Blocking of Popular Field-side Path Criticised – Councillor to Meet Loseley Estate Manager

Published on: 12 Feb, 2026
Updated on: 13 Feb, 2026

One of the blocked access points to the path that has been used by the public for decades.

By Martin Giles

A field-side path, used regularly by local residents for decades, has been blocked off by Loseley Estate this week. The estate says they want to prevent crop damage and improve conditions for wildlife but critics are sceptical.

The path runs beside the northern edge of fields on the south side of the Hog’s Back between the Mount and the Antennae farm. It is not a public right of way but has been used daily by locals wishing to exercise their dogs or simply to enjoy the view southwards over the Surrey Hills.

Access points have been blocked with branches cut down from the hedgerow that runs between the field and Green Lane, the original roadway that ran from The Mount to the top of the Hog’s Back.

Cut down branches are forming an effective barrier to those wishing to use the path.

Those that are used to using the amenity are angry with the action taken by Loseley Estate and its tenant farmer. Older, lady walkers were witnessed complaining about the length of a diversion they had been forced to take because their normal egress from the field had been blocked. One was heard to say that if it was Loseley Estate’s responsibility she would stop visiting or purchasing their produce.

Cllr Angela Goodwin

A local borough and county councillor, Angela Goodwin (Lib Dem), told The Guildford Dragon NEWS: “Many residents have been in touch with me over the past couple of days raising their concerns about the works being carried out by the Loseley Estate.

“I have this afternoon (Wednesday, Feb 11) spoken with the Estate Manager highlighting the issues shared with me and hope to meet him in person next week along with a member of the St Catherine’s Village Association (SCVA). We will use this opportunity to discuss a way forward for our community.

“I will, of course, do my best to update residents”

Lorimer Burn, chair of SCVA

In a letter to The Dragon, Lorimer Burn, chair of the St Catherine’s Village Association, said that the Estate’s action has “caused consternation amongst the adjacent communities of Guildown, Wodeland Avenue and Onslow Village”.

See: Letter – The Blocking of a Well-used, Valued Path Is Causing Ill-feeling

In his letter, Burn explained that 15 years ago Loseley owner Michael More-Molyneux, before he handed over to his son Alexander, had agreed that the path could be used on a permissive basis with understanding that no right of way was conferred.

In response to a resident’s email, Loseley’s estate manger wrote: “We are currently improving several areas within the estate and carrying out some routine maintenance, and hopefully enhancing the wildlife habit, including the area you have mentioned in your email.

A copy of a notice that Loseley Estate says has been posted by the affected area.

“Please be assured the Estate will not be blocking up any entrances to public footpaths or bridleways. There may be areas off the public right of way and on Loseley land that are being closed to protect the fields from further damage.”

A Guildown resident, Caroline Coleman, commented: “Loseley’s cutting of the scrub and some larger tree trunks and deliberately placing them on access points the walkers use is very sad. There was an easement agreement a few years back and this has now been revoked without warning. Loseley say the work is part of habitats for wildlife. If so, why grub out a hedge?

“We all have enjoyed the views and shelter of the south side of the field and are sorry to have this privilege so brutally revoked. Please can the Moore-Molyneux family explain and not leave it to their management team.”

Last year residents in Compton protested against the large-scale felling of trees by the Loseley Estate in Bummoor Copse but despite objections the work, which had been approved by the Forestry Commission, continued.

Loseley Estate did not respond to the Guildford Dragon’s invitation to comment.

Responses to Blocking of Popular Field-side Path Criticised – Councillor to Meet Loseley Estate Manager

Allison Rowles Reply

February 13, 2026 at 11:38 am

The Loseley Estate compare extremely poorly to the Hampton Estate at Puttenham who work tirelessly to improve their land in terms of bio diversity, and go out of their way to welcome and consult with the local community. The Loseley Estate could not be more different.

I was appalled by the destruction of the Compton Woods [Bummoor Copse], and now have a path that I have used for 30 years blocked with no warning or consultation. And yet more destruction of the hedgerow.
Lisa Mackie Reply

February 13, 2026 at 4:44 pm

I was shocked and saddened by our access to such a beautiful place being revoked – in what feels like quite an undercover operation. I’ve dog walked up along there many times each week for years, and visiting on Friday joined in the sense of mourning that fell on many other walkers, who were all united in our grief.

I hope the Loseley Estate will realise its place in this community and be gracious in finding a way to continue to share this thin strip of land across the top of its field with our community. I will be watching its actions closely.
Alice Grey Reply

February 15, 2026 at 1:23 am

Saying it’s for the “wildlife” but ripping up two meters of hedgerow makes no sense. It’s a flimsy attempt to cover up blocking all ways in and out of the field and feels very aggressive towards a community who have loved and respected the field for decades. Unparalleled views and a special place for a lot of people.
Dominic Margetson Reply

February 15, 2026 at 9:57 pm

Very disappointed with Loseley and how they are destroying their brand locally. Very short sighted.

Every brand is built on the perception of others.

Brand Loseley is clearly damaged by the short-sighted actions of the management team treating locals as simple and unimportant. Wedding bookings, local advocacy, farm shop sales and support for events will all be affected at some point.

Clearly there is a solution to support wildlife and enjoyment of locals using the top field. Additionally, I see rolls of wire discarded across the estate which are likely to snare and kill wildlife. The Estate’s objective of encouraging wildlife after the felling of hedgerows and discarding of wire fences is superficial.

I would like to urge them to have an open and honest conversation to bring the local community back as an important advocacy group of the estate.