Hedgecourt Nature Reserve

Hedgecourt is a 33.6-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. It features a variety of habitats including wet woodland and fen, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Located just east of Crawley Down, Hedgecourt Nature Reserve is a serene mix of open water, reedbed, and ancient wet woodland managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. Originally a medieval millpond, the lake and surrounding habitats now support a broad range of waterbirds, dragonflies, and wetland specialists. FeatherFrame includes Hedgecourt as a quiet haven for slow observation and atmospheric photography—perfect for peaceful wildlife moments and seasonal stillness.

Waterbirds, Reedbed Songbirds, and Misty Woodland Scenes

Hedgecourt Lake offers open-water reflections of swans, coots, tufted ducks, and great crested grebes, while the reedbeds and adjacent willow woods provide cover for reed warblers, sedge warblers, and occasional kingfishers. The edges of the reserve are rich with macro subjects—damselflies, fungi, and moss-covered trunks. FeatherFrame photographers appreciate Hedgecourt for its gentle pace and its balance of landscape and behaviour-focused imagery.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Warblers, grebes in courtship, lush woodland floor

  • Summer: Dragonflies, backlit reeds, nesting activity

  • Autumn: Warm woodland tones, fungi, and water reflections

  • Winter: Low sun on still lake, bare branches, and subtle bird drama

Plan Your Visit

  • Access via Effingham Lane near Felbridge (RH19 2RQ), limited parking by the roadside

  • Flat trails, but often muddy—bring boots

  • Best gear: 300–500mm lens for birds, macro lens for woodland textures, tripod for long exposures

  • FeatherFrame tip: visit at sunrise for mist over the lake—pairs beautifully with swan silhouettes or grebe reflections

Did you know?

Hedgecourt Lake is one of the largest semi-natural bodies of water in East Surrey and forms a vital refuge for overwintering birds and rare wetland insects. It’s part of a mosaic of habitats in the Upper Eden Brook catchment. FeatherFrame includes this reserve to showcase the richness of small-scale wetlands and the quiet magic of ancient watery landscapes.