Transforming Ewhurst: A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Wellbeing

Maisie McKenzie, our Biodiversity Manager, shares the story behind the transformation of our Ewhurst Factory into a flourishing space that supports both wildlife and our colleagues. Once a heavily overgrown area, this site is now home to a reptile garden, tranquil pond, and artist-crafted wildlife habitats—a perfect blend of biodiversity and wellbeing.

Earlier this year, work began at Ewhurst to renew a dense field of brambles behind the office into a vibrant haven for both people and wildlife. Nestled on the edge of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our Ewhurst site is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Habitats on site include scrub, grassland lagoons, streams, ponds, and ancient woodlands. These diverse habitats support an array of wildlife, including five of the six UK reptile species: Common Lizard, Slow Worm, Adder, Grass Snake, and the elusive Smooth Snake, which is now found in only a few counties, including Surrey and West Sussex.

These remarkable reptiles were the inspiration behind the creation of the Ewhurst Reptile Garden. This space was designed not only to offer colleagues a peaceful retreat amidst nature but also to provide a chance to observe these extraordinary creatures in their natural environment with purpose-built features included to create a reptile-friendly habitat. 

The transformation began in January, with the removal of dense, overgrown bramble. This growth had smothered other plants and rendered the area inaccessible to both people and wildlife. Clearing the bramble revealed a blank canvas, setting the stage for a meaningful transformation that aligns with our Biodiversity Strategy and reflects our commitment to promoting biodiversity and improving our land assets.

Managing our land assets is central to our strategy, and we aim to create valuable habitats and promote regional biodiversity by increasing connectivity with other biodiverse sites. With this in mind, the team’s first step was to create a pond—an essential aquatic habitat that attracts reptiles and supports the prey species they rely on.

To enhance the area further, a custom-built reptile wall was constructed, providing sunny basking spots for these shy creatures while offering colleagues the chance to observe and appreciate the garden’s elusive residents. A winding path was also introduced, connecting the garden to the wider site. This pathway allows colleagues to explore the enchanting ancient woodland safely, without needing to navigate active factory zones.

By integrating these features, we’re not just transforming a neglected area but creating a biodiverse space that nurtures both nature and community.