Heathland is one of Britain's rarest and most precious habitats, a landscape of fascinating wildlife value that has declined dramatically over the past century. At Green Farm in Surrey, the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) is doing something about it.

This winter, we've put a specialised cut-and-collect machine to work across an area of mature heather. The aim was simple: by carefully cutting and removing some of the older, woodier heather, we could begin to create a more structurally varied habitat. In time, the result will be a mosaic of mature growth and fresh new shoots that benefit a wider range of species than a uniform stand of older heather can.

We’ve done this work now to avoid the breeding season for ground-nesting birds like the nightjar, one of Britain's most enigmatic summer visitors and a species for which Surrey heathland is nationally important.

As the weather warms into early summer, we expect to see the first flush of new heather shoots emerging from the cut areas, bringing with them a burst of colour and a wealth of food for butterflies, bees, and other invertebrates that depend on heather in flower.

The mature, woody heather we're retaining is far from redundant. Dense, tussocky growth provides the kind of cover that reptiles such as adders (below) and grass snakes seek out – warm, sheltered crevices perfect for hiding under.

But the next stage of our work will create something different and equally important. By carefully scraping back topsoil in selected spots to reveal the underlying sand, we'll open up warm, sun-drenched patches ideal for basking reptiles. Sand heats up faster than soil, and for species like the common lizard, slow worm, and adder, these bare, sunlit areas are simply irresistible.

“Over time, we will have a patchwork of habitats across the farm: old heather for reptile cover, new growth for pollinators and birds, and open sandy areas for basking,” explains Helena Darragh, the CRT’s Head of Conservation.

“This is heathland management done thoughtfully and with the long view in mind, and we'll be returning to other sections of the site in the years ahead to ensure the work continues.”

Published: February, 2026.