Dog Walking on Banstead Commons
Banstead Commons Conservators welcome well controlled dogs and their owners on Banstead Commons.
However, following an increase in the number of dogs being walked on the Commons in recent years, we are aware of instances where visitor safety has been put at risk and damage has been done to priority habitats in our care.
To address this the BCC revised their dog walking regulations in 2024.
As of April 2025, professional dog walkers require a licence to operate a business on any land registered as Banstead Commons. This is to:
● Ensure safe access and use of Banstead Commons is available for all.
● Ensure respect between dog walkers and other users of Banstead Commons.
● Protect Banstead Commons and its wildlife – noting that Banstead Downs and Park Downs are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Banstead Heath and Burgh Heath are Sites of Nature Conservation Importance.
We ask that all dog walkers are considerate towards other visitors and wildlife by adhering to the Banstead Commons Act and Byelaws, and by following our Dog Walkers Code of Conduct:
● Dogs must always be kept under control and should not approach other people, horses or dogs uninvited.
● Dogs with weak re-call should be kept on a lead at all times.
● Dogs must not be allowed to approach or chase, injure or kill any bird, livestock or other animal upon the Commons.
● Dogs should always have their paws on the paths during the bird nesting season (March 1st to Sept 15th).
● Dogs must be kept out of the ponds.
● Exercise a maximum of four dogs at any one time and not walk with other dog walkers if the number of dogs together at any time exceeds six.
● Dog waste must be picked up, bagged and binned or taken home in all areas of the Commons.
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s Dogs Public Space Protection Orders apply on Banstead Commons.
Thank you for your consideration and the continued respect given to Banstead Commons, their visitors and wildlife.