Banstead Commons and Banstead Commons Conservators
 Where is Burgh Heath and how to get there?OS
Landranger, Sheet 187. Grid ref.: TQ240575, BCC map 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. In
2014/15, as a result of residential development to the west of the Heath a
new path was created crossing the Heath. As part of the
preparations for the work the whole Heath was surveyed and from that a
new management plan for the Heath produced. When published these documents will be posted here. Bus route; 420 from Reigate to SuttonThere is on road parking on and around the Heath | Natural
History of Burgh Heath The ponds provide most interest regarding fauna and flora. 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, shown in comparison with the usual form
below. 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.
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