Gangers Hill, near Woldingham, Caterham, Surrey CR3 7AD
Marden Park
Broadleaf woodland
Source image
6.2
Wildland
1–2 hours, Half day
Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2On the North Downs, Marden Park brings together ancient broadleaved woodland, newer planting and rare chalk grassland. The changing seasons add their own show: spring flowers, colourful butterflies in summer and rich autumn foliage.
This is more than a pleasant patch of trees: Marden Park’s 67-hectare landscape combines old coppiced woodland, wooded ravines and rare chalk grassland on the North Downs. Its varied habitats and waymarked walking make it a rewarding place to slow down and look closely.
Peaceful · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapGangers Hill, near Woldingham, Caterham, Surrey CR3 7AD
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Follow an open waymarked route through the accessible parts of the woodland, taking time to notice its varied trees, spring flowers and seasonal colour. Check the Woodland Trust’s current path-closure information, particularly before planning a route through Great Church Wood.
Things to do
Follow a waymarked woodland walk
Use the waymarked walking routes to explore the woodland. Check current closures before setting off: one permissive path through Great Church Wood is closed, while the looped permissive path at its north end and public rights of way remain open.
Look for spring flowers
Visit in spring to experience the woodland’s flowers and bluebells; take care to stay on open paths.
Watch for butterflies
Summer brings a variety of colourful butterflies. Move slowly and keep an eye on the woodland and grassland edges.
Take in the autumn colour
The Woodland Trust describes Marden Park as a particularly rewarding wood for rich autumn colour.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick woodland wander
- 01
Start from the main entrance by the car park off Gangers Hill.
- 02
Follow an open waymarked route in the eastern woodland.
- 03
Pause to look for spring flowers, old coppiced trees and the transition between woodland and grassland.
- 04
Check current path closures before choosing your route back.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of the woodland
- 01
Begin at the Gangers Hill entrance and consult the woodland signage.
- 02
Explore the open waymarked paths in the eastern section, taking time to notice the woodland’s different habitats.
- 03
If planning to include Great Church Wood, check the current closure information first; the permissive path through part of it is closed.
- 04
Return by an open route or public right of way.
Verified history
No specific historical narrative for Marden Park is established by the supplied research. The Woodland Trust describes the site’s old coppiced trees and varied woodland habitats, but this evidence does not establish dates or a detailed history.
Hidden details
A woodland made of different habitats — Look beyond the tree cover: the site combines ancient broadleaved woodland, newer planting and rare chalk grassland, alongside wooded ravines and waterlogged sections.
Signs of old coppicing — The Woodland Trust identifies strips of old coppiced trees as one of the area’s important features. Look for the distinctive regrowth of coppiced trees without leaving open paths.
Woodland Trust discovery signs — Look out for signs along the waymarked walk, which provide information about what you may discover in the wood.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · October · No particular time of day is established by the supplied evidence.
The Woodland Trust highlights spring flowers, colourful butterflies in summer and rich autumn colour. The supplied research does not specify exact peak dates.
Check the forecast and current path conditions before visiting. The Woodland Trust reports that the affected paths in Great Church Wood are closed because of ash dieback and associated tree-safety work.
The route
- stiles
- An alternative pedestrian entrance at the north end is via a footpath and stile.
- surface
- A stone-surfaced public bridleway and a surfaced permissive bridleway are described in the eastern section. The western section has no surfaced paths.
- waymarking
- Waymarked walking routes are listed. The Woldingham Countryside Walk waymarking remains available along open public rights of way.
- start point
- Main entrance via a wide gate from the car park off Gangers Hill.
- parking start
- The Woodland Trust lists a car park on site off Gangers Hill. The supplied Google pin is a main-place pin, not a verified entrance or parking pin.
- Ancient broadleaved woodland and newer planting
- Rare chalk grassland
- Old coppiced trees and wooded ravines
- Spring flowers, summer butterflies and autumn colour
What to look for
- 01
Look for the contrast between old coppiced trees, broadleaved woodland and chalk grassland. In spring, watch for flowers and bluebells
- 02
in summer, look for colourful butterflies. Woodland Trust signage offers further information about what you may discover on your walk.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Spring for flowers and bluebells; summer for butterflies; autumn for woodland colour.
Choose spring for flowers and bluebells, summer for butterflies, or autumn for the wood’s rich foliage. Allow extra time to read the woodland signage and explore at a relaxed pace.
How long to spend
1–2 hours, Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The Woodland Trust lists public access and a main entrance through a wide gate from the car park off Gangers Hill. A permissive path through Great Church Wood is closed because of ash dieback; public rights of way and the looped permissive path at the north end remain open. Check current path information before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The Woodland Trust lists a car park on site, off Gangers Hill. Check current access and parking arrangements before travelling.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The eastern woodland has a stone-surfaced public bridleway and a surfaced permissive bridleway. The Woodland Trust says some short sections from the main car park may suit scooter users but are not suitable for wheelchair access. The western section has no surfaced paths.
Cost
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Water
No visitor water activity is evidenced.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Marden Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
