Ash Ranges

An extensive area of open dry heathland owned by the MoD, Ash Ranges is a haven for numerous rare heathland plant, invertebrate and reptile species.

Ash Ranges is one of Surrey’s most expansive and dramatic heathland sites. Spanning over 1,400 hectares of MOD land, this SSSI reserve is rich in lowland heath, wet bogs, dry ridges, and firebreaks. It supports an extraordinary variety of birds, reptiles, and invertebrates, including species like the Dartford warbler, woodlark, nightjar, and silver-studded blue butterfly. For nature photographers, Ash Ranges offers that rare mix of isolation, silence, and scenic variety. A cornerstone location in FeatherFrame’s heathland and songbird photography guides.

Heathland Birds, Early Light, and Atmospheric Firebreaks

Ash Ranges is ideal for long-lens bird photography. Visit in early morning to spot singing woodlarks and stonechats on gorse, or capture the ghostlike flight of a nightjar at dusk. Firebreak paths offer clean backgrounds and soft lines—ideal for framing low-angle subjects. Reptiles bask along sandy edges and dragonflies fill the air over damp patches. FeatherFrame photographers especially value the dynamic light here—whether shooting golden-hour silhouettes or cool midday contrast among silver birch trunks and heath grasses.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Dartford warbler displays, early butterflies, and reptile activity

  • Summer: Silver-studded blues, dragonflies, fledgling birds, and fiery sunsets

  • Autumn: Misty heather, softer light, and structural landscapes

  • Winter: Stark beauty, skeletal birch, and redpoll flocks on seed heads

Plan Your Visit

  • Public access limited to footpaths and designated areas due to MOD activity

  • Park at Ash Vale or Pirbright and enter via marked gates; check MOD access schedules online

  • Bring a 400mm+ lens for birds and a macro lens for insects and flora

  • FeatherFrame recommends sunrise visits for golden heath light and bird song

Did you know?

Ash Ranges is one of the UK’s best remaining examples of lowland heath—an internationally rare habitat. It supports over 50 nationally scarce species. FeatherFrame uses this site to spotlight the importance of military-owned conservation land and the photographic beauty of forgotten wilderness.