Earlswood and Redhill Common Steering Group minutes - 19 February 2025
Attendance
| Name | Initials | Position/representation | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cllr King | JK | Ward Councillor Chairman (Cllr) | Present |
| Cllr Elbourne | ME | Ward Councillor | Present |
| Cllr Proudfoot | AP | Ward Councillor | Present |
| Thomas Carmona | TC | RBBC Officer | Present |
| Michael Hill | MH | RBBC Officer | Present |
| Simon Elson | SE | Reigate Area Conservation Volunteers | Present |
| Ron Boreham | RB | Horley Piscatorial Society | Present |
| Ollie Williams | OW | Local School, St. John’s | Apologies |
| Richard Feist | RF | Merstham Cricket club | Present |
| Tommy Mathews | TM | Boating | Absent |
| Amie Vaccaro | AV | Woodhatch Greenspace Preservation Volunteers | Present |
Minutes
25/01. Attendance and opening remarks
See above. Chair welcomes the group.
25/02. Management Plan
SE wanted an update on the Management plan, MH mentioned that the MP was in the final stages of being approved by RBBC Legal team, once it had been approved it will be published on the Council’s website, AP suggested that he would like a chance to comment on the MP, MH explained that the MP had been circulated several times for comment and any additional comments would cause further delays in publishing. It was suggested that TC would share the MP again to consider any significant comments. JK mentioned that he would like all comments back by 25 February 2025.
25/03. Chain Pond
TC reported the current works at Chain Pond: reed control, desilting. AP suggested removing all reedmace. MH said this would be detrimental on water quality due to its filtering properties. SE reported low water levels, the council will continue to monitor water levels, however, the pond is fed by surface water and whilst the silt was removed, RBBC actioned the jetting of the inlets.
25/04. Reigate School Pond
TC reported the current works at Reigate School Pond: reedmace control, strimming one side, removing litter from pond, general vegetation control. TC and SE to better communicate what each party does at the pond.MH suggested for a meeting to take place to make sure work plans are confirmed.
25/05. Wild Flower Planting Locations
Waiting on reply from John regarding locations. SE to ask Surrey Botanical Society their opinion on the proposed locations. MH makes the point that biodiversity is not all about an increase in colour, it’s about what’s naturally in an area and this should be enhanced. AP stated he would like to see more biannuals like Hogweed and other nectar producing plants.
25/06. Tree Planting at Whitebushes and Petridgewood Common
- White Bushes: The trees and mulch from Whitebushes have been removed and an ecologist will go out onsite to assess. These trees have been replanted in the existing sites to complement existing stock.
- Petridgewood Common: SE and AP were unsure on the species choice. TC to ask the Tree Officer to provide a response to these concerns. Since the meeting MH has confirmed the tree species and provided the justification for tree planting
25/07. Interactive map update
TC showed the group the new interactive map with the plan to publish online. The group were happy with the design and content.
25/08. council work programme update
Woodland thinning, ponds as above, tree planting and Himalayan Balsam pulling.
25/09. RACV work programme update
Finishing the Laurel clearance on Redhill Common. Planning in works at Chain Pond and Reigate School Pond. Have also been doing maintenance on the lost ponds of A23.
25/10. Fishing Club and Lakes Update
The electrical supply was installed via a Council approved contractor. The aerator is running during Summer at night and has controlled the growth of bluegreen algae and has been keeping ammonia and pH levels at ideal levels. The marginal plants are struggling to take, SE to help with this in the future. JET are looking into clearing the boating ropes, posts and buoys, MH/TC to pick up and update. Horley Piscatorial Society attended Earlswood Lakes for the dam engineer’s inspection.
25/11. Sports facilities
10 May is the first cricket match, RF to let the council know. Section38 potentially would be required for the installation of a water tank. RF expressed an interest in 4G pitches and marking off the cricket square. MH and RF to have further discussion during the season to prepare for measures to implement when season has finished
25/12. Any other business
- Redhill Common memorial bench: The group agreed it is an important viewpoint. ME was in favour of a new bench while SE had reservations about another one. TC to take stock of what is there currently.
- Community Orchard: AV reported 40 fruit trees are now on New Pond Farm, Apple, Pear and Plum. 15-20 volunteers helped. Plan to instal signage.
- Elms: SE Ulmus minor (Field Elm) could be present and are in good health. Samples to be sent off in the Summer. TC to inform Tree Officer to be mindful of undertaking any works to the Elms
- Management Plan: TC to send the plan to the group for final comments before end of play 25 Feb.
- Next meeting: 18 June 2025. (walk onsite meeting)
Actions
- TC: Ask the Tree Officer to justify tree species selection
- TC: Ask JET progress on boating infrastructure (RBBC staff have removed the rope and buoys along with the metal posts, although one post remains as there was difficulty getting it out)
- TC: Bench review on Redhill Common
- TC: Send out the Management Plan to the group
- TC: Write up schedule of works
- SE: Contact Surrey Botanical Society for their opinion on proposed areas for wildflower seed
- MH: What measures can be taken to mark off the cricket square (ongoing)