Measuring 87 miles, the River Wey is a river in the South East of England. It forms where two streams join near Guildford, forming the Wey. It then meanders north and joins the River Thames at Weybridge.
A superb river if you’re looking for a picturesque paddle, the Wey has a lot to offer for nature and countryside lovers. The river predominantly flows through beautiful Surrey countryside and forms the backdrop to both Newark Priory and Brooklands.
As you paddle along, you’ll notice several water mills along the river bank. There were once many more than what you see today, with many listed in the Doomsday book. The mills have long been used to produce power for grain and various textiles production.
There are also several areas of outstanding natural beauty along the route of the river. They provide brilliant spots to enjoy a range of wildlife.
Wildlife on the River Wey
There is a range of wildlife on view on the Wey. Kingfishers, butterflies, and much more.
During the months of July, August and September you can see dragonflies. At any point in the summer you can also see plenty of damselflies.
The small Pipistrelle bat is a regular sight at dusk. It flies high and appears jerky as it dodges to catch insects. One pipistrelle can eat up to 3,000 insects in one night.
Another bat you can see is Daubenton’s. It is a medium-sized bat, and much more steady flier than a Pipistrelle. They eat insects close to the surface of the water so you have a good chance of seeing one.