Banstead Wildlife field

 This field is a beautiful but neglected Council owned 2 acres of urban set- aside land. Developed 40 years ago, it is a semi wild open space enjoying a meadow, pond, perimeter woodland, raised sensory beds, and a butterfly garden. It is the only site set aside for educational purposes in Surrey. 

It is a wildlife field, not a wild field. Reduced funding for maintenance has, like many things, taken its toll. Without human intervention, the field is becoming colonised by saplings, brambles and thatch. The manmade pond is being choked by invasive bulrushes, drying out and becoming field. The paths (mostly still accessible), the sensory beds (CIL bid in hand), and viewing platform need attention.

A local resident and I, with the support of Banstead Horticultural Society, have decided to do something about this easily accessible wildlife haven. We have begun fund raising,  ran school activities in the field, welcomed a Guides group,  worked on replacing the raised bed structures (CIL bid underway) and are generating interest from further education colleges and secondary Schools.  (More detail about the  progress we have made in the last six months is given in the document below). 

The Greenspaces Team has given permission to formalise action whereby this special chalk downland meadow can come alive again to benefit wild residents, students and the local community to get up close and experience nature. 

Many people have already made generous contributions to the Field in terms of time, advice, support, and enthusiasm, a list of them is given below. They deserve a big thank you.

It’s a little safari land on the edge of Banstead. Do visit us at Banstead Wildlife Field, Basing Road, SM7 2AH or contact us for more information. 

Diana Beck