The sale of an area of woodlands between the A31 and the North Downs Way has provided an opportunity to protect an important area of green space from future development – but only if additional funds can be secured. 

The Snailslynch Wood Community Project has been established as a charity by local residents in to purchase and protect approximately four acres of land which are bounded by the A31, the North Downs Way and the BP garage.

The land came up for sale in 2022 and was bought by a local benefactor to avoid the risk of inappropriate development – now the trustees are raising funds to purchase the land from the current owner in order to secure the long-term future of the site.

The group aims to purchase the land, known as Snailslynch Wood, to protect the environment as a natural habitat for the benefit of the community. 

The site is already home to many mature trees and diverse wildlife – the project aims to sensitively manage the site and plant additional trees to further improve the area. Because of its location alongside the A31, the land also performs a valuable role absorbing pollution from the dual carriageway.

The project chairman, Stephen Pallant, said: “Although the site is relatively small, it is valuable habitat for wildlife. Being so close to the River Wey, the land may initially seem unsuitable for development, but that does not guarantee that it could not be bought and a remaining green oasis lost to Farnham. The group aims to protect the land in the long term and manage it conservatively as an asset for the local community.”

Through generous donations and pledges from local residents, the project has raised just over £50,000, but that leaves a gap of approximately £10,000 to allow the group to purchase the land. 

Donations would be gratefully accepted and can be made through the charity’ s fundraising page on https://www.justgiving.com/snailslynch

Further information about the project can be found on the group’s website at https://snails-lynch-community-land.mailchimpsites.com