Flip Cargill, from Leatherhead Residents' Association, has applied for Village Green status to be given to Leach Grove Wood.
Her application to protect the area behind Leatherhead Hospital has been accepted by Surrey County Council but Mrs Cargill is now seeking support from others to back her appeal.
"These woods are special because they have been used for a long, long time by local people," she told the Advertiser.
"When I first started using them they were really beautiful and I just remember looking at the foliage in the autumn time and seeing all these beautiful golden colours."
In order for the bid to be approved, it must be proven to be mainly used by nearby residents – rather than, for example, day-trippers – and must have been in use for at least 20 years. Mrs Cargill has already received enough evidence for the application to be accepted but is seeking 340 more forms before May 10, when she must submit them to the county council.
"Village Green status would mean it would be pretty safe against development," said the Windfield resident.
"There's also a lot of wildlife there. The lesser spotted woodpecker is often seen there."
The protection of the woods was last debated in the 1980s, when the county council proposed selling the land to developers.
At the time the Leach Grove Protection Society was formed and the land was allowed to remain undeveloped.
The current classification of the site is Strategic Open Land, but a change to Village Green status would provide a higher level of protection.
"The woods are a place where we stop and reflect," said Mrs Cargill. "There's always children playing. It's just lovely."
Anyone who has used Leach Grove Wood while living in Leatherhead in the past 20 years can fill out an Evidence of Use form.
Call Mrs Cargill to get one on 01372 363589, e-mail leachgrove@leatherheadresidents.co.uk or visit 54 Windfield, Leatherhead.
