{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} '''Chatley Heath''' is part of a {{convert|336|hectare|sqmi|1}} reserve including Wisley Common, Ockham and parts of Hatchford in Surrey. It is an area consisting of mixed habitats including heathland, ancient woodland and conifer woodland.<ref>[http://www.wildlifeextra.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=14&listcatid=48&listitemid=2096#cr Wildlife Extra - Wisley Common, Ockham & Chatley Heath]</ref> On the top of Chatley Heath (formerly known as Breach Hill) is a tower built as part of the Royal Navy Semaphore line. right|upright=1.3|thumb|Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower The octagonal tower was built as part of the Admiralty semaphore chain which operated between 1822 and 1847. It is the best preserved remaining tower and has a working semaphore mast. It is {{convert|60|ft}} high with five storeys topped by a parapet built of red brick. It was occupied until 1963, when it was condemned as unfit because of lack of services. It then suffered vandalism and was damaged by fire in 1984. Surrey County Council and the Surrey Historic Buildings Trust restored the tower to mark the centenary of the County Council.<ref>[http://www.moleseyhistory.co.uk/books/surrey/industrialHistory/index.html#Fig9 A Guide To The Industrial Archaeology Of The Borough Of Elmbridge]</ref> However the condition of tower has more recently deteriorated, and it is again undergoing restoration, this time by the Landmark Trust who are converting it into self-catering holiday accommodation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our plans for Semaphore Tower |url=https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/Current-Restoration-Projects/semaphore-tower-appeal/our-plans/ |website=Landmark Trust |accessdate=21 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Tom Robins|url=https://www.ft.com/content/79b413d3-6ac3-4e6e-bb4f-a34e7af40aba|title=The Tower Where Time Stood Still|publisher=Financial Times|date=8 April 2021|access-date=12 June 2021}}</ref> There will be public access on certain days when the restoration is complete.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Curley |first1=Rebecca |title=Chatley Tower restoration to make landmark rentable |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/18249227.chatley-tower-restoration-make-landmark-rentable/ |website=Sutton & Croydon Guardian |publisher=Newsquest Media Group Ltd |accessdate=21 March 2020}}</ref>
Its mid-long-distance access is the first exit immediately southwest of the Wisley Interchange of the A3, after meeting the M25 there. A roundabout at the interchange enables access from the Guildford direction. Local alternative access can also be obtained via East Clandon, East Horsley or Pointers Road in Cobham.
== References ==
{{Reflist}} {{Geochain box |Geochain = Admiralty Semaphore line 1822 |type = station |upwards = Coopers Hill |downwards = Pewley Hill }}
{{coord|51.31523|N|0.438268|W|region:GB-BKM_type:landmark|display=title}}
Category:Towers in Surrey Category:Parks and open spaces in Surrey Category:Napoleonic beacons in England