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A small flock of thirty sheep will be introduced to Pen 2 on Banstead Downs on Wednesday 10 January The grazing enclosure is highlighted in yellow on the map below Visitor access to the enclosure is not permitted at this time We estimate the sheep will be grazing this section of grassland for a period of no longer than ten weeks before they will be moved to Pen 3, marked in red on the map below and the final grazing pen for this...
Read MoreDear Supporter, As the year draws to a close, we'd like to write to say thank you for your support this year Volunteers 2023 has been a memorable year for Banstead Commons Conservators Earlier this year, we launched our new website and more recently introduced our volunteer task programme on the Commons A small but dedicated team of volunteers has already joined us over the last couple of months and we hope that as the...
Read MoreIt's that time again Not just mists and mellow fruitfulness but fungi of all shapes and sizes are nearly everywhere you look in the countryside at the moment Contrary to most people's perception, fungi are all around us throughout the year, not just the microscopic ones on which most other organisms depend, but also some large and attractive fruiting bodies can be found if you know where to look For example, bracket fungi grow on trees all year,...
Read MoreThe UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows since the second world war We are proud that Natural England have judged that the grassland areas on the Banstead Commons are in favourable condition Our dedicated management has enabled rare and vulnerable chalk-loving plants and animals to return and flourish Approximately half of the 1350 acres of Banstead Commons is designated "priority" grassland Two of our chalk downland sites –...
Read MoreOak Processionary Moth (OPM) caterpillars are now active and can be seen on the trunk and branches of oak trees on Banstead Downs and Banstead Heath The caterpillars feed and live exclusively on oak trees and defoliate the trees OPM caterpillars and their nests contain hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritations, and should not be touched under any circumstances at any time The greatest risk period is May to July when the...
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