- Oxshott Heath and Woods
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Oxshott Heath and Woods is an area of woods and heathland in Oxshott, Surrey, England covering approximately 200 acres[1] and having an interesting geology where the London Clay stratum meets the overlying sand stratum and emerges to the surface. This has created a sand escarpment, from which views to Box Hill (near Dorking) can be made out to the South. The top of the escarpment is also home to the war memorial. The area is part of Esher Commons and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The woodland contains both deciduous and coniferous trees, notably: mature and young oak; beech; silver birch; birch; and Scots Pine and is bordered to the South by the Waterloo to Guildford via Cobham and Stoke D'Abernon railway line, to the East by the A244 road running between Esher and Leatherhead, to the North by the A3 (Portsmouth Road) (although the wooded area continues north towards Esher as Esher Commons), and the West by encroaching residential development. Oxshott Woods provide a healthy recreational area for local residents, being set on a sloping escarpment.
Unlike the neighbouring Esher Commons, Oxshott Heath is managed by a board of conservators originally established by a provisional order made under the Commons Act 1876, and confirmed by the Commons Regulation (Oxshott) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1904 (c.cxxvii)[2], and the award made under the order.
In 1935 a circular object was found in the Woods and is now displayed in the British Museum. It is an Anglo-Saxon bronze brooch of the early tenth century. It is believed to be manufactured in England and has very fine detailing of snakes carved into it.[3]
In 2007 there was considerable concern at the prospect of tree felling both on the nearby common and in the woods themselves. [4]
References
External links
Categories:- Geography of Surrey
- Forests and woodlands of England
- Elmbridge
- Parks and open spaces in Surrey
- Surrey geography stubs
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