News - 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...

Winter Work Programme 2025 / 2026

Our staff and volunteer teams play a crucial role in carrying out essential land management duties in ways that are sensitive to the native wildlife of our Commons Our site management is in accordance with prescriptive management from Natural England and advice from Surrey Wildlife Trust as published in our ten year managment plans Each month, we focus our efforts on a different site Our volunteer work party programme is designed to...

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 on Off-Road Vehicles – Meeting Minutes

On Tuesday 2 September, the Banstead Commons Conservators hosted a Joint Action Meeting with Surrey Police, Walton Heath Golf Club, Banstead Downs Golf Club, and local residents to address concerns about off-road vehicles on Banstead Commons and the surrounding open areas The meeting was prompted by the growing impact of off-road bikes on visitors and other users of the Commons Well over 100 members of the public attended, along with three...

Annual Report, 2025

We 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,...

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...

Benches outside The Sportsman Public House

We’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...

Caterpillar season on Banstead Commons

At this time of year, the Commons are teeming with life Spring and Summer are the months when caterpillars are most active Oak trees for example support over 300 different species of caterpillar Each organism has its own special role to play in a healthy ecosystem Visitors of our Chalk Downland sites are currently observing the mass emergence of the Spindle Ermine moth caterpillars These amazing little caterpillars will strip a Spindle tree of...

Conservation work at Withybed Corner

Banstead 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...

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