Reigate Heath Management Plan approved
A plan which sets out how Reigate Heath will be managed for the next five years has been approved by the Council’s Executive.
Reigate Heath Management Plan for 2011-2016, is a revision of the existing plan, which ran until the end of 2010. It outlines the vision of how the Heath will look like for the future.
Significant public open space
Reigate Heath is one of the borough’s most significant public open spaces. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), one of the most important wildlife designations nationally, and a Local Nature Reserve.
The site also has a number of Bronze Age burial mounds (3000-5000 years old) which have been designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
The Heath is a relatively small site used for a wide variety of activities including horse riding, golf and walking. The Management Plan is intended as a guide to help the Council balance the needs of all users, whilst compromising its nature conservation value, the landscape.
Consultation
Over the summer, extensive consultation was undertaken with the local community and users of the site to inform them about developments on the Heath, while also collecting opinions on how the site is viewed and valued. The information and views received have helped to inform the revised Management Plan.
The Heath is also subject to an Environmental Stewardship Agreement with Natural England, who has given the site a grant to help it be restored back to its former glory over the next ten years. The Management Plan shows the areas where we are proposing to restore the heathland, which includes tree felling. Residents have helped us to identify the areas where we can do this.
Valuable site for the community
Councillor Julian Ellacott, Executive Member for Environment, said: “I would like to thank all of those local residents and groups who took part in our consultation and gave feedback on this much loved and important site.
“On the whole, the community are happy with the way we are managing the Heath. It will continue to be a valuable site for the community and using this Plan and working with others we will be ensuring it stays this way for the future.”
Your ideas
Cllr Mrs Lisa Brunt, Chairman of Reigate Heath Management Steering Group, said: “Over 90 people responded to questionnaires to help us revise the Management Plan throughout our consultation, including at open meetings and exhibitions. A majority of these respondents were regular visitors to the Heath, with many using the site daily.”
“We are always interested in finding ways to improve the Heath. Anyone who wishes to share their views is welcome to contact us.”
You can feedback your ideas to improve the Heath by emailing reigate-heath@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
The new Management Plan will be published on our website by the end of February.
Last updated : 27/01/2011
