LIGHTWATER COUNTRY PARK

Lightwater Country Park is an important fragment of the once vast Bagshot Heath, stretching to Bracknell and Windsor. The Country Park area has a recorded history going back to saxon times. The main road linking Chertsey Abbey and Frimley Priory skirted the base of High Curley hill. The area was called "whit heke mere" (white, clear water, surrounded by grass), probably a reference to Hammond's Pond, and the source of the name of the nearby village of Lightwater.

 

Children's Playground area Wildfowl Heathland Visitor Centre Leisure Centre Fitness Circuit High Curley Hill Angling Heather Deer often seen here - usually early morning Footbridge over M3 to Bagshot Nature Trail

 


 

A popular location during summer holidays for both children and their mothers!
Located on the left, opposite the 'duck pond' (see '2' below) as you enter the Country Park (continuing on from The Avenue).

 

Many wild fowl gather at the 'duck pond' just inside the entrance to the Country Park. Children love to feed the ducks and geese and in return they see a large variety of wild birds, including the Canada Geese you see in this picture.

The Country Park boasts an excellent fitness trail, including many large frames set up for free use
which draws people from a wide area around Lightwater..

Fitness Trail

 

Deer are often seen in this area of the Country Park. In the early summer uncontrolled dogs
are a potential hazard as young deer can die from the distress of being chased.

Lightwater Leisure Centre offers a range of activities, sports and keep-fit classes - click here for details..
To be sure of classes, book up early if you're interested - telephone number 01276 472662

 

Heathland Visitor Centre is located close to the playing field, car park and public toilets. The centre is used to stage events and is available for school and group hire, in addition to offering a variety of topics to the general public throughout the year.
For details of bookings and opening times, contact the Rangers on 01276 479582.

Staff are available during opening hours to answer questions and help with
any queries about wildlife, the nature trail or the country park in general.

    

 

 

Hammond Pond is a popular place for both solitude and fishing. Lightwater is fairly unique
in offering a touch of the countryside as well as being within easy distance of London
via the M3 which lies parallel to the country park - see '10' below.

 

The open hillsides clothed in Heather with a variety of trees here and there are an ideal
breeding ground for many mammals, birds and other animals - including snake species!
Adders are fairly common on the 'common', so if walking through the heather
on a warm day watch out for Adders basking in the sun!

The top of 'High Curley' is one of the highest points in Surrey, and extensive views are available to the keen-eyed viewer.

 

 

 

The footbridge over the M3 connects the Country Park with the village of Bagshot on the other side.
A quick way to reach Bagshot (and the BR station there) if the car doesn't start one morning!

 

 

The Nature Trail is a unique area of woodland, comprising both dry and wetland areas
providing ideal sites for many species of mammals, birds and other animals.
Free to visitors, the 'trail' offers an interesting insight into the origins of Lightwater.

 

More information about Lightwater's Country Park, the Leisure Centre and Visitors' Centre, can be found here:
http://www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure/leisureactivitiesinsurreyheath/easyaccesstraillightwatercountrypark.htm