Chobham Common National Nature Reserve

An extensive area of open dry heathland scattered with mixed woodland, managed on behalf of the MOD.

Spanning over 1,400 acres, Chobham Common is the largest and oldest National Nature Reserve in southeast England. This expansive lowland heath, interlaced with bog pools, pine clusters, and sandy ridges, is a stronghold for rare species and a paradise for wildlife photographers. FeatherFrame highlights Chobham for its scale, dramatic lighting opportunities, and unparalleled access to iconic heathland scenes right in the heart of Surrey.

Dartford Warblers, Nightjars, and Sundew-Stained Mornings

Chobham is one of the best places in Britain to photograph Dartford warblers, stonechats, woodlarks, and—after dusk—elusive nightjars. Silver-studded blue butterflies and green tiger beetles decorate the trails in summer, while bog pools reflect haunting skies in autumn. FeatherFrame photographers value Chobham’s openness, its interplay of shadow and light, and the persistent possibility of striking encounters—from buzzards soaring high to lizards basking at your feet.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Dartford warblers active on gorse, woodlarks singing

  • Summer: Nightjars at dusk, butterflies, warm directional light

  • Autumn: Early mist, golden heathland grasses, and high raptor activity

  • Winter: Stark silhouettes, clearer visibility, and soft heath textures

Plan Your Visit

  • Multiple access points; main car park off Staple Hill (GU24 8TP) is recommended

  • Some trails are firm, others boggy—boots essential

  • Best gear: 400–600mm lens for birds, macro for insect detail, wide-angle for sunrise/sunset heathscapes

  • FeatherFrame tip: Arrive pre-dawn in late summer—first light over Chobham’s open heath with a calling warbler is unforgettable

Did you know?

Chobham Common is designated both a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It protects some of the last remaining lowland heath in Europe, a habitat rarer than rainforest and home to an extraordinary array of specialist species. FeatherFrame includes Chobham to honour its legacy and to help photographers reconnect with landscapes shaped by fire, wind, and centuries of quiet resilience.