Caring for Our Countryside: Winter and Early Spring Conservation Across Mole Valley
As we move through winter and into the first signs of spring, Mole Valley’s countryside teams, volunteers, and community partners are busy delivering a wide range of conservation projects across our parks and open spaces. These months may be quieter for wildlife, but they’re some of the most important for habitat restoration, preparing for nesting season, and supporting the long‑term health of our landscapes.
Below is a look at what’s happening across January, February, and March and how local residents can get involved.
January: Community Action and Winter Habitat Work
Heathland Restoration at Milton Heath
On 14 January, the Friends of Deepdene joined us at Milton Heath to continue vital heathland restoration. Heathland is one of Mole Valley’s most precious and threatened habitats, supporting species such as adders, common lizards, and ground‑nesting birds. The council manages significant areas of this rare habitat, and winter is the perfect time to remove encroaching scrub and maintain the open conditions these species rely on.
This work is a great example of how volunteers help protect some of the district’s most important landscapes.
Parkland Restoration at Ashtead Park
From 20–22 January, The Lower Mole Countryside Project will be working with us at Ashtead Park on parkland restoration. A follow‑up session with the Friends of Deepdene the following week will continue this collaborative effort.
Bird Box Awareness Week
As we approach the end of January, we’ll be installing new bird boxes across several of our sites.
Residents can take part at home too. Late January is the perfect time to put up a bird box if you want to see it used this year. With the UK facing a significant decline in many garden bird species, small actions like this can make a real difference.
February: Planting for the Future
Tree Planting Across Mole Valley
Throughout February, we’ll be planting new trees across a number of our sites. These young trees will help strengthen our green corridors, support wildlife, and contribute to long‑term climate resilience.
Dead Hedge Creation at Inholms Lane Claypit
We’ll also be creating dead hedges at Inholms Lane Claypit this is a traditional conservation technique that provides shelter for insects, small mammals, and ground‑nesting birds. This work offers another strong photo opportunity and a chance to talk about how we manage habitats in a sustainable, wildlife‑friendly way.
Spotting the First Signs of Spring
February often brings the earliest hints of the season ahead. We’ll be supporting the Field Studies Council’s “Signs of Spring” project, encouraging residents to look out for early blossom, emerging buds, and returning birds.
March: Preparing for Nesting Season
As bird nesting season begins, our countryside work shifts to lighter maintenance to avoid disturbing wildlife. But there’s still plenty happening across the district.
New Bedding in Our Parks
Residents will start to see new bedding displays being prepared at Mansion Gardens, King George V Memorial Gardens, and Ashtead Recreation Ground. A welcome splash of colour as spring arrives.
Heathland and Access Improvements
Heathland restoration continues at Milton Heath, and volunteers from the Friends of Deepdene will be repairing steps at Glory Wood. While not strictly ecological, this work is essential for maintaining safe, accessible routes across our countryside sites.
Spring Wildlife Watch
We’ll also be keeping an eye on our ponds for frogspawn and looking out for seasonal markers such as blackthorn blossom and the first chiffchaffs of the year.
Get Involved
Whether it’s joining a volunteer session, planting a tree, putting up a bird box, or simply noticing the first signs of spring, there are many ways to connect with nature in Mole Valley. These projects show what we can achieve when the council, community groups, and residents work together to protect and enhance our shared green spaces.



