Introducing the Banstead Commons Conservators
If there’s one thing COVID has shown us, it is the greater appreciation of the simpler things in life – Nature and the Great Outdoors. Living in Surrey we are spoilt with beautiful green spaces on our doorstep, but did you know that Banstead Commons Conservators are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of 1350 acres of the spaces we enjoy?
Formed under a Parliamentary Act in 1893 Banstead Commons Conservators were tasked to protect Banstead Commons from illegal activities especially those of the Lord of the Manor, owner of the commons at the time. Whilst society and the land owner have changed over the 130 years, the role of the Conservators has remained the same; to protect the integrity of the Commons from external pressures.
Banstead Commons consist of four main sites: Burgh Heath, Banstead Heath, Banstead Downs and Park Downs. Burgh Heath is your nearest site and is approximately 78 acres sandwiched between the Preston Estate and Reigate Road. It is an important amenity for local people and home to some of our much-loved native wildlife.
The secondary woodland on the heath supports many different species of birds and a healthy population of the UK’s most common bat, the Pipistrelle, which can often be seen feeding over the ponds during dusk and dawn. A network of ponds is home to various species of wildfowl, the Mallard, Moorhens and Coot. The majestic Grey Heron can often be seen on Burgh Heath pond poised and ready to strike on unsuspecting prey. Perhaps the most special resident on the heath is one of the UK’s rarest amphibians, the Great Crested Newt.
As a local resident you may have noticed that the Conservators have carried out clearance work to Lonesome Ponds and widened the woodland rides and glades this winter. As well as creating more sunlight on the pond and footpaths for visitors, the work is an essential part of woodland management and helps to enhance biodiversity and create a new source of nectar and pollen rich plants for invertebrates. Thanks to the aid of the Community Infrastructure Levy, this is the first stage of habitat enhancement due to take place on the Heath over the next two years which will improve the local area for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Our precious green spaces help to provide peace and solace during unsettling times. With Spring fast approaching, why not take a slow stroll across Burgh Heath, absorb the changes and as the year progresses observe how the plants grow and nature moves in to take full advantage of its new surroundings.
You can find further information on Banstead Commons, including details of the other three sites and the work of the Conservators if you visit their website, or follow them on Facebook for regular updates and events.
Written by Lucy Shea, Clerk to the Conservators
