some restoration work on Marsh Pond, by the Inn on the Pond Pub, in association with its owners and the Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG). This is a breeding site for the nationally rare and protected Great Crested Newt. We look forward to doing further work here, or simply enjoying the hospitality of the Pub whilst admiring our handiwork!
