News - Banstead Commons Conservators

Extreme Fire Risk: Protecting Banstead Commons During Prolonged Heatwave

The UK is currently experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, following an exceptionally dry period and what has been recorded as the driest July on record These conditions have created an exceptional risk of wildfire, particularly across dry grassland and heath habitats such as those found on Banstead Commons Local Incident on Banstead Downs Last week, our operations team responded to reports from local residents and cleared the remains...

Help us tackle off-road bikes on Banstead Commons

We are aware of a recent increase in off-road bike activity on Banstead Commons This presents a serious safety risk to residents and visitors, and is causing damage to our precious chalk downland — a rare and sensitive habitat that supports a wealth of wildlife 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐲...

Walking the Dog on Banstead Commons

How a daily stroll led one local man to discover a rewarding volunteer role with the Conservators By Peter Taylor-Medhurst What began as daily dog walks on Banstead Commons has turned into a deeply rewarding creative adventure - one that has combined my love of photography, design, and the natural world in ways I could never have planned When I retired, I promised my wife that we wouldn’t take one of her son’s Labrador...

Get ready for the Big Butterfly Count

Butterfly season is one of the most spectacular sights on the Commons during the summer months, and there’s no better time to enjoy it than during the Big Butterfly Count Run by Butterfly Conservation, this nationwide survey returns from Friday 17 July to Sunday 9 August, inviting everyone to take part in the world’s largest butterfly survey Whether you’re a regular visitor to Banstead Commons or simply enjoy spending time outdoors,...

Hot Weather Advice for the Butterfly Walk

We are going ahead with tomorrow's Summer Butterfly Walk and look forward to welcoming you to Banstead Heath However, in light of the continued hot weather, and with tomorrow forecast to be the hottest day of the week, we would like to provide you with some important guidance: Bring plenty of water with you Take rest breaks where needed and sip water frequently to stay hydrated Dress appropriately for the heat—lightweight,...

Tick Awareness at Banstead Commons

Banstead Commons is home to a rich variety of grassland, scrub, and woodland habitats that support a wide range of wildlife Ticks are a natural part of these environments and are commonly found in areas such as long grass, dense vegetation, and woodland edges While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks can carry infections such as Lyme disease Visitors are encouraged to take a few simple precautions to reduce the risk of bites while...

Tree Safety Work on Banstead Commons

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,...

Merry Christmas to our Supporters!

During 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...

Benches outside The Sportsman Public House

To 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...

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...

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