Riverside Park, an 80 hectare Local Nature Reserve, straddles the A3 from Burpham to Ladymead. It is owned, managed and funded by Guildford Borough Council with special emphasis on nature conservation and habitat creation.

Since its conception in the late 1970s the Park has grown as additional parcels of land have been acquired.

The main body of land was acquired in the mid-1980s. The lake and meadow around it were by-products of gravel extraction during the construction of the new A3 Guildford by-pass. At this time conservation work was carried out to preserve the wetland habitat to the north of the A3 and the boardwalk was constructed to allow public access to this area. Since then conservation work has also been carried out to preserve the wetland habitat to the south of

the A3.

Conservation is an ongoing process.

Recreational pursuits are encouraged within the site. Activities such as dog walking, picnicking, jogging and bird watching are catered for through the provision of picnic sites, footpaths and recreation areas. However, fishing is prohibited as is kite flying, due

to overhead cables.

The Park consists of four main habitats: meadow, wetland, open water and woodland.

MeadowGrass covers the majority of the Park and provides a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. Current management involves different mowing regimes which encourage this diversity.

In some locations informal paths are cut through the grass sward.

WetlandThese low lying areas are permanently marshy with occasional flooding in the winter months. This habitat is especially important due to its rarity and its ability to support a diverse range of birds, amphibians and insects.

To retain this habitat, it is necessary to remove invasive trees such as willow, which dry the marsh, and regularly to clear out the water courses to eradicate the build up of silt.

A boardwalk has been provided to guide people through the least sensitive areas of wetland.

Open WaterThe majority of open water in the Park is contained within the man made lake in the centre of the site. This is an important habitat for birds and fish, with bird species and numbers fluctuating throughout the year due to the influx of migratory species.

WoodlandThere are two main areas of mature woodland. They contain mainly Oak, Ash and Chestnut. Sensitive placement of footpaths and a boardwalk have allowed a wide range of flora and fauna to flourish and grow undisturbed while retaining access through the woodland.

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General Information

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Things to see at RiversidePark

Please remember

Wild FloraA wide range of wild flora including ox-eye daisies, field scabious and sorrells can be found on the open meadow.

An assortment of reeds, sedges and grasses dominate the wetland, notable reed sweet grass (Glyceria maxima). The white flowered meadow sweet, yellow flag iris and bright rose-pink flowers of the willow herb are also present.

On the woodland floor bluebells and red campions can be seen in spring with

honeysuckle following in the summer months. Marsh marigolds are found in the wetter woodland areas.

The lake is fringed by Phragmites reed.

TreesThe dominant woodland species are Oak, Ash and Chestnut while holly, brambles and elderberry flourish on the woodland floor.

The majority of the hedgerows are blackthorn and hawthorn while Alders and Willows thrive on the marshland and riverbank.

BirdsA diverse range of birds benefit from the different habitats within the Park which provide refuge, breeding sites and food sources. The species and numbers vary with the seasons. Migratory species such as warblers, winter gulls, common tern and snipe visit, however, many species are present all year round.

Great crested grebe, water-rails and reed buntings can be found in the wetlands and the presence of kingfishers and herons confirms a good supply of fish in and around the wet areas where they feed.

Some of the large areas of grassland

support skylarks, meadow pipits and small flocks of goldfinches.

Within the woodland areas wrens and treecreepers can be spotted and noisy woodpeckers can be heard before they are seen.

MammalsDry grass areas provide excellent cover for mice, voles and shrews. In wetter areas and around the lake predators such as weasels and water voles can often be seen.

A cracking branch or rustle of leaves can indicate the presence of a roe deer, rabbit or grey squirrel within the scrub or woodland area.

InsectsAround the lake and wet areas dragonflies hunt whilst blue and black bodied male damselflies dally. In the lake water boatmen rest or row themselves along, upside down, with hind legs.

Reptiles and AmphibiansThe wetland provides an excellent habitat for newts, toads, frogs and swan mussels, which in turn attract their predator the grass snake. Grass snakes will not do you any harm.

Parts of the Park may be wet or muddy during bad weather so before setting out remember to take suitable footwear.

Follow the Countryside Code - take care not to disturb birds and animals, take your litter home and leave wild flowers for others to appreciate.

Please ensure that dogs are kept under control, especially by the lake.

Keep dogs on a lead when walking on the wetland boardwalk.

If you have any questions about Riverside Park please telephone Parks & Countryside Services on (01483) 444715/8 or

email: parks@guildford.gov.uk

Additional information may be found on the Park & Countryside Services web pages of the Borough Website www.guildford.gov.uk

Guildford Borough Council would like to thank the following organisations for their contributions to the development of the Park:

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