Lisa Traynor, Author at Banstead Commons Conservators

Life through the lens – Neil Gray’s Downs Diary Captures the magic of Banstead Downs

Banstead Downs, one of Surrey’s most treasured chalk grasslands, has long been a haven for wildlife — and now, thanks to local volunteer Neil Gray, its natural wonders are being beautifully showcased online for everyone to enjoy Neil returned to the UK in retirement, having spent many years working as a Geologist in Africa and began visiting the Downs as a personal project to become reacquainted with the flora and fauna of the...

Protect Banstead Commons: Stop the Spread of Invasive Species from Fly-Tipped Green Waste

Banstead Commons are treasured natural spaces within our local community—a place where wildlife thrives and residents enjoy peaceful walks and scenic views But this special area is under threat from a growing problem: illegal green waste fly-tipping While it might seem harmless to dump garden clippings or prunings on the commons, this practice is not only illegal, it’s also ecologically damaging Green waste often contains invasive...

Nature Nurtures Collaborative Wellbeing Project

Nature Nurtures We are collaborating with the Mary Frances Trust to deliver FREE nature-based group activities for adults (16+) in Surrey Downs to support mental and emotional wellbeing Spending time in nature is a proven way to reduce stress, lift mood and enhance physical health No experience is needed and we will provided all the guidance and tools you will need This project is open to all Surrey Downs...

Joint Action Meeting with Surrey Police to tackle the issue of off-road bikes on Banstead Commons

Banstead Commons Conservators would like to invite local residents to a joint action meeting to tackle the issue of off-road bikes on Banstead Downs We will be joined by Inspector Jon Vale and Sergeant Andy Prowse from Surrey Police with Support from Councillor Lisa Webster as well as senior managers of Banstead Downs Golf Club and Walton Heath Golf Club We are very grateful to Banstead Downs Golf Club for hosting this important meeting on...

Love Dogs, Love Nature Forum

We are a nation of dog lovers with the Dogs Trust estimating that there are as many as 13 million dogs in the UK The Love Dogs, Love Nature Project, facilitated by Surrey Hills Natural Landscapes, has recently been set up to provide joined up education, advice and to develop constructive ideas on how to best manage the relationship between dogs and our natural environment Our staff attended their recent event on Thursday 27 March, with Dr...

BCC Licensing scheme for Professional Dog Walkers is launched!

Banstead Commons Conservators launched their Professional Dog Walking Licence Scheme this month From the 1 April, all commercial dog walkers who are paid and insured animal care workers are required to be licenced if they take dogs in their care onto Banstead Commons  The scheme has been introduced in response to an unprecedented increase in commercial dog walking activities on the Commons putting visitors and wildlife at risk Our...

BCC to license Professional Dog Walkers

Banstead Commons Conservators are implementing a professional dog walking licence scheme on Banstead Commons from 1 April, 2025 From this date, all professional dog walkers operating their business on any of our four sites (Banstead Heath, Banstead Downs, Park Downs and Burgh Heath) must be licensed to walk on them Dog walking companies who have not registered their operations once this is in effect, will be in breach of our bye laws and...

Nature Detective Day Competition Winners!

Congratulations to our competition winners who correctly guessed the age of our Oak tree at our Nature Detective Days this summer In return for their efforts, the eight winners all won their own slice of a tree with a certificate of authentication that gave details of the location where the tree fell on Banstead Commons earlier this year It was lovely to see our young Nature Detectives again when they collected their prize in...

Our First Nature Detective Day – Saturday 8th June

Our first Nature Detective Day on Banstead Downs was a huge success Families came along to explore the wonderful chalk grassland habitat, learning about its wildlife and how help conserve its natural beauty Activities included a Bug Hunt, Nature Walk and an opportunity to Meet the Sheep Our team of staff and volunteers were on hand to help, and they were all impressed with the curiosity and enthusiasm everyone showed in finding out about...

Author: Lisa Traynor