UK’s First Heathland Green Bridge Opens Near East Horsley
A Historic Green Link for East Horsley and Wisley Commons
For nearly five decades, the busy A3 dual carriageway has acted as a formidable barrier, slicing directly through the precious Ockham and Wisley Commons. But a pioneering new project is changing the landscape for local residents and wildlife alike. The newly opened Cockrow Bridge, located just a short distance from East Horsley, is the UK’s very first heathland green bridge. This impressive £2.7 million structure spans 65 metres across the A3, reconnecting a 600-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that has been divided since 1979. For the first time in 45 years, rare species such as smooth snakes, sand lizards, and frogs can migrate safely between the two commons. Designed with a unique split-purpose layout, the bridge features a dedicated soil and heather-covered corridor on one side to foster lowland heathland habitats, while the other side offers a safe, traffic-free path for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. This landmark bridge is a major win for conservationists who have long argued that major transport infrastructure has isolated local wildlife populations, shrinking their gene pools and threatening rare habitats.
Transforming Our Local Environment and Infrastructure
This ambitious environmental corridor was delivered by National Highways as a flagship feature of the broader £317 million M25 Junction 10 upgrade. Collaborating closely with the Surrey Wildlife Trust, project leaders have hailed the bridge as a turning point in demonstrating how modern transport infrastructure and delicate ecosystems can coexist. For local residents who have endured years of orange barriers, nocturnal lane closures, and diversion signs, the bridge marks a significant milestone in the project's final phases. Just as a homeowner in nearby Guildford might enlist local bathroom fitters for a comprehensive bathroom refurbishment to transform a cramped, outdated space into something highly functional, this massive engineering effort has successfully modernised a notoriously congested junction while breathing new life into the surrounding countryside. Jonathan Wade, Senior Project Manager for National Highways, expressed immense pride in the team's ability to pivot from a standard highway design to create a beautiful, six-kilometre non-motorised route that serves both the human and animal communities of Surrey.
What This Means for Residents and What to Watch Next
For the communities surrounding the junction, the opening of Cockrow Bridge offers an immediate and exciting new outdoor destination. Local horse riders, cycling clubs, and weekend walkers can now access a continuous, safe bridleway network without having to brave the dangerous slip roads of the A3. To experience the new green bridge, residents can park at the existing Ockham Common or Wisley Common car parks and follow the newly signposted footpaths leading up to the crossing. As you explore, local conservationists ask that visitors stick strictly to the designated pathways, leaving the sandy, heather-lined wildlife corridor undisturbed so that sensitive species can establish their new homes. Moving forward, residents should watch for the final touches on the remaining seven bridges and slip roads around the Wisley Interchange, which are expected to significantly ease commuter congestion over the coming months. It is a proud moment for our corner of Surrey, proving that forward-thinking engineering can protect our rich local heritage while keeping our county moving.
Source: ‘UK's first' green bridge opens over A3 offering walkers and wildlife safe route
