Bridging the gap: exploring the UK’s first lowland heathland green bridge
For decades, the roar of the A3 has acted as a barrier for the wildlife of Surrey. Splitting the landscape between Ockham and Wisley Commons, this busy stretch of road created two isolated “islands” of habitat. Thankfully, this has now officially changed.
In this episode of Surrey Uncommon, we’re really excited to visit the UK’s first lowland heathland green bridge. Far more than a standard footbridge, this structure acts as a living highway for nature; a seamless extension of the heathland itself. Beyond welcoming people, this bridge serves as a dedicated sanctuary for the wildlife that call Surrey home.
James and Will from the @SurreyWildlifeTrust, lead us on a tour across the new bridge, showing us the extensive restoration work taking place on either side. Throughout our walk, we dove into why the green bridge has been built and what wildlife will be using it.
A proud moment for Surrey
Standing on the bridge, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride. This isn’t just a win for Ockham and Wisley; it’s a blueprint for the future of British infrastructure. We are thrilled to see Surrey leading the way in conservation innovation, proving that we can find a balance between our transport needs and the natural world.🌿
A massive thank you to James, Will, and the entire team at Surrey Wildlife Trust for granting us access and sharing their expertise. We truly believe this is just the beginning for green bridges across the whole country. Interested in learning more about this project? Check out a BBC article here.
Experience the UK’s first lowland heathland green bridge
Check out the full video below!👇🏼Please like and subscribe to our Surrey Uncommon YouTube channel. It means a lot! 🩷🔔 Missed the latest episode? Catch up here and see you all on Episode 7.
FAQs about the UK’s first lowland heathland green bridge
In contrast to a standard pedestrian crossing, a green bridge (or wildlife overpass) is a structure covered in vegetation. It is designed to mimic the surrounding environment to encourage animals to cross safely between habitats.
The A3 has historically acted as a major barrier between Ockham and Wisley Commons. The bridge reconnects these two sites to revive a vital corridor, empowering rare Surrey wildlife to move, forage, and mate freely for the first time in generations.
Although the primary focus is on wildlife conservation, the bridge also includes dedicated paths for walkers and cyclists. This allows the local community to enjoy the Commons without the noise and danger of crossing the A3 at road level.
