DOCSLIB.ORG

Epsom & Walton Downs Habitat Management Plan 2015-2020

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Epsom & Walton Downs Habitat Management Plan 2015-2020 Epsom & Walton Downs Habitat Management Plan 2015-2020 1 CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 2015-2020 Management Plan ............................................................................................................ 5 1.2 Background to previous plan .............................................................................................................. 5 1.3 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................ 5 1.4 Report Layout ..................................................................................................................................... 6 1.5 Desk Top Research .............................................................................................................................. 6 2.0 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................ 7 2.1 Management Review .......................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Chalk Grassland Rarity ........................................................................................................................ 7 2.3 Rare Plants .......................................................................................................................................... 8 2.4 Unusual Birds ...................................................................................................................................... 8 2.5 Declining Butterflies.......................................................................................................................... 10 2.6 Rare Invertebrates ............................................................................................................................ 10 2.7 Reasons for Decline .......................................................................................................................... 10 2.8 Enormous Potential .......................................................................................................................... 10 2.9 Grassland condition assessment ...................................................................................................... 11 3.0 Site Description ..................................................................................................................................... 14 3.1 Location ............................................................................................................................................ 14 3.2 Altitude ............................................................................................................................................. 14 3.3 Land Tenure ...................................................................................................................................... 14 3.4 Rights of Way/Access ........................................................................................................................ 14 3.5 Geology ............................................................................................................................................. 14 4.0 Botanical Survey ................................................................................................................................... 15 4.1 Methodology .................................................................................................................................... 15 4.1.1 collection of field data ............................................................................................................... 15 4.1.2 National Vegetation Classification (NVC) 2008 ......................................................................... 15 2 4.2 Results 2014 ...................................................................................................................................... 15 4.2.2 National Vegetation Classification (NVC) ................................................................................. 20 5.0 Terrestrial Invertebrate Survey ............................................................................................................ 23 5.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 23 5.2 Methodology .................................................................................................................................... 26 5.3 Taxonomic coverage ......................................................................................................................... 26 5.4 Constraints ........................................................................................................................................ 26 5.5 Status categories for uncommon species ......................................................................................... 27 5.6 Results ............................................................................................................................................... 28 5.6.1 Summary Table .......................................................................................................................... 28 5.7 Entomological assessment 2007 ...................................................................................................... 32 5.8 Species list ......................................................................................................................................... 33 6.0 Site Evaluation ...................................................................................................................................... 34 6.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 34 6.2 Size .................................................................................................................................................... 34 6.3 Diversity ............................................................................................................................................ 34 6.4 Naturalness ....................................................................................................................................... 34 6.5 Rarity ................................................................................................................................................. 35 6.6 Fragility ............................................................................................................................................. 36 6.7 Typicalness ........................................................................................................................................ 36 6.8 Recorded History .............................................................................................................................. 36 6.9 Ecological History .............................................................................................................................. 37 6.10 Position in an Ecological Unit.......................................................................................................... 37 6.11 Potential Value................................................................................................................................ 39 6.12 Intrinsic Appeal ............................................................................................................................... 40 7.0 Factors Affecting Management ............................................................................................................ 40 8.0 Management Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 42 3 8.1 Grassland Management .................................................................................................................... 42 8.1.1 Soil Scrapes ................................................................................................................................ 42 8.1.2 Mowing ...................................................................................................................................... 42 8.1.3 Invasive Grasses ......................................................................................................................... 42 8.1.4 Grazing ....................................................................................................................................... 42 8.1.5 Scrub Clearance ......................................................................................................................... 42 8.1.6 Juniper Management ................................................................................................................. 42 8.2 Woodland Management ................................................................................................................... 42 8.2.1 Langley Vale Copse & southern section of The Warren Woodland .......................................... 42 8.2.2 Rest of Warren Woodland ......................................................................................................... 42 8.3 Hedgerow Management ..................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Banstead Woods Nature Trail Is Approximately 3 Miles (5Km) in Length and Takes 1.5-2.5 Hours
    Come and discover the magnificent countryside EAD WO on your doorstep ST O N D Banstead Woods Nature Trail is approximately 3 miles (5km) in length and takes 1.5-2.5 hours. The trail starts from Holly A S Lane car park, near Chipstead (OS grid reference: TQ273 583) B This area is covered by Explorer 146 (1:25,000) and Landranger 187 (1:50,000). N A L The start of the trail can be reached by public transport. T I Chipstead railway station is around 500m from Holly Lane car U A park. For information about bus services and times R R please contact: Traveline on 0871 200 2233 E T or visit www.traveline.info n to t 22 u 20 S A ey o rl t Pu to 9 7 2 B 217 B2 d a o BANSTEAD R n P WOODMANSTERNE o a t r h k R g H i o r o on l a oulsd B ly d to C La ne B2 219 A 2 4 0 2 P CHIPSTEAD STATION BANSTEAD WOODS CHIPSTEAD 7 1 2 A e n KINGSWOOD a L Bus stop STATION od utwo r. O Train station r D 2 nso 03 Bo B2 P Holly Lane Car Park W a Surrounding countryside te e KINSGSWOOD rh an ouse L Banstead Woods to M25 and Reigate Built up area Most of the paths are in good condition, however some paths can be muddy in the winter or after rainfall so walking boots or wellies are recommended.
    [Show full text]
  • Bulgaria 17-24 June 2015
    The Western Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria 17-24 June 2015 Holiday participants Peter and Elonwy Crook Helen and Malcolm Crowder Val Appleyard and Ron Fitton David Nind and Shevaun Mendelsohn George and Sue Brownlee Colin Taylor Sue Davy Judith Poyser Marie Watt Leaders Vladimir (Vlado) Trifonov and Chris Gibson Report by Chris Gibson and Judith Poyser. Our hosts at the Hotel Yagodina are Mariya and Asen Kukundjievi – www.yagodina-bg.com Cover: Large Skipper on Dianthus cruentus (SM); Scarce Copper on Anthemis tinctoria (RF); mating Bee-chafers (VA); Yagodina from St. Ilya and the cliffs above Trigrad (CG); Geum coccineum (HC); Red-backed Shrike (PC); Slender Scotch Burnet on Carduus thoermeri (JP). Below: In the valley above Trigrad (PC). As with all Honeyguide holidays, part of the price of the holiday was put towards local conservation work. The conservation contributions from this holiday raised £700, namely £40 per person topped up by Gift Aid through the Honeyguide Wildlife Charitable Trust. Honeyguide is committed to supporting the protection of Lilium rhodopaeum. The Rhodope lily is a scarce endemic flower of the Western Rhodopes, found on just a handful of sites in Bulgaria and just over the border in Greece, about half of which have no protection. Money raised in 2014 was enough to fund Honeyguide leader Vlado Trifonov, who is recognised as the leading authority on the Rhodope lily, for monitoring and mowing for two years at the location visited by Honeyguiders. That includes this year (2015). That work is likely to continue for some years, but other conservation needs in the future are uncertain.
    [Show full text]
  • Local Nature Reserve Management Plan 2020 – 2024
    Bisley Road Cemetery, Stroud Local Nature Reserve Management Plan 2020 – 2024 Prepared for Stroud Town Council CONTENTS 1 VISION STATEMENT 2 POLICY STATEMENTS 3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 3.1 General background information 3.1.1 Location and site boundaries Map 1 Site Location 3.1.2 Tenure Map 2 Schedule Plan 3.1.3 Management/organisational infrastructure 3.1.4 Site infrastructure 3.1.5 Map coverage 3.2 Environmental information 3.2.1 Physical 3.2.2 Biological 3.2.2.1 Habitats Map 3 Compartment Map – Old Cemetery Map 4 Compartment Map – New Cemetery 3.2.2.2 Flora 3.2.2.3 Fauna 3.3 Cultural 3.3.1 Past land use 3.3.2 Present land use 3.3.3 Past management for nature conservation 3.3.4 Present legal status 4 NATURE CONSERVATION FEATURES OF INTEREST 4.1 Identification and confirmation of conservation features 4.2 Objectives 4.2.1 Unimproved grassland 4.2.1.1 Summary description 4.2.1.2 Management objectives 4.2.1.3 Performance indicators 4.2.1.4 Conservation status 4.2.1.5 Rationale 4.2.1.6 Management projects 4.2.2 Trees and Woodland 4.2.2.1 Summary description 4.2.2.2 Management objectives 4.2.2.3 Performance indicators 4.2.2.4 Conservation status 4.2.2.5 Rationale 4.2.2.6 Management projects 4.2.3 Lichens 4.2.3.1 Summary description 4.2.3.2 Management objectives 4.2.3.3 Performance indicators 4.2.3.4 Conservation status 4.2.3.5 Rationale 4.2.3.6 Management projects 4.3 Rationale & Proposals per compartment Bisley Rd Cemetery Mgmt Plan 2020-2024 2 5 HISTORIC INTEREST 5.1 Confirmation of conservation features 5.2 Objectives 5.3 Rationale 6 STAKEHOLDERS 6.1 Evaluation 6.2 Management projects 7 ACCESS / TOURISM 7.1 Evaluation 7.2 Management objectives 8 INTERPRETATION 8.1 Evaluation 8.2 Management Projects 9 OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES 9.1 Operational objectives 9.2 Management projects 10 WORK PLAN Appendix 1 Species List Bisley Rd Cemetery Mgmt Plan 2020-2024 3 1 VISION STATEMENT Stroud Town Council are committed to conserving Stroud Cemetery to: • Enable the people of Stroud to always have a place of peace and quiet reflection and recreation.
    [Show full text]
  • SNCI Review Summary Sheet Site Name: Dene Fields Recorder
    SNCI Review Summary Sheet Site name: Dene Fields Recorder number: 15076 Grid Ref: TQ269573 Borough: Reigate and Banstead Ward: Chipstead, Hooley & Woodmansterne Date of previous surveys: 21/6/1995 11/8/2008 Date of last survey: 1/8/2013 & 7/8/2013 Date selected as SNCI: 2009 Previous reviews: N/A Date of last review: 28/1/2014 (by Local Sites Partnership) Previous status of site: SNCI Current status of site: SNCI Reason for Selection The site is selected for its calcareous grassland habitat which supports a high diversity of species. 29 species typical of grassland of conservation interest in Surrey have been recorded on the site. Dwarf Spurge, Euphorbia exigua (Nationally Scarce) has been recorded on the site. The site’s position is important adjacent to Fames Rough, part of Chipstead Downs Site of Special Scientific Interest. Changes at latest review No change R & B SNCI Surveys 2013: Review of existing site Site Name: Dene Fields Recorder Number: 15076 Grid Ref: TQ 269 573 Parish: N/A Ward: Chipstead, Hooley & Woodmansterne Area of SNCI: 30.6 ha Previous SNCI surveys: 11/08/2008 ,Sue Cooper Surveyor (s): 21/6/1995 M. Williams & A. Tutt Date of current survey: 1/8/2013 & 7/8/2013, Surveyor(s): Sue Cooper Site description The site is located on the west side of Chipstead Valley adjacent to Chipstead Downs SSSI. It comprises chalk grassland, hedgerows and plantation. It is situated on a brown rendzina soil overlying the Upper Chalk crossing on to clay at the top of the site at approximately the 150m contour.
    [Show full text]
  • The Transcriptomic and Genomic Architecture of Acrididae Grasshoppers
    The Transcriptomic and Genomic Architecture of Acrididae Grasshoppers Dissertation To Fulfil the Requirements for the Degree of “Doctor of Philosophy” (PhD) Submitted to the Council of the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena by Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Abhijeet Shah born on 7th November 1984, Hyderabad, India 1 Academic reviewers: 1. Prof. Holger Schielzeth, Friedrich Schiller University Jena 2. Prof. Manja Marz, Friedrich Schiller University Jena 3. Prof. Rolf Beutel, Friedrich Schiller University Jena 4. Prof. Frieder Mayer, Museum für Naturkunde Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Berlin 5. Prof. Steve Hoffmann, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena 6. Prof. Aletta Bonn, Friedrich Schiller University Jena Date of oral defense: 24.02.2020 2 Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 5 Zusammenfassung............................................................................................................ 7 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 9 Genetic polymorphism ............................................................................................................. 9 Lewontin’s paradox ....................................................................................................................................... 9 The evolution
    [Show full text]
  • Environmentally Sensitive Site Map SSSI Sussex Croydon
    C B U W RC2 T TE FSS2 H A S 1 C A W K S L P S H C C BO T L 2 N 4 CW K C 3 C A 1 F 1 N J O B S L L M U R S E L B S G F C C1 LG BOK3 C C B D J S K E M F W W G 1 C G 1 E KGC L 1 W W B N L LT A 2 1 E W M S V F L L T T W L L N A W L HA S CB C M H H 1 H MLN T W A L BRB J B L London Victoria C W L 1 L NK KE G N 5 Kensington Olympia A OK ATG B West Brompton C 1 T H Imperial Wharf B T 2 H O B R U CKL LV A AT T S C L L SF L L AT NTL P C LO N LJ9 C EX CRA C V S B T B R L D 1 T H E R P H DG1 E H P H J H W W G H Balham P G J 7 P 8 S T Tulse Hill K Streatham Hill P VI S R HF W S L P J C H 2 Streatham Haydons Road S C S L M 2 SM Tooting N S S1 R NM Crystal Palace S M V 1 S C G Norbury J NBB N Anerley B B Wimbledon Chase B TLP2 1 T ML Thornton Heath W L B South Merton B P L H 1 A X M E Morden South W T P C Selhurst D R S S Mitcham Junction B St Helier (Surrey) J CM West Croydon PC Sutton Common J M Hackbridge East Croydon Carshalton Waddon West Sutton 2 B T South Croydon Wallington V Banstead Downs Cheam Carshalton Beeches Croham Hurst E Banstead Downs F Purley Oaks N 2 Belmont H T B Reedham (Surrey) Purley Riddlesdown Banstead Riddlesdown Riddlesdown Epsom Downs Kenley Coulsdon Town Chipstead Downs Chipstead Coulsdon South Whyteleafe Chipstead Downs S Upper Warlingham J O L T Whyteleafe South G A N T Kingswood P Woldingham Tadworth A Woldingham & Oxted Downs T LEJ Caterham Woldingham & Oxted Downs Farthing Downs & Happy Valley Merstham Oxted Hurst Green RSJ 2 D E R RTT B T H 3 1 G d G r E e H R ive n S C U 1 Lingfield e ol r M Dormans ive R 3 B T V East Grinstead ay edw er M R iv Ashdown Forest Ashdown Forest Riv er Arun This map is for reference use only.
    [Show full text]
  • Bees and Wasps of the East Sussex South Downs
    A SURVEY OF THE BEES AND WASPS OF FIFTEEN CHALK GRASSLAND AND CHALK HEATH SITES WITHIN THE EAST SUSSEX SOUTH DOWNS Steven Falk, 2011 A SURVEY OF THE BEES AND WASPS OF FIFTEEN CHALK GRASSLAND AND CHALK HEATH SITES WITHIN THE EAST SUSSEX SOUTH DOWNS Steven Falk, 2011 Abstract For six years between 2003 and 2008, over 100 site visits were made to fifteen chalk grassland and chalk heath sites within the South Downs of Vice-county 14 (East Sussex). This produced a list of 227 bee and wasp species and revealed the comparative frequency of different species, the comparative richness of different sites and provided a basic insight into how many of the species interact with the South Downs at a site and landscape level. The study revealed that, in addition to the character of the semi-natural grasslands present, the bee and wasp fauna is also influenced by the more intensively-managed agricultural landscapes of the Downs, with many species taking advantage of blossoming hedge shrubs, flowery fallow fields, flowery arable field margins, flowering crops such as Rape, plus plants such as buttercups, thistles and dandelions within relatively improved pasture. Some very rare species were encountered, notably the bee Halictus eurygnathus Blüthgen which had not been seen in Britain since 1946. This was eventually recorded at seven sites and was associated with an abundance of Greater Knapweed. The very rare bees Anthophora retusa (Linnaeus) and Andrena niveata Friese were also observed foraging on several dates during their flight periods, providing a better insight into their ecology and conservation requirements.
    [Show full text]
  • Dorset and East Devon Coast for Inclusion in the World Heritage List
    Nomination of the Dorset and East Devon Coast for inclusion in the World Heritage List © Dorset County Council 2000 Dorset County Council, Devon County Council and the Dorset Coast Forum June 2000 Published by Dorset County Council on behalf of Dorset County Council, Devon County Council and the Dorset Coast Forum. Publication of this nomination has been supported by English Nature and the Countryside Agency, and has been advised by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the British Geological Survey. Maps reproduced from Ordnance Survey maps with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Licence Number: LA 076 570. Maps and diagrams reproduced/derived from British Geological Survey material with the permission of the British Geological Survey. © NERC. All rights reserved. Permit Number: IPR/4-2. Design and production by Sillson Communications +44 (0)1929 552233. Cover: Duria antiquior (A more ancient Dorset) by Henry De la Beche, c. 1830. The first published reconstruction of a past environment, based on the Lower Jurassic rocks and fossils of the Dorset and East Devon Coast. © Dorset County Council 2000 In April 1999 the Government announced that the Dorset and East Devon Coast would be one of the twenty-five cultural and natural sites to be included on the United Kingdom’s new Tentative List of sites for future nomination for World Heritage status. Eighteen sites from the United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories have already been inscribed on the World Heritage List, although only two other natural sites within the UK, St Kilda and the Giant’s Causeway, have been granted this status to date.
    [Show full text]
  • MONITORING REPORT 2020 BILL BUDD It Is with Great Sadness That We Must Report the Death of Bull Budd in Autumn 2020
    Wimbledon and Putney Commons ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT 2020 BILL BUDD It is with great sadness that we must report the death of Bull Budd in autumn 2020. Bill was our much respected, dragonfly and damselfly recorder and a member of the Wildlife and Conservation Forum. As well as recording on the Commons, Bill also worked as a volunteer at the London Natural History Museum for many years and was the Surrey Vice County Dragonfly Recorder. Bill supported our BioBlitz activities and, with others from the Forum, led dedicated walks raising public awareness of the dragonfly and damselfly populations on the Commons. In September 2020 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the recording and conservation of Odonata, a newly identified dragonfly species found in the Bornean rainforest* was named Megalogomphus buddi. His contributions will be very much missed. * For further information see: https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/dragonfly-named-after-bds-county-dragonfly-recorder-bill-budd/ Dow, R.A. and Price, B.W. (2020) A review of Megalogomphus sumatranus (Krüger, 1899) and its allies in Sundaland with a description of a new species from Borneo (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae). Zootaxa 4845 (4): 487–508. https://www.mapress.com/j/zt/article/view/zootaxa.4845.4.2 Accessed 24.02.2021 Thanks are due to everyone who has contributed records and photographs for this report; to the willing volunteers; for the support of Wildlife and Conservation Forum members; and for the reciprocal enthusiasm of Wimbledon and Putney Commons’ staff. A special thank you goes to Angela Evans-Hill for her help with proof reading, chasing missing data and assistance with the final formatting, compilation and printing of this report.
    [Show full text]
  • North Downs Biodiversity Opportunity Area Policy Statements
    Biodiversity Opportunity Areas: the basis for realising Surrey’s ecological network Appendix 6: North Downs Biodiversity Opportunity Area Policy Statements ND01: North Downs Scarp; The Hog's Back ND02: North Downs Scarp & Dip; Guildford to the Mole Gap ND03: North Downs Scarp & Dip; Mole Gap to Reigate ND04: North Downs; Epsom Downs to Nonsuch Park ND05: North Downs; Banstead Woods & Downs and Chipstead Downs ND06: North Downs Scarp; Quarry Hangers to the A22 ND07: North Downs Scarp; Woldingham ND08: North Downs; Banstead & Walton Heaths December 2015 Investing in our County’s future Surrey Biodiversity Opportunity Area Policy Statement Biodiversity Opportunity Area ND01: North Downs Scarp; The Hog’s Back Local authorities: Guildford, Waverley Aim & justification: The aim of Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) is to establish a strategic framework for conserving and enhancing biodiversity at a landscape-scale, making our wildlife more robust to changing climate and socio-economic pressures. BOAs are those areas where targeted maintenance, restoration and creation of Natural Environment & Rural Communities (NERC) Act ‘Habitats of Principal Importance’, ie. Priority habitats will have the greatest benefit towards achieving this aim. Recognition of BOAs directly meets National Planning Policy Framework policy for the planning system to contribute to international commitments for halting the overall decline in biodiversity, by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures (para. 109). Designation of BOAs in local plans will also fulfil NPPF requirements to plan for biodiversity at a landscape-scale across local authority boundaries; and identify & map components of the local ecological networks (para. 117). Explanatory BOAs identify the most important areas for wildlife conservation remaining in Surrey and each include a variety of habitats, providing for an ‘ecosystem approach’ to nature conservation across and beyond the county.
    [Show full text]
  • Banstead Area University of the Third Age Registered Charity No: 1049254
    U3A - Banstead Area University of the Third Age Registered Charity No: 1049254 Newsletter ~ January 2019 Picture by Philip Cakebread Printed by Chipstead Services CONTENTS OPEN MEETINGS 2 . CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS Meetings are held at The Banstead Community Hall 3 . SAFEGUARDING Park Road, BANSTEAD SM7 3AJ Banstead ALISON’S CORNER Meetings start PROMPTLY at 2.30 pm unless otherwise 4 . QUIZ stated. (Please come early!) A.D.2012 4 . GROUP UPDATES 4 . Explore London 4 – New Group ****** Monday 18th February 2019 4 . Latin otium cum dignitate 4 . Shakespeare Enjoyment Surrey Hills and the Surrey Hills Society 4 . Popular Music Speaker – Mr Ken Bare 5 . Wild Flower Walks 2019 – timetable ****** th Wednesday 17 April 2019 The Odette Ellicott Lecture 5 . FAMILY HISTORY The Profumo Affair 6 . PREVIOUS OPEN MEETINGS Speaker– Mr Terry Johnston (Members only – No visitors allowed at this event) 6 . ANSWERS TO QUIZ ****** Wednesday 1 May 2019 6 . FUTURE OPEN MEETINGS Banstead Arts Festival The Metropolitan Police Choir 6 . Surrey Hills and Surrey Hills Society 6 . Odette Ellicott Lecture Starts 19.30 Talk – The Profumo Affair ****** Monday 17th June 2019 7 . Banstead Festival event The Metropolitan Police Choir The Wey and Arun Canal 7 . The Wey and Arun Canal ****** th 7 . Culture and Rituals Wednesday 17 July 2019 Culture and Rituals 7 . Open House Speaker – Mr Bernard Smale 7 . MEMBERS NOTICE BOARD ****** th Wednesday 18 September 2019 7 . LOOKING BEYOND BANSTEAD Open House 7 . Joint Local U3A Science Lectures 8 . South East Forum Summer School For more information and updates visit our website: 8 . SURREY NETWORK STUDY DAYS 2019 https://u3asites.org.uk/banstead/home 8 .
    [Show full text]
  • Chipstead to Kingswood Walk
    Saturday Walkers Club www.walkingclub.org.uk Chipstead to Kingswood walk Ancient woodland, open downs and farmland in London's Green Belt Length Main Walk: 15½ km (9.6 miles). Three hours 55 minutes walking time. For the whole excursion including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 7½ hours. Circular Walk, returning to Chipstead: 13¾ km (8.5 miles). Three hours 25 minutes walking time. Short Walk, omitting loop to Mugswell: 11 km (6.8 miles). Two hours 45 minutes walking time. Short Circular Walk, omitting Mugswell: 9¼ km (5.7 miles). Two hours 15 minutes walking time. OS Map Explorer 146. Chipstead, map reference TQ276583, is in Surrey, 6 km S of Sutton. Toughness 5 out of 10 (4 for the Circular Walk, 3 for the Short Walks). Features Just outside the London boundary, this undulating walk takes in a varied landscape of ancient woodland, open downs and farmland. You will have plenty of company in the popular recreational areas of Banstead Wood and Chipstead Downs, but few dog- walkers venture across the railway into the network of footpaths, horse rides and quiet lanes which make up the walk's middle section. Near the start the main route follows a substantial part of the Banstead Woods Nature Trail, with panels along the trail highlighting the diversity of species. This ancient woodland was an important source of compass timber until the mid-19thC: large curved or crooked pieces of oak artificially shaped to make specialised sections for the wooden naval ships of that era. More recently the trunks of felled trees have been utilised by a local tree artist to create a series of sculptures illustrating the CS Lewis Narnia books.
    [Show full text]