Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs)

St Ann's Hill, St Anns Hill Road, Chertsey is a mainly wooded 25-hectare (63 acres) park set on top of a hill. It has an interesting history and marvellous views over the surrounding countryside. Its commanding position is the reason for it having been a fort, possibly as early as 12,000 years BC. St Ann's Hill is a nationally important archaeological site and much of the hill is covered by Scheduled Ancient Monument status. It was also once part of a formal garden and several exotic trees and interesting features, such as the Nun's Well, remain today.

The woodland on the lower parts of the hill known as Monk's Grove is classified as ancient semi-natural woodland and is carpeted in bluebells between April and May.

St Ann's Hill was opened as a public park in 1928 by the then Minister of Health, Neville Chamberlain. St Ann's Hill is managed as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace in order to create an enjoyable natural environment for recreation, away from the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

Facilities

There are two viewpoints to discover, one facing northwards with an interesting view towards Thorpe Park and Heathrow Airport, and one westward towards Windsor, plus there are picnic benches in the sheltered level grassy area known as the Dingle. Please note, most paths are un-surfaced, and some stretches can be muddy; suitable footwear is recommended. Two small car parks provide free parking, one of which is set aside exclusively for Blue Badge holders.

How to get to St Ann's Hill

By car

There is a small car park just off St. Ann's Hill Road, Chertsey, nearest postcode KT16 9DB - visit the what3words website to view the car park entrance. There is a dedicated disabled parking area on St. Ann's Hill Road, nearest postcode KT16 9NN, that has direct access to the Dingle - visit the what3words to view this entrance. Please note this disabled parking area has a 2-metre height restrictor over the entrance.

By foot and bike

St Ann's Hill lies approximately 2km north-west of Chertsey and 1km south of Thorpe. The park is a 1km (mainly) uphill pedal from National Cycle Network Route 4.

By public transport

The park is approximately a 1.5km walk from Chertsey railway station. Please visit the Surrey County Council website Surrey County Council - Bus timetables for up-to-date details on bus routes and services.

Nature and wildlife

Much of the woodland at St Ann's Hill is classified as ancient semi-natural woodland which means that it has been wooded since at least 1600. Of interest is the number of mature to veteran status trees. The associated standing and fallen deadwood is an invaluable resource for a range of species including birds, bats, invertebrates, and fungi. Although not ancient, the woodland in the north west supports a wet Alder carr with its associated wet loving plant species, a valuable and uncommon habitat in Surrey. Ponds at the Dingle and Monk's Grove are valuable as an additional habitat on site.