Access restrictions lifted at Thursley National Nature Reserve, SurreyUpdate 25/08/07

Visitors are once again welcome at Thursley National Nature Reserve (NNR) in Surrey. The nature reserve has re-opened after a two week closure as part of Defra's disease control measures to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Following the Secretary of State's announcement that access restrictions could be lifted, Surrey County Council and Natural England have removed the closure signs associated with the Foot and Mouth outbreak from the NNR car park and entrance points.

Thursley NNR now lies within Defra's Surveillance Zone, and Natural England is continuing to support all efforts to contain the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. Even though there are no stock grazing on Thursley NNR, Natural England asks that all visitors take the precautionary step of disinfecting their boots on entering and leaving the reserve. Equipment and guidance will be placed by all entrance points.

Foot and Mouth Disease: Thursley National Nature Reserve Closes 11/08/07

Natural England's Thursley National Nature Reserve(NNR)lies within Defra's NPZ2 Protection Zone, near Elstead in Surrey. The Reserve is close to Woolfords Farm, which has been associated with the recent outbreak of FMD. There are no grazing stock on this open access, healthland reserve.

Thursley National Nature Reserve remains open to visitors.
© Natural England

Surrey County Council has received consent from the Secretary of State to close rights of way and other forms of access within this 3km Elstead Protection Zone. In support of Defra's disease control measures, Natural England will close all access to this National Nature Reserve.

Natural England has dedicated Reserve staff who will be assisting the Local Authority with signage and closure, in accordance with Defra guidance.

For more information please contact the Natural England Enquiry Service: Tel: 0845 600 3078 or enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk, or the Natural England press office: 0845 603 9953.

Natural England's priority is to support Defra and farmers in the containment and eradication of this disease and we continue to be in close contact with Defra over our involvement with the control process. Site staff, on notification of the closure order, are working to sign and close all access points on to the heathland reserve as quickly as possible.

Foot and Mouth Disease: Thursley National Nature Reserve Remains Open
CLA Relief at Latest FMD Outbreak Scare
Third Case of FMD Suspected: Temporary control zone established in Surrey