Banstead Commons

𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 #𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤!

To celebrate these incredible birds, we teamed up with to host our 'Swifts and Their Sky Buffet' Guided Walk on Banstead Downs last Sunday.

Participants enjoyed learning about the Commons' rich flora and how its chalk grassland, together with carefully managed habitats, supports an incredible diversity of insects. They also discovered how this abundance of insect life provides a vital food source for swifts. As well as exploring their 'sky buffet', the walk included a talk showcasing swift bricks, highlighting the inspiring conservation project led by Banstead Swifts in partnership with , and sharing practical ways residents can help support these remarkable birds.

A big shout-out to Banstead Swifts and for their fantastic work to conserve this special species locally, helping to ensure we can continue to enjoy watching their spectacular aerial acrobatics above the Commons and our houses throughout the summer months.

Thank you for your dedication and support - we salute you!

Action for Swifts
Banstead Swifts
Surrey Hills National Landscape
The Surrey Nature Partnership

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬

Did you know that Banstead Commons is home to four of the UK's six native reptile species?

We carry out regular surveys to monitor reptile populations across our sites, and it's always a delight when we spot a Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica). These beautiful, non-venomous snakes are widespread across the UK and are the reptile species you're most likely to encounter in gardens.

Grass snakes are also the UK's largest native snake, with females sometimes growing to over a metre in length!

Have you spotted any reptiles on Banstead Commons recently? We'd love to hear about your sightings in the comments!

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Today’s visit to the Surrey History Centre in Woking was a powerful reminder of why preserving our past matters.

Reviewing original maps from 1894, newspaper cuttings, correspondence and records relating to the formation of our Act and byelaws brought into focus the many statutory duties we continue to carry out today. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬; 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞.

Exploring these archives with the Centre’s staff also highlighted the foresight and commitment of those who secured lasting protection for this landscape. The Metropolitan Commons (Banstead) Supplemental Act 1893 remains unique in safeguarding the land from development and activities that could alter its character, ensuring the natural and varied environment is preserved.

Today, the Commons continue to offer space for access, recreation and wellbeing, while supporting a rich diversity of wildlife. Protecting them is not only about meeting our responsibilities, but about preserving a shared heritage for generations to come. 🌿