Hankley Common
- David Young
- Jan 14
- 1 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Hankley Common is a large 560-hectare (1,400-acre) area of open heathland and woodland in west Surrey, lying between Thursley, Elstead and Tilford. The site is part of the Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest, it is part of the wider Thames Basin Heaths landscape and is valued for its rare heathland habitats, wildlife, and panoramic views. The site has woodland and lowland heath with heather and gorse. Birds include nightjars and Dartford warblers and there are other fauna such as adders and common lizards. It is used by the Ministry of Defence for training purposes which often requires the closure of certain areas.
This recent FaceBook post (February 2026) from one of our Parish Councillors, Phoebe Sullivan, illustrates the MOD's involvement in the upkeep of Hankley Common:
The Atlantic Wall as it is today.
