Surrey has lost 85% of its heaths in the last 200 years. Chatley Heath is one such treasure that has miraculously survived the test of time. Today, we stand at the edge of this sprawling 336-hectare reserve. It encompasses not only the iconic Chatley Heath but also Wisley Common, Ockham, and parts of Hatchford. Imagine a tapestry woven with vibrant hues of green – ancient woodlands standing tall beside the purple expanse of the heath. Chatley Heath is not just a visual delight. It’s a haven for a diverse range of species. Dragonflies and damselflies dance amidst the wildflowers. You might even spot a hobby, a rare bird known for its ability to snatch these insects mid-air. Our journey takes us to the crest of Chatley Heath, formerly known as Breach Hill. Here, perched like a sentinel from a bygone era, stands the Semaphore Tower. Erected in 1822, this 60-foot-tall octagonal marvel was once a vital cog in the Royal Navy’s communication network. Imagine a time when messages flew not through wires or airwaves, but through a chain of semaphore signals. This very tower, with its five stories of red brick, was part of a system that stretched all the way from the Admiralty in Whitehall to the Royal Naval Dockyard in Portsmouth. Sadly, due to recent maintenance work, the tower isn’t open to the public. However, we can still marvel at its restored facade, a testament to its enduring legacy. Chatley Heath invites you to breathe in the fresh air, soak in the history, and lose yourself in the beauty of nature.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service