The Lonesome Ponds area in the Burgh Heath woods is being upgraded. Some of the old and dying trees have been taken down and a lot of the vegetation around the ponds has been cut down. This will allow more sunlight. A rustic bench, built by the Conservators from local wood, has been put in place.
Plans are being discussed to clean and desilt the ponds later this year. Due to the presence of the protected and rare Great Crested Newt this will be done following environmental protection guidelines.
This work is being carried out by the Banstead Commons Conservators (BCC) who oversee the Burgh Heath area, and much more, with the aid of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding which the Tattenham & Preston Residents Association councillors are promoting.
The Tattenham & Preston RA has been in discussion with the Banstead Commons Conservators to have the Chetwode Road entrance be made more attractive and secure. We are pleased to report that BCC has upgraded the earth embankment and that Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is now also involved in this project.
Information boards will be installed for the benefit of the many people who use the path and woods for shopping and exercise. Such a sign would also be beneficial in raising the awareness of the public regarding who is responsible for the woods upkeep.
Over the seasons since the beginning of the project this area has naturally developed into a very green and pleasant part of Burgh Heath.
Burgh Heath is approximately 78 acres in area and is dominated by the A217 and A240 which cross it. It is also surrounded by high-density residential property that results in a high level of pedestrian traffic on the many paths that cross the Heath. Despite these factors, although rarely free of traffic noise, the Heath still provides areas of woodland and woodland glades where relative peace can be found.
It is managed by the Banstead Commons Conservators on behalf of the Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.
Flora
The most notable species associated with the ponds include pillwort (Pilularia globulifera) a species endangered at both the national and European level. Other species of interest include Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata). One particularly attractive plant is the pale form of the Common Flag (Iris pseudacorus v bastardii) that occurs in good numbers around the large pond.
Fauna
The ponds are notable for the various amphibians present including, both Common and Great Crested Newts and in addition to Common frogs and toads, a stable population of European Green Frogs is present. In the largest pond the population of these species is likely to be limited by the large fish population mostly originating from unauthorised release into the pond.
The ponds also contain healthy populations of wild fowl including Mallards, Moorhen and Coot. Herons are regular visitors. In the summer large number of dragonflies can be seen.