Papercourt Meadows

A wet meadow next to the River Wey that supports a number of rare plants and birds.

Nestled between Send and Ripley in Surrey, Papercourt Meadows is a quiet, bird-rich expanse of floodplain grassland bordered by the River Wey and the Papercourt Lock cut. Managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust, this reserve offers open skies, seasonal wetlands, and hedgerows teeming with life. Whether it’s a charm of goldfinches moving through the thistle patches or a heron rising from the water with deliberate grace, Papercourt Meadows invites the patient wildlife photographer to slow down and observe. It’s an ideal location for those seeking natural behavior, movement, and tranquil, undisturbed scenes across the changing seasons.

Open Air, Flying Wings, and Still Moments

The expansive layout and minimal visual clutter make Papercourt Meadows ideal for photographing birds in flight or grazing in their natural habitat. The waterway and its muddy edges attract herons, egrets, and ducks, while the meadows host skylarks, linnets, and occasionally snipe. Early morning fog rising off the floodplain creates poetic light, and sunset silhouettes of trees across the water lend themselves to moody compositions. Bring a long lens for birds and a wide lens to frame the big skies and open space.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Nesting skylarks, warblers in hedgerows, and fresh green growth

  • Summer: Butterflies in meadow margins, fledgling birds, and dragonflies near water

  • Autumn: Goldfinches, snipe, and thistle heads lit by golden hour

  • Winter: Frosted grass, low sun angles, and egrets moving slowly through the marsh

Plan Your Visit

  • Parking available near Papercourt Lock or Newark Lane; walking access via footpaths

  • Waterproof boots recommended—fields are often waterlogged in winter and spring

  • Telephoto lens (400mm+) is key for photographing shy species from distance

  • Best light is early morning or golden hour—sun travels low across the meadows

Did you know?

Papercourt Meadows is part of the River Wey floodplain, playing a key role in natural water filtration and flood management. Its seasonally flooded areas help support breeding waders and pollinator-rich wildflower zones—vital for ecological balance.