Thursley Common Boardwalk Voted Britain’s Favourite Path

Published on: 31 Oct, 2024
Updated on: 1 Nov, 2024

Thursley Common Boardwalk Photo Michelle Presley

The beauty of the Thursley Common boardwalk – a restored wetlands area in Elstead – has been recognised with a national award announced by The Ramblers.

The boardwalk is Britain’s Favourite Path, as voted for by the public in a competition led by the walking charity.

Michelle Presley, a member of the Customer Service team at Guildford Borough Council, submitted her nomination along with her photo of the wetlands boardwalk at sunset. A panel of experts reviewed hundreds of competition entries, producing a shortlist of eight. Following a public vote, Thursley Common was awarded the top prize.

Michelle said: “I grew up in Elstead so I’ve walked in this area all my life. When I was young, the wetlands didn’t exist, they have evolved over time. With the help of conservation, there is a vast range of wildlife and nature for us to enjoy. It’s such a special area at sunrise and sunset, and it’s a great place for me to combine walking with my passion for photography.

“I’m so pleased the site, and the hard work local people put in to restore it, is now recognised by walkers from around the country.”

The common and boardwalk were damaged by wildfire in 2020. Waverley Borough Council staff, councillors and local people supported Natural England and the Friends of Thursley Wardens, who manage the site, to restore it for wildlife and for visitors.

Waverley Borough Council also allocated £98,000 towards the restoration from the Community Infrastructure Levy to Elstead Parish Council’s ‘Preserve Our Reserve’ campaign. The project supports the strategy of making both Waverley and Guildford more sustainable boroughs, and becoming more socially and environmentally responsible.

Cllr Steve Williams

Steve Williams, portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability at Waverley Borough Council, said: “The fire at Thursley Common was a devastating blow but the way the local community came together in the aftermath was truly inspirational. So many people volunteered their time to restore the habitat as as possible, and donated generously to ensure this special nature reserve could be restored to its former glory.

“This national award is a recognition of all that hard work, and shows just what can be achieved when we all pull together to make a real difference to our local area.”

Cllr George Potter

George Potter, lead councillor for Environment and Climate Change at Guildford Borough Council, said: “For this fantastic conservation site in Waverley to be recognised and actively promoted by a member of the team at Guildford shows how powerful the partnership between our two councils can be. By working together, supporting partner organisations and local people, projects such as this restoration can become a real success.

“It’s great to see that ongoing local support means Thursley Common is recovering from the devastating wildfire and our community can once again get closer to nature and enjoy the outdoors.”

For more information on Thursley Common Nature Reserve, visit the Surrey Hills National Landscape website.

For information on the Britain’s Favourite Path competition, visit The Ramblers website.