A local boardwalk that was restored after being destroyed in a fire has been recognised with a national award.

Thursley Common boardwalk in Elstead has been named Britain’s Favourite Path by the public in a competition run by walking charity the Ramblers.

It was nominated by Michelle Presley who grew up in the area and she has walked around the nature sites for years.

She said:  “I want the people who put so much into protecting and conserving Thursley Common to be recognised. 

“It’s important, looking after places and paths like this, because how do people fall in love with a place if they're not able to go and visit it? 

“I just loved the way the whole community came together after the fire to bring it back. It might be one of the underdogs, but it's a little hidden gem.” 

The boardwalk was decimated in a wildfire in May 2020, thanks to extensive fundraising efforts from the local community, it was able to be restored and reopened in April 2023.

Jack Cornish, head of paths at the Ramblers and head judge for the competition remarked: “The winning path at Thursley Common is easy for everyone to use, helps people connect to nature and really brings the local community together. It’s a picture-perfect path, with a powerful story behind it.”

The boardwalk is part of the Thursley National Nature Reserve which is managed by Natural England.

James Gile from Natural England commented: “I’m delighted that the boardwalk is being celebrated by the public and recognised as a special place to enjoy the countryside.

“If we look after this natural space with the help of responsible walkers, it can be enjoyed by generations to come.”

For her nomination, Ms Presley will receive a Cotswold Outdoor voucher and see the path featured on a billboard next year.