Brockham Limeworks

A former chalk quarry with lime kilns now serving as bat roosts, featuring species-rich chalk grassland and diverse flora.

Located between Dorking and Betchworth, Brockham Limeworks is a striking reserve where nature reclaims the past. Towering chalk cliffs, scrub-filled slopes, and lime-stained ground tell the story of its industrial heritage—now transformed into a haven for wildlife. Managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust, this reserve is ideal for photographers seeking visual drama and delicate detail in one scene. Featured in the FeatherFrame industrial rewilding series, Brockham Limeworks is a top pick for those looking to capture textures, butterflies, and birds against the backdrop of time-worn geology.

Rewilded Contrast – Limestone Walls and Butterfly Wings

The cliffs offer strong vertical elements and bold shadows, while wildflowers soften the base with vibrant, fluttering life. Look for marbled white and chalkhill blue butterflies, kestrels hunting from above, and goldfinches in the scrub. The open slopes are ideal for macro work, while wide shots frame a powerful contrast between industry and ecology. This location is regularly featured by FeatherFrame for its dramatic lighting conditions and layered storytelling potential.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Scrub begins flowering, butterflies emerge, and bird song returns

  • Summer: Butterfly peak, kestrel activity, and long evening shadows

  • Autumn: Seed heads, soft backlight, and goldfinch flocks

  • Winter: Stark beauty, cliff texture, and atmospheric minimalism

Plan Your Visit

  • Access from Brockham village or Dorking; no formal visitor facilities—respect boundaries

  • Stick to open areas—cliffs are unstable in some places

  • Telephoto and macro lenses are essential to cover both distance and detail

  • FeatherFrame recommends late afternoon for the best contrast and safe lighting

Did you know?

Brockham Limeworks is a living example of ecological succession on industrial land. As chalk grassland re-establishes, rare invertebrates and bird species return. FeatherFrame advocates for showcasing these transformation stories to celebrate nature’s resilience and promote rewilding awareness.