Broad Lane, Parkgate, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 5AS

Hammonds Copse

Ancient woodland

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6.3

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandWalkersWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

6.3

A 29.64-hectare woodland in the Weald of Surrey, where hazel coppice, fallen oak and spring flowers give the walk its character.

Hammonds Copse has more to offer than a simple woodland stroll: the Woodland Trust describes it as ancient woodland and points visitors towards developing hazel coppice, fallen trees and a spring flower display. It merits a place for its changing woodland detail, though practical visit information should be checked before setting out.

Peaceful · Ancient-feeling

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Broad Lane, Parkgate, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 5AS

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The experience

Follow the waymarked walk and look out for changes in the woodland: coppice, fallen timber and spring flowers. The Woodland Trust suggests an early morning spring visit for the dawn chorus and bluebells. Check route and access details before setting out.

Things to do

Follow the waymarked walk

Explore the wood on the waymarked walk listed by the Woodland Trust. The supplied evidence does not give its length or route detail, so check current information before setting out.

Notice the hazel coppice

Look for the hazel coppice coupe and how it develops over time.

Look for spring flowers

Visit in spring for woodland-floor flowers; the Woodland Trust specifically mentions bluebells and wood anemones.

Explore the fallen timber

Look for fallen trees that provide a home to woodland species.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick woodland wander

01
Use the Woodland Trust’s waymarked walk; confirm the current route and access before travelling.
02
Pause to notice the hazel coppice and fallen trees.
03
In spring, look for woodland flowers and listen for the dawn chorus.

Hidden details

A changing coppice — The Woodland Trust invites visitors to watch the hazel coppice coupe develop—a feature easy to overlook if you focus only on the walk.

Life in fallen trees — Fallen trees are identified by the Woodland Trust as habitat for woodland species; look closely at the deadwood rather than treating it simply as a fallen obstacle.

When to go

April · May · Early morning in spring

The Woodland Trust recommends an early spring morning for the dawn chorus and bluebells. It also notes autumn russet and copper tones; exact peak weeks are not specified.

No specific weather or ground-condition information is supplied. Check conditions and route details before visiting.

What to look for

Look for the developing hazel coppice, fallen oak and its associated deadwood habitat, and spring flowers including bluebells and wood anemones. Sparrowhawks may be present, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Best time to go

Spring for woodland flowers; autumn for russet and copper tones.

Spring, preferably early morning, for woodland flowers and the dawn chorus. Autumn brings russet and copper tones.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers