Science

Under leaden skies with a face full of wind there's nowhere like Copt Hall for refreshing the mind and blowing away the cobwebs.

As a working farm, our work at Copt Hall balanced arable crop production and access with coastal nature conservation. Our work ranges from creating nectar-rich field margins for insects and adders to the maintenance of wet grassland for waders and wildfowl.

This extensive park, over 120 hectares (300 acres), was laid out in the 1970’s. Formerly Newbold Comyn Farm, it was acquired by Leamington Corporation in 1943. The northern half is an 18-hole pay-and-play golf course; the southern half provides for recreation, sport and wildlife. The old farmhouse is now a pub, the Newbold Comyn Arms. Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre has a 25 metre swimming pool, children’s fun pool, Pyramids fitness suite and other facilities.

Welches Meadow and the Leam Valley Local Nature Reserves are situated in Newbold Comyn Country Park.

Lobbington Meadow is an unimproved species-rich hay meadow which faces north east on the banks of the River Dene and exhibits ridge and furrow topography. The meadow overlies Lias clays and shales which have given rise to a calcareous soil.

Holmwood Common is at the heart of the local community and is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by all. It’s just off the A24 (south of Dorking), so why not break a car journey south to the coast with a stop? Stretch your legs and explore...

Dappled woodland and sunny clearings greet you – beautiful countryside for walking, horse riding and cycling. The common is fairly flat and ideal for families to explore, but it can be wet underfoot. Great fun though for kids who like squelching in mud with their brightly coloured wellies.