It was lovely to see so many Six-spot Burnet moths (Zygaena filipendulae) on the wing on #ParkDowns today. Their striking colours could be seen fluttering everywhere in the grassland.

There are three UK BMS butterfly transects operating on Banstead Commons. The first Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) of the year was spotted on Banstead Heath this week. These are a migratory species that arrive from the continent in the Summer. 📸 Karl Tarratt

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 We held the last of our three Nature Detective Days yesterday. Kids delved deeper into the natural world through interactive sessions focused on species ecology & what we can do to protect & preserve it.

The Heather on Banstead Heath is looking fabulous. Lowland Heath is a nationally rare habitat. We’re looking for more volunteers to sign up and help us conserve it. Visit our website for more information & to join our mailing list: bit.ly/41eHY13

VISITOR NOTICE Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has revised the dog controls in the borough. Total of 4 dogs per walker. Banstead Commons Conservators welcome this new regulation on our sites; Banstead Downs, Park Downs, Burgh Heath & Banstead Heath. For further info, please visit bit.ly/3SOvDxT

It is a fantastic year for Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) berries. A bright splash of red in the canopy layer waiting for the winter thrushes to arrive 🐦

Can you see what we see? 👀 The first person to guess the correct species gets a gold star 🌟 and a very respectful nod. Buglife

Gotcha! We spotted our first Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennichi) of the year this week on #bansteadheath. Whilst they look striking, these fine looking arachnids are absolutely harmless. Their bright wasp like appearance simply helps to deter predators.

A special thank you to and recognition of the wonderful volunteers who supported our Nature Detective Days this year. 💚

What a fantastic day to explore #BansteadCommons!

Late Summer is a fantastic time to spot & marvel at the various different structures spiders make with their webs. Webs can be categorised into seven main types: orb, sheet, tangle, funnel, lace, radial and purse. Two fine examples spotted on #BansteadHeath today. 🕷️

We had a really interesting meeting with Reigate and Banstead Beat to discuss antisocial behaviour and dog regulations on Banstead Commons. Helping to build positive relationships and agreeing ways we can work together to make Banstead Commons a safe and enjoyable space for all.

Awesome work! Our recent volunteer work party spent their time scything and tree popping as part of our lowland heath glade management. If you’d like to find out what all the fun is about, sign up to our volunteer mailing list - bit.ly/3rUelVH

Our next work party is being held on Thursday 19th September. Tasks are varied and no prior experience is necessary. We found this little guy hiding during our recent volunteer work party! Sign up to our volunteer mailing list - bit.ly/3rUelVH

We’ve waited long enough. We’re delighted to announce the return of #Fungifriday fun! These magnificent Parasol Mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) are going to kick off the season. Big is beautiful 🍄‍🟫

🎉We have been successful in receiving a community grant from Your Fund Surrey County Council Customer Services to support our Pond Restoration & Visitor Engagement Project on Banstead Heath. Work starts this week - keep your eyes on socials for updates. Info: bit.ly/3zF1BpL 🐸

It is a beautiful day on the Commons! Our team have been out installing livestock fencing ready for the return of DownlandsLivestock to manage our grassland on Banstead Downs. Grazing update to follow shortly. 🐑 🐑 🐑

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬 A mixed flock of Herdwick & Beulah Speckled Face sheep from DownlandsLivestock return to BD this Tues Grazing sheep help to enhance grassland for wildlife: bit.ly/3MSdf48 🦮Dogs on leads around the enclosures pls🙏

This stunning Wheatear was spotted foraging on #BansteadHeath this week. A perfect place to refuel before their journey back to Africa. Join our Bird Walk to find out about the different bird species that can be spotted on the Commons bit.ly/4ab7vfn SurreyBirdClubNews

Awesome to welcome members of the TWRA Tadworth & Walton Residents Association to our work party today. Tasks today include Rhododendron removal and lowland heath glade management. We welcome support from community groups & organisations Contact us for further information 💚