Places to see birds

Papercourt

Papercourt is a relatively large area to the south of Woking which was worked for minerals until the mid 1990's. The area encompasses a mix of habitat including wet meadow, marsh, grazing, some woodland and three former gravel pits. In addition, the River Wey runs through the area from Send in the west through to the remains of Newark Priory further east. Much of the site, some 69 hectares, is an SSSI and the Surrey Wildlife Trust manage two reserves, principally Papercourt Marshes, which alone claims 100 species recorded. The reserve is accessible by permit only from SWT. The largest and deepest gravel pit is occupied by the Papercourt Sailing Club but the pit still boasts large numbers of coot with smaller numbers of great crested grebe, tufted duck, pochard and mute swan. Rarer deep water birds have featured over the years, notably in cold snaps, such as goosander and black throated diver. In spring, small numbers of sand martin and the occasional common tern will lift the spirits and kingfisher is always possible. Behind the sailing club is a smaller, undisturbed pond/small lake where gadwall, shoveler, mallard, teal and moorhen can be found with the surrounding trees likely to produce common 'garden' and woodland species.
Between the eastern end of the sailing club pit and Newark Priory, the fields to the east of the road are worth a scan in winter for fieldfare, redwing and the resident thrushes, brambling is possible but difficult with siskin and the more common finches rather more likely sights here and across the area. The Wey between the Priory and Papercourt Lock features grey wagtail and little grebe. Little owls frequent the scattered trees in this area but can be hard to spot. Come the summer, the commoner warblers such as chiffchaff and whitethroat will be scattered across the whole area, along with other common summer visitors like swallow, swift with something rarer, such as hobby, possible.
The only real car park is at the bridge over the Wey close to Newark Priory. It is possible to pull off elsewhere but care is needed.