New Reigate Heath information board
Next time you visit Reigate Heath, check out the new illustrated information board.
It will tell you about the history, wildlife and national significance of this area of lowland heath habitat.
Reigate Heath's richness, diversity and history make it remarkable in many ways. The new board will help you to explore it fully and:
- find out how many types of snake live there
- where the Bronze Age burial mounds can be seen
- what creature makes the small holes in the paths.
SSSI
Reigate Heath is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), one of the most important wildlife designations nationally, and a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) because it is an important example of the lowland heath habitat, including the heather and acid grassland found there.
Heathland restoration
Because of its special designation, the Council has a legal duty to protect and maintain the Heath. As it is a heathland rather than a woodland, tree felling needs to take place to encourage light back to the ground for plants to grow, to reduce the nutrient build up and stop it from scrubbing over.
Ancient monuments
The site also has a number of Bronze Age burial mounds (3-5000 years old) which have been designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
In the Bronze Age, the Heath was largely clear of trees. Around this time, a cemetery was established on the Heath; the burial mounds (tumuli) are still visible today.
More info
For more information and to view the new noticeboard, visit our Reigate Heath page.
Last updated : 10/02/2012
