Report on the Declaration of Wealden Heaths as a New National Nature Reserve

Introduction

On 27 June 2025, Natural England officially declared the Wealden Heaths in Surrey as the 9th National Nature Reserve (NNR) under the King’s Series initiative. This reserve, encompassing 2,765 hectares, is a significant step towards achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Overview of Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve

• Location: Surrey countryside, near London, accessible to over 250,000 people.
• Size: Approximately three times larger than Richmond Park, covering 2,765 hectares.
• Habitats: Includes open dry and wet heath, acidic grassland, regenerating woodland, and scrubby heath.
• Species: Home to rare and protected species such as sand lizards, nightjars, adders, and natterjack toads.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: Inspired literary figures like Alfred Lord Tennyson and Arthur Conan Doyle; includes the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a natural amphitheatre with rich folklore.

Partnership and Collaboration

The reserve is managed through a partnership of nine organizations, demonstrating a collaborative approach to conservation aligned with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):

1. Natural England
2. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
3. National Trust
4. Surrey Wildlife Trust
5. Hampton Estate (private farming estate)
6. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust
7. Waverley Borough Council
8. Surrey County Council
9. Forestry England

Significance for Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Protection and restoration of heathland habitats, which have declined by 80% in England over two centuries.
• Conservation of rare species, ensuring biodiversity preservation.
• Inclusion of over 900 hectares of previously undesignated land into conservation management.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Management of regenerating woodland and heathland to enhance carbon sequestration.
• Creation of resilient habitats that can withstand extreme weather events such as flooding and drought.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Provision of accessible green spaces for walking, cycling, and riding, promoting physical and mental health.
• Enhancement of public engagement with nature, fostering wellbeing and environmental awareness.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Boost to the local economy through increased visitor spending and nature-friendly farming practices.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Nature Minister Mary Creagh

Highlighted the government’s commitment to reversing nature’s decline, improving access to nature, and supporting local economies through the establishment of new National Nature Reserves.

Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England

Emphasized the cultural and ecological importance of the landscape and the role of the reserve in inspiring future generations and supporting rare species.

Partner Organizations

• Molly Biddell, Hampton Estate: Expressed pride in managing the heathlands through conservation grazing and woodland management to increase biodiversity.
• Councillor Steve Williams, Waverley Borough Council: Recognized the reserve as a valuable community asset enhancing quality of life and local economy.
• Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills National Landscape: Praised the partnership approach to heathland restoration addressing the biodiversity crisis.
• Dr Tony Gent, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust: Advocated for collaborative landscape-scale conservation to support native amphibian and reptile populations.
• James Herd, Surrey Wildlife Trust: Stressed the importance of connected and protected habitats at a landscape level.
• Stephanie Fudge, National Trust: Highlighted the benefits of joining habitats to support species resilience and improve public access.
• Surrey County Councillor Marisa Heath: Described the reserve as a beacon of hope for nature and people, contributing to health and wellbeing.
• Craig Harrison, Forestry England: Welcomed the inclusion of Crooksbury Common and the landscape-scale partnership approach.

Conservation and Public Engagement Initiatives

• Integration with the Heathland Connections Nature Recovery Project, funded by Defra and Natural England, focusing on habitat enhancement and connectivity.
• Maintenance of popular walking paths, including the Thursley Common Boardwalk, named ‘Britain’s Favourite Path’.
• Promotion of nature-friendly farming practices within the reserve to support biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Future Outlook

The Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve is part of a broader government strategy to create or extend 25 National Nature Reserves by 2027, contributing to a lasting public legacy for nature and people. This initiative aligns with the UK’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable community development.

Additional Information

• The reserve combines the existing Thursley NNR (325 hectares) with 2,440 hectares of partner-managed land, including 1,784 hectares designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
• The total area of National Nature Reserves in England now exceeds 115,000 hectares across 223 reserves.
• Images and further resources are available through Natural England’s official channels.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses on the creation of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve, which protects heathland habitats and rare species such as sand lizards, nightjars, and natterjack toads.
   • It highlights efforts to restore and conserve biodiversity and natural habitats, directly relating to SDG 15’s goal to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The reserve is accessible to over a quarter of a million people, providing green spaces that contribute to health, well-being, and sustainable urban living.
   • It supports inclusive access to nature and outdoor activities, enhancing quality of life for local communities.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article mentions the potential boost to the local economy through visitor spending and nature-friendly farming practices.
   • It supports sustainable tourism and local economic development linked to conservation efforts.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The reserve is a collaboration among nine partners including government agencies, trusts, councils, and private estates, exemplifying multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect threatened species.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Area of land under conservation management (e.g., 2,765 hectares of greenspace designated as National Nature Reserve).
   • Population trends of rare species such as sand lizards, nightjars, adders, and natterjack toads.
   • Extent of heathland habitats restored or maintained (noted decline of 80% in last two centuries and efforts to reverse this).
2. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Number of visitors accessing the reserve (hundreds of thousands of people).
   • Accessibility and availability of green spaces near urban areas (reserve located within 45 minutes of London).
3. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Economic impact measured by visitor spending and local economic benefits from nature-friendly farming and tourism.
4. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Number and diversity of partners involved in the reserve’s management (nine partners including government, trusts, councils, and private estates).
   • Extent of collaborative projects such as the Heathland Connections Nature Recovery Project.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: gov.uk