Greenspaces volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering with the Greenspaces Team then please email: greenspaces@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
We have opportunities for volunteering in a number of greenspaces including parks, woodlands, allotments, countryside and running guided walks.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council also actively supports a number of conservation volunteer groups that work on Council owned land.
Downlands Partnership and Gatwick Greenspace Partnership
Along with other neighbouring local authorities, the Council provides funding to the Downlands Partnership and the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership.
The Downlands Partnership works mainly in the north of the borough and the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership works in the south. Both partnerships are supported by conservation volunteers, that help with a wide range of countryside management tasks including:
- scrub clearance,
- access improvements,
- woodland management,
- pond conservation, and
- livestock checking.
Quarterly, seasonal, conservation volunteering task programmes are offered for people to get involved with, plus many other great volunteering opportunities.
Further details can also be found on Surrey County Council's website: Countryside Management Partnerships (Surrey County Council website)
Banstead Commons
Banstead Commons Conservators are responsible for the management of 1350 acres of Council owned land in the borough. Banstead Downs, Park Downs, Burgh Heath and Banstead Heath are the four sites that make up Banstead Commons. Banstead Downs and Park Downs are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Banstead Heath is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.
For further information on volunteer opportunities available on Banstead Commons, please visit the Banstead Commons Conservators' website.
The Reigate Area Conservation Volunteers (RACV)
RACV carry out valuable conservation work in the middle part of the borough.
The group is actively involved in the management of sites such as
- Reigate Heath
- Earlswood Common
- Petridgewood Common
- Felland Copse.
For further details of their activities in the area you can visit the RACV website.
Horley Conservation Group
The aims of the Horley Conservation Group are below:
- To assist with the management of Tanyard Meadows, but also other open spaces in Horley, for the benefit of nature conservation and local amenity value.
- Encourage the goodwill and involvement of the local community.
- To foster a wider community spirit in Horley, which in turn can help to reduce local crime and, or anti-social behaviour.
The Woodchips - Chipstead Downs and Banstead Wood
The aim of the group is ‘caring for the countryside’ and involves not only grassland and woodland maintenance, litter picking and scrub clearance but also wildlife surveys. Our work parties are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- Contact the Woodchips at woodchips1@btinternet.com
Nork Park Conservation Volunteers
The group meet on Sunday - for more information see the link to their website.
Friends of Merstham Parks and Greens
Friends of Merstham Park and Greens is a practical group for anyone aged over 16. They meet every month and work on various sites in the Merstham area. Tasks involve coppicing, small tree felling, and scrub clearance as well as tree and bulb planting and general site maintenance. All tools and gloves are provided along with tea and biscuits so all you need is a bit of enthusiasm!
To join any of these groups follow the above links or contact us and we will be very happy to supply you with the necessary information.