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Managing Ash Dieback on Banstead Commons Ash dieback is a serious fungal disease that is killing ash trees across Europe Over the past five years, Banstead Commons Conservators have been steadily removing the worst affected trees on our sites but now the disease has taken hold, and we are going to commence forestry work for the safety of our visitors and neighbours All Ash trees with significant decline that are next to boundaries,...
Read MoreDuring these final weeks of 2025, we want to take this opportunity to reflect on all we have accomplished together We are especially grateful for the steadfast dedication of volunteers who have supported us for many years, alongside the fresh enthusiasm of those newly joining our team We are delighted to share some of the highlights that have made this year so special Volunteers This year, we welcomed more volunteers and held...
Read MoreTo assist with enquiries and provide clarity, Banstead Commons Conservators (BCC) issue the following statement regarding the removal of three benches from The Sportsman on Thursday, 11 December Banstead Commons Conservators remain committed to supporting the presence of licensed benches on Banstead Commons for the benefit of patrons of The Sportsman Since April, the Conservators have been in ongoing communication with the publicans, their...
Read MoreBanstead 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...
Read MoreWe are pleased to share our Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the work of the Banstead Commons Conservators over the past year Inside, you will find updates on our management priorities, the projects and initiatives we have undertaken to protect and enhance the Commons, and insights into how we care for these diverse landscapes for both wildlife and the local community The report also sets out our financial accounts,...
Read MoreWe’ve recently received a number of enquiries regarding the removal of the benches on the grassed area next to The Sportsman Public House To help clarify the situation, we’ve put together a few Frequently Asked Questions below Q: I remember there were benches on the grassed area near The Sportsman Why have they been removed A: The placement of benches on registered Common Land has always required a licence from Banstead Commons...
Read MoreBanstead Commons Conservators are hosting their Volunteer Work Parties in the wooded areas of Withybed Corner during the months of April, May and July The work force will be sensitively removing Cherry Laurel from the understorey of the woodland with the aim to remove non-native invasive plants from the habitat Cherry Laurel is an invasive plant and its dense canopy and rapid growth outcompetes native species, greatly reducing biodiversity...
Read MoreWe 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...
Read MoreDear Supporter, As we approach the end of 2024, we wanted to thank you for your ongoing support to Banstead Commons It has been wonderful to see our support grow even further this year and we would like to use this opportunity to share some of the highlights that have made it so special Volunteers We now have more volunteers and work parties than ever This has enabled us to better protect and preserve our habitats that require...
Read MoreBanstead 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...
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