A stunning new boundary hedge adorns the Fox Corner Community Wildlife Area. The hedge was laid by the Surrey Hedgelaying Group, when a group of experienced hedge layers arrived on site and created a beautiful boundary hedge within a few hours.
Traditional hedge laying involves using the existing stems of trees, and partially cutting through the stems, bending them down horizontally near ground level (called pleaching), which encourages new growth from the base and creates a living fence. Then wooden stakes are inserted into the middle of the hedge to offer support. Finally willow or hazel binders are woven in and out of the stakes to secure everything in place.
The new hedge is made up of Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel and other varieties, and is layed in the specific Traditional Surrey style, as different counties use different methods. The beautifully layed hedge will develop over the next year or so as new growth forms, and will provide a haven for wildlife and birds.
The project was funded by a pledge from Affinity Water, and a donation from the Surrey County Council Community Fund, and a donation from a local resident.
Visitors are welcome to explore the wildlife area, which is open to everyone. The 14 acre site includes streams, a pond, wetlands, woodlands and meadows, and is on the boundary of Pirbright, Worplesdon and Brookwood. Being a local nature reserve, it provides a diverse environment for many different species of animals, reptiles, flora and fauna. The site is home to a variety of native trees, hedgerows, flowers, birds, insects and mammals and so the new hedge enhances the natural habitat of the site.
The 2026 AGM will be held on Wednesday 15th April in the Church Room at St Michael and All Angels Church.
The Wildlife Area is an ideal place for families to visit and have picnics. Running a wildlife area inevitably involves a delicate balance of priorities - protecting and encouraging wildlife and also providing an area which gives pleasure to visitors and residents alike. Most of these are reflected in our Fox Corner Country Code.
Dogs are a particular issue. If uncontrolled, they can alarm wildlife, disturb nests and leave unwelcome excrement anywhere on the site. Groups of children are encouraged to visit to enjoy pond-dipping and mini-beast hunts. For their sake, it is vital that they do not come into contact with the results of dog-fouling. At one stage, we felt that it would be a good idea to ban dogs altogether but after representations from local people, agreed that they could be allowed but strictly only on leads.
We respectfully, but firmly, ask you to abide by this particular rule.