Welcome To Banstead Commons

Banstead Commons consists of 1350 acres (550 hectares) of open green spaces and are comprised of four separate areas; Banstead Heath, Banstead Downs, Park Downs and Burgh Heath.

Banstead Commons are owned by Reigate and Banstead Council.  As a result of the Metropolitan Commons (Banstead) Supplemental Act of 1893, the Commons are managed by the Banstead Commons Conservators. The Act conferred upon the Conservators a statutory duty to ensure safe and free access for the public to the commons and to protect the Commons from damage and trespass.

Whilst society and the local area have changed greatly over the 130 years, the role of the Conservators has remained essentially the same: to protect the integrity of the Commons from landowners and other external pressures.

Our Commons

Banstead Downs

Banstead Downs is a rare Chalk Downland habitat and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The area is made up of a mosaic of habitats including species-rich grassland, scrub and secondary woodland which provides the perfect environment for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

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Banstead Heath

At 760 acres, Banstead Heath is the largest of our four sites and perhaps the most varied. It is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) and boasts a mosaic of different habitats.

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Park Downs

Park Downs is the smallest of the areas we manage and forms part of Chipstead Downs Site of SSSI. The site lies on a steep south-facing slope opposite Banstead Woods with spectacular views over the valley.

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Burgh Heath

Nestled amongst high density housing, Burgh Heath is an important amenity for residents and has extremely high visitor numbers at all times of the year. The site consists of areas of woodland with attractive glades where relative peace and tranquillity can be found.

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