Our area is surrounded by large areas of common land, much of which is managed by the Banstead Commons Conservators. This includes Banstead Heath (stretching from Tadworth to Lower Kingswood), Banstead Downs (adjacent to the “Mad Mile” A217 towards Sutton), Park Downs (adjacent to Holly Lane) and Burgh Heath (the land from Reigate Road A240 down the A217 towards the Tadworth roundabout).
These open spaces comprise a total area of 1350 acres, four times the size of Hyde Park. Most of this land is owned by the Borough of Reigate and Banstead but managed by Banstead Commons Conservators.
The Banstead Commons Conservators came into being by act of Parliament in 1893 giving them the statutory duty to ensure safe and free access of the public to the commons and to protect the land from damage and trespass.
The act was introduced to prevent local landowners from building on this common land. The concern at the time was that there would not be enough land for locals to graze their livestock but today it’s more about conserving the land for recreation purposes and preserving important wildlife habitats. In an age of increasing urbanisation the Conservators fulfil an important role in managing and protecting these valuable local resources.
There are eight Conservators appointed by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. Two officially represent the landowner (RBBC) and are usually Borough councillors. The remaining six apply through the council who do the actual selection. These are voluntary appointments, and they serve for a three-year term.
The Conservators employ a part-time Clerk who is effectively the Chief Executive accountable for the administration of the organisation and a Warden who is responsible for the maintenance of the land under the Conservators’ control. The Warden is assisted by two keepers.
Their work is currently financed by the landowners Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and grants from Natural England for habitat management. You can learn more by visiting the Conservators’ website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter .

