Mercers Country Park

A former quarry transformed into a country park, featuring several lakes including Spyne’s Mere, a designated nature reserve. The park is known for its variety of water and woodland birds.

Nestled between Redhill and Merstham, Mercers Country Park is a popular freshwater haven offering a balance of outdoor recreation and wildlife watching. With lakes, wetlands, and wooded margins, the park caters to both casual visitors and dedicated bird photographers alike. FeatherFrame includes Mercers for its blend of accessibility, habitat variety, and year-round bird activity—making it one of the most beginner-friendly reserves in our collection.

Swans, Herons, and Calm Water Compositions

Mercers’ central lake and surrounding reedbeds host mute swans, great crested grebes, tufted ducks, and grey herons. In spring and summer, dragonflies fill the air, while kingfishers may be glimpsed along quieter banks. Its open sightlines make it ideal for capturing birds in flight, and the calm water is perfect for symmetrical reflection shots. FeatherFrame photographers recommend Mercers as a reliable local spot for practicing bird portraiture and composing minimalistic waterscapes.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Nesting waterfowl, blossom, and soft morning light

  • Summer: Dragonflies, juvenile birds, and long golden evenings

  • Autumn: Fading reeds, vibrant skies, and migrating visitors

  • Winter: Quiet waters, overcast tones, and overwintering ducks

Plan Your Visit

  • Main car park on Nutfield Marsh Road (RH1 4EU), with accessible trails and level paths

  • Water activities operate on the main lake—visit early for undisturbed scenes

  • Best gear: 300–500mm lens for birds, wide-angle or 70–200mm for scenic compositions

  • FeatherFrame tip: try low-angle shoreline shooting early in the day for perfect bird reflections

Did you know?

Mercers Country Park is part of the Nutfield Marshes complex—a mosaic of former sand pits now restored for wildlife. Its managed balance of recreation and habitat makes it a model for multi-use green space in the UK. FeatherFrame includes Mercers to show how even popular parks can provide meaningful photographic and conservation opportunities.