Thursley Common, near Godalming, Surrey
Thursley National Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
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6.2
Wildland
35 minutes for the Dragonfly Trail
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Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2A lowland heath and wetland landscape of ponds, marsh and woodland, with a boardwalk crossing the common and wildlife such as dragonflies and sand lizards to look for.
The boardwalk gives a close-up way into a distinctive heath-and-wetland landscape, while the longer village loop adds woodland and open countryside. It offers more variety than a short pond-side stroll, but routes and conditions should be checked before setting out.
Wild · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapThursley Common, near Godalming, Surrey
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The experience
Choose the short boardwalk Dragonfly Trail for a quick visit, or use the longer circular walk to combine the common with Thursley village. The supplied guides describe sandy and sometimes muddy paths beyond the boardwalk.
Things to do
Walk the Dragonfly Trail boardwalk
Follow the mostly flat boardwalk trail across the common and pause by the ponds to look for dragonflies and wetland wildlife.
About 35 minutes
Look for wetland wildlife
Scan the pond and marsh edges from the boardwalk; the supplied guide specifically mentions dragonflies and sand lizards.
Extend the visit on the Thursley circular walk
Take the longer route combining the common with woodland, farm paths and Thursley village. The supplied route account notes muddy conditions after rain and short road sections.
About 2 hours 10 minutes; 7.9 km according to the supplied guide
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 35 minutes; 1.9 km according to the supplied walking guide.
The boardwalk Dragonfly Trail
- 01
Start at the Moat Pond car park described by the walking guide.
- 02
Follow the boardwalk trail across the common, taking time to look for dragonflies and wetland wildlife.
- 03
Return by the described short trail; check route signs and conditions on arrival.
Half day · About 2 hours 10 minutes; 7.9 km according to the supplied walking guide.
Common, boardwalk and village loop
- 01
Use the Moat Pond car park or check the guide’s alternative start information in Thursley.
- 02
Walk the boardwalk section across the reserve, then continue on the described circular route towards Thursley village.
- 03
Expect sandy heathland paths, quiet lanes and forestry tracks; take care at road crossings and follow any Ministry of Defence area signage.
- 04
Consider the Three Horseshoes in Thursley for refreshments, checking opening details first.
Hidden details
The boardwalk crosses heath and marsh — The supplied guide describes the boardwalk running from Moat Pond towards Pudmore Pond across lowland heath and marsh; look for the change in habitat as you walk.
When to go
· No specific time of day is verified in the supplied sources.
The supplied walking guide highlights summer dragonflies. Exact peak dates are not established by the supplied sources.
The longer route may be muddy after wet weather; stout footwear is advised by the supplied route guide. Check current conditions before setting out.
The route
- stiles
- The longer route account mentions two stiles.
- surface
- Boardwalk on the short trail; sandy heathland paths, quiet lanes and forestry tracks on the longer route.
- distance
- 1.9 km for the Dragonfly Trail; 7.9 km for the longer circular walk, as reported by the supplied guide.
- duration
- About 35 minutes for the Dragonfly Trail; about 2 hours 10 minutes for the longer circular walk.
- difficulty
- The short boardwalk trail is described as mostly flat. The longer route has gentle climbs and descents; conditions can be muddy.
- waymarking
- Check on-site signs; detailed waymarking status is not established by the supplied sources.
- route shape
- The Dragonfly Trail is described as a simple circuit; the longer village route is circular.
- start point
- Moat Pond car park is the start described for the Dragonfly Trail. The longer walk can also start in Thursley, according to the supplied guide.
- parking start
- The supplied guide describes a free car park at Moat Pond, postcode GU8 6LW, which may be busy; it also mentions a Thursley car park by the play area as an alternative for the longer walk. Check current arrangements.
- shorter alternative
- The 1.9 km Dragonfly Trail boardwalk circuit, described as about 35 minutes.
- Boardwalk across heath and marsh
- Ponds including Moat Pond and Pudmore Pond
- Dragonflies and other wetland wildlife
- Longer route through woodland and Thursley village
Worth pairing with
Thursley village and The Three Horseshoes
The supplied walking guide includes Thursley village on the longer circular walk and mentions The Three Horseshoes as a possible refreshment stop. Check opening details before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
Dragonflies along the boardwalk and ponds
- 02
the transition between heath, marsh and woodland
- 03
sand lizards, which the supplied walking guide identifies as wildlife to look for.
Best time to go
Summer for dragonflies; spring and autumn are also appealing for a walk, subject to conditions.
Summer is the strongest season mentioned for dragonflies. Go prepared for changeable path conditions; the longer route can be muddy after wet weather.
How long to spend
35 minutes for the Dragonfly Trail; around 2 hours 10 minutes for the longer circular walk, according to the supplied walking guide.
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Families · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Visitor routes are described across the reserve, including a boardwalk trail from the Moat Pond car park. Check current access and any site notices before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
The Ambling Path describes a free car park at Moat Pond, postcode GU8 6LW; it can be busy. Check current arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The supplied walking guide reports no public toilets on its route; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
No refreshments are reported at the common. The supplied guide mentions The Three Horseshoes in Thursley as an option on the longer walk; check opening details before travelling.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The supplied walking guide says dogs should be on short leads on the boardwalk and should not enter the water. Check current reserve signage.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The Dragonfly Trail is described as mostly flat boardwalk and suitable for a pushchair. The longer walk includes sandy paths and narrower sections that may not suit pushchairs. Check current route conditions.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Ponds and wetland; no swimming or paddling permission verified.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Thursley National Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
