Staines Moor

An ideal spot for year-round enjoyment, the moor is an expanse of open countryside. Linked with the adjoining reservoirs of Staines and King George VI, it is internationally important for wintering wildfowl. The moor has been Common Land since 1065 when it was part of the medieval Manor of Staines.

Click here to download our Staines Moor circular walk 

Staines Moor is one of the remaining pastures of the medieval Manor of Staines. The moor has remained unploughed, no use of fertilizer or pesticides for 1000 years making it a very ancient and unique habitat and has been common land since 1065. The moor is common land and is grazed with the help of a group of moormasters who manage the grazing with horse and cattle.  The animals are removed during the winter months to allow the land to recover. The 289 acres is under constant threat from developers and gravel working even though much of it has been a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1955.

Wildlife on the moor can include roe deer, muntjac, foxes, ground nesting birds (including Skylark and Lapwing), birds of prey (including Red Kite, Kestrel, Buzzard, Hobby), Owls that occasionally visit include Barn Owl, Little Owl and Short-Eared Owl.

The anthills at the north of the moor are believed to be the oldest in the UK. They are made by Yellow Meadow Ants.

The Moor can be accessed via Moor Lane (TW18 4YY), Stanwell Moor (TW19 6AT) or by footpath near Wraysbury Gardens (TW18 4US).

Read more here Staines Moor is a Historic and Scenic Landscape

Staines Moor is managed by Spelthorne Borough Council, for further information and contact details please see here