THE DEVIL’S Punch Bowl has been recognised as one of the top wildlife sites in south east England.

The site, which was once separated from Hindhead Common by the A3, has seen huge improvements as a result of the creation of the Hindhead Tunnel by Highways England.

The tunnel has enabled the site to regenerate, thanks to the hard work by the National Trust, support by Natural England.

Six years on from the opening of the tunnel, the site has seen the restoration of fragile and endangered historic heathland habitat, and the return of rare and diverse breeding birds such as woodlark and nightjar.

The heath tiger beetle has been sighted, and conditions are now favourable for the return of the silver studded blue butterfly.

The Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has now been assessed by Natural England as meeting its nature conservation targets, and is considered to be in favourable condition.

Matt Cusack, lead ranger for the National Trust, said: “I am thrilled we’ve achieved favourable status for Hindhead and the Punch Bowl during my watch.

“The removal of the A3 in July 2011 was a major milestone, enabling us to thin trees and transform the site into a swathe of heathland.”

Transformation of the SSSI and the restoration of the landscape within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have also boosted visitor numbers, up 20 per cent from 2011 to approximately 700,000 per year.

Graham Steven, conservation advisor for Natural England, said: “The success achieved at Hindhead and the Devil’s Punch Bowl demonstrates what can be achieved when we work in partnership to balance the needs of people and wildlife.”

Henry Penner, senior environmental advisor with Highways England, said: “The Hindhead Tunnel is a groundbreaking piece of engineering and shows how, by working together, we can deliver a road network fit for the 21st century in a way that not only protects but enhances the environment.

“The tunnel is the longest of its type in the UK. The old A3 around the Devil’s Punch Bowl was filled in using sandstone excavated from the tunnel and a mix of seeds to match the surrounding environment.

“I am delighted that six years on it has been recognised for playing its part in the wildlife success of the Devil’s Punch Bowl SSSI, and recognise the excellent work that Natural England and the National Trust have done to protect and enhance this special place for the country.”