A Bit About Us

The Mount comprises four north-facing fields of chalk downland, stretching from Guildford up on to the Hog’s Back. As well as rewarding visitors with exceptional views of the surrounding countryside and the London skyline (on a clear day), the Mount forms a rare and highly-biodiverse habitat for plants, insects and birds. 

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These chalk hills formed some 90 million years ago from billions of sea creatures and, lightly grazed for centuries, gave rise to a highly diverse and competitive flora environment, with up to 40 species per square metre. This in turn provides important habitat for numerous insect species, including rare butterflies such as the Small Blue, and nesting sites for Skylarks and other ground nesting birds. 

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Under the auspices of GEF, a group of local volunteers have come together with the aim of helping to maintain and improve this rare site for nature. Important conservation work has been carried out for some time by Butterfly Conservation and, of course, Guildford Borough Council (GBC), who own and manage the site. There is though still much to do and the Mount Volunteers plan to do our bit! 

 

With the significant help of GBC, we held a series of volunteering events throughout the winter of 22/23. An average of nearly 30 volunteers turned up for each of the 5 sessions, digging, popping, pulling and (a bit of) seeding, with the aim of improving the health of the chalk grassland.   

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Over the summer months, we have started our programme of biodiversity events, helping to share an understanding of the wonderful nature at the site.

 

Our hope and aim is to have a long-term impact, helping the community care for and appreciate this important and beautiful site.