Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve (Epsom)

A 36-hectare Local Nature Reserve featuring the Hogsmill River, one of the few remaining chalk streams in the UK. The area supports diverse wildlife and offers well-maintained paths for public access.

Following the gentle curves of the Hogsmill River, this local nature reserve weaves through Epsom’s greenbelt, offering a surprisingly wild escape in a suburban setting. Lush riverbanks, wet meadows, and shaded paths support a rich variety of birds and invertebrates year-round. FeatherFrame includes Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve for its blend of intimacy and biodiversity—proof that compelling wildlife stories can unfold just minutes from home.

Kingfishers, Warblers, and Riverbank Quiet

Hogsmill is a well-known haunt for kingfishers, which zip along the river in a flash of blue and orange. Spring and summer bring warblers, chiffchaffs, and long-tailed tits to the scrub and tree-lined borders. Moorhens, mallards, and grey wagtails patrol the shallows. For macro photographers, the wildflower margins teem with butterflies and bees. FeatherFrame photographers value Hogsmill for its quiet accessibility, offering early-morning solitude and golden-hour light across reflective waters.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Kingfishers active, lush growth, bird chorus in full swing

  • Summer: Dragonflies, warblers in song, riverside blooms

  • Autumn: Rustling leaves, soft light, and subtle colour

  • Winter: Bare trees, low sun, and solitary sightings

Plan Your Visit

  • Main access points from Ewell Court, Ruxley Lane (KT19), and Bourne Hall Park

  • Flat, walkable riverside trails suitable for all levels

  • Best gear: 300–500mm lens for birds, macro for insects, and polariser for river reflections

  • FeatherFrame tip: check perches over the river—kingfishers often return to the same fishing spots

Did you know?

The Hogsmill River forms one of the few chalk streams in London’s river system—a globally rare habitat. Its cold, clear waters support specialist wildlife, including rare invertebrates and spawning fish. FeatherFrame includes Hogsmill LNR to highlight the ecological importance of chalk streams and how even modest green spaces can shelter extraordinary biodiversity.