BANSTEAD COMMONS CONSERVATORS
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Motorised vehicles on the Commons

All unauthorised use of motorised vehicles (including motorbikes and quad bikes) on the Commons is illegal.

As many users of the Commons (especially Banstead Downs) will know there is an ongoing problem with motorbikes, often being ridden at high speed.  The  Conservators are in discussions with the police as to the most effective way to deal with this.

In the meantime the Surrey police advise that all illegal activity should be reported immediately on their crime number, 0845 1252222


Welcome to the Home Page of Banstead Commons Conservators



MapBanstead  Commons consist of four separate areas of common land in the north of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead, namely Banstead Heath, Banstead Downs, Park Downs and Burgh Heath (see map).  As a result of the Metropolitan Commons (Banstead) Supplemental Act of 1893, the Commons are managed by the  Banstead Commons Conservators.  The Act conferred upon the Conservators a statutory duty to ensure safe and free access of the public to the commons and to protect the commons from damage and trespass.  At the time of the Act this was intended, as much as anything, to protect the Commons from their owners although in this more enlightened age we hope that threats from this direction are unlikely.

As well as providing important recreational areas, the open spaces of the commons are important wildlife habitats, Banstead Downs and Park Downs are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), an important aspect of their attraction to a large number of users.  In an age of increasing urbanization this imparts certain responsibilities to manage with maintenance of the wildlife value in mind.

Within these pages we tell you more about the Commons: where they are, how to get there, something of their history and what you can see on them especially with regard to their wildlife.  We also give an summary of the history of the Conservators, who the Conservators are, how they are appointed and what they do.  Overall we hope these pages will raise public awareness of the Commons and the Conservators and encourage everyone to visit the Commons.   We hope to provide information and links for both recreational and wildlife interests, if you have any comments or suggestions please let us know.  In addition there is a news page that will be regularly updated to keep everyone informed of what is going on on the commons.

Next meeting:  Saturday 17th January 2009 at the Banstead Day Centre, The Horseshoe, Banstead.   Members of the public are welcome to attend to observe the proceedings.

You can contact the Conservators at any time by email here.                                            Last updated 11th November 2008

cclogo Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work.      
Guard against all risks of fire
Fasten all gates
Keep your dogs under close control.
Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls.  
Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.

Take your litter home

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