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We are pleased to share the Banstead Commons Conservators Annual Report 2026, offering an insight into the work that goes on throughout the year to care for, protect and manage our much-loved Commons From conservation and habitat management to public access, community engagement and the day-to-day practical work needed to look after more than 1,300 acres of open space, there is a great deal happening across Banstead Heath, Banstead Downs,...
Read MoreBanstead Commons Conservators were delighted to welcome the Mayor of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Nick Harrison, together with Borough Councillors, Conservators and members of the volunteer team, to the Conservators’ Depot on Friday 4 September for the official unveiling of the organisation’s new office and welfare facilities The improvements have been made possible through funding from the Reigate and Banstead...
Read MoreThe 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...
Read MoreWe 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...
Read MoreHow 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...
Read MoreButterfly 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,...
Read MoreWe 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,...
Read MoreBanstead 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...
Read MoreManaging 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...
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