Heritage Open Day: Rye Meadows is a special wetland site in Ashtead, which is the result of a 12 year programme to enhance the nature conservation value of the Rye Brook and its floodplain and to encourage and protect wildlife. In the last 12 years, the landowners and volunteers have been creating a wetland area alongside the Rye Brook. During that time they have planted a Jubilee Wood, reshaped river banks and created ponds and scrapes to encourage the biodiversity of the area. They have laid a hard surface on the two public footpaths to enable circular walks to take place without the need to cross muddy ground and also ensure buggies and pushchairs can be used. Other East/West paths are mown grass and could be too soft for wheelchairs.