Dear Friends of Knowle Park,
Spring is on its way, and we have plenty of updates to share about improvements, wildlife, and upcoming events at Knowle Park.
Read on to find out what’s happening in the park this month!
Path Improvements: Enhancing Accessibility
Regular visitors will have noticed that some of our paths have become soft or muddy over the winter months. While rain hasn’t been the main issue, the freeze-thaw cycle has caused fine materials to be ‘blown’ to the surface, affecting the firmness of the paths.
We’re committed to improving year-round accessibility, and we’ve recently completed four days of groundworks with a mini digger to create additional drainage channels in key areas.
Next, our contractors will add 50–60 tonnes of stone material to the softest areas to improve conditions, particularly in sections such as paths around the Leighwood Fields entrance, in front of the Osier Bed, and along public footpath 393. Some temporary closures may be necessary as we carry out this work, but we’ll ensure everything is open for Cranleigh parkrun and junior parkrun at the weekends.
Please follow any signage or fencing to help us complete the work safely. Thank you for your patience as we make these improvements!
Exciting Bird Sightings: Greylag Geese & Swans Nesting
Birdwatchers will be delighted to hear that we’ve now recorded 62 different bird species in Knowle Park! Our latest addition is a group of four Greylag Geese spotted flying overhead, a wonderful sight as these birds are the ancestors of most domestic geese.
Meanwhile, our resident Mute Swans, Harry and Sally, have begun selecting a nesting site, marking the start of their breeding process. Please give them plenty of space and ensure dogs are kept on leads at all times to avoid disturbing them.
You can find our ‘bird log’ at Heartwork Coffee; please do add your own observations!
Tree Safety Works
We recently had essential tree safety works on three diseased Ash trees near the pedestrian entrance on Knowle Lane, which were removed.
Additionally, a large Oak tree near the car park and WC block has been inspected and deemed unsafe. Instead of removing it entirely, we will be reducing it to a 4-metre monolith, which will provide an important habitat for wildlife.
Thank you for your understanding as we carry out these necessary works to keep the park safe.
New Bleed Kits Installed
We’re pleased to announce the installation of two new bleed control kits in the park, located at the WC block in the car park and on the back of the Heartwork Coffee kiosk. These kits contain tourniquets, hemostatic dressings, compression bandages, and other essential supplies to help manage severe bleeding until emergency services arrive.
Our hope is that they will never be needed, but having them available could save lives in an emergency.
Please remember, in any serious medical situation, call 999 immediately.
Restoring the Ancient Osier Bed: Volunteers Needed!
We’re embarking on a five-year restoration project for our ancient Osier Bed, with plans to coppice trees, replant Osier willow, and (in the longer term, when tree safety works are complete and funding allows) create visitor access with a raised boardwalk.
We’ve applied to the Forestry Commission for a felling licence and are now forming a woodland working group for volunteers interested in getting involved. Training and equipment will be provided, so if you’d like to take part in this exciting conservation project, get in touch!
New Outdoor Art Gallery: ‘A Face in the Trees’ Exhibition
We’re thrilled to introduce The Secret Garden, our new outdoor community art space near Heartwork Coffee and Moooh! Ice Cream.
The first exhibition, ‘A Face in the Trees’, opens on Saturday 5th April and features wooden sculptures created by local students in collaboration with sculptor Ella Fielding. After the two-week exhibition, the sculptures will be placed around the park as a permanent woodland trail. We can’t wait to share this unique project with you!
The space is currently roped off to allow the grass to grow, so please wait until the exhibition starts before entering this space.
We’re also inviting local artists to reserve a day or weekend in the art gallery, so they can exhibit and sell their works. Please get in touch if you would like to reserve a day or two to exhibit your paintings or other artwork in the park.
Upcoming Events
Annual Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday 19th April, 3pm Join us for a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt for under-10s! A limited number of free tickets are available—register in person at Heartwork Coffee (open 9am–1pm Monday to Thursday, 9am–3pm Friday to Sunday).
Park Pooches Fun Dog Show – Sunday 4th May, 2pm Bring your four-legged friend for our first-ever fun dog show! With ten different categories and prizes to be won, it’s a great chance to celebrate our canine companions. Entry is free—stay tuned for more details!
Woodland Wildlife Experience – Saturday 24th May, 2pm Connie from Wild About Britain is returning to Knowle Park with her amazing wildlife ambassadors. This hands-on experience is perfect for children to learn about the creatures living in our woodlands. Spaces are limited—book early to avoid disappointment!
Grub & Groove in the Park – Monday 26th May, 12–8pm Celebrate our second birthday with a day of fantastic food, live music, and community fun! We’re welcoming local food stalls, live cooking demos, and brilliant musicians. If you’re a local food or drink business or a musician interested in taking part, get in touch!
We hope to see you at the park soon. Thank you for your continued support in making Knowle Park a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy.
Best wishes,
The Knowle Park Trust Team
