Friends of Reigate Heath

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Friends of Reigate Heath Newsletter Winter 2005 click here (PDF Format)

Click here for aerial photo map of Reigate Heath

Formed in 2005 with the approval of the Reigate Heath Steering Group including English Nature and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, the Friends of Reigate Heath is now establishing a crucial role within the new Reigate Heath Management Plan Phase 3: 2006-2010.

 Reigate Heath is an endangered cultural landscape recognised as a premier nature conservation site with a rich archaeological history of national importance.  

 As you will know, it has recently been saved from the potential threat of an adjacent sand quarry through organised, collaborative efforts within the local community to uphold its legal protective designations as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserve and site of Scheduled Ancient Monuments. This has highlighted existing concerns over falling groundwater levels and the disastrous consequences any further quarrying would have on the local ecology.  This issue will continue to require vigilance.

 It has demonstrated how highly we all value this special open space and the enormous potential of what we could do now to support its conservation and tackle the actual threats that Reigate Heath faces with continuing pressure on its fragile landscape from public use and a falling water table.

 2006 marks the beginning of a new exciting era for Reigate Heath as we embark on an ambitious phase in its Management Plan.  If well supported by the local community, this Plan will ensure that Reigate Heath not only maintains its legal protection but flourishes as a special place for both wildlife and people.

 Through the Friends of Reigate Heath, you can express your support.  We aim to communicate news and information relating to the wildlife and history of the Heath and its management through a seasonal newsletter. Contact us if you would like a copy of our spring newsletter.  Our mailing list is currently free but contributions are gratefully received.  Comments, ideas and articles for future issues welcome too!

 With donations and community involvement, we will be able to provide essential hands-on support for its conservation and enhancement.    Can you help us?

 Susan Medcalf

Friends of Reigate Heath    c/o  Heath Farm, Reigate, Surrey RH2 8QP   or    Foreigateheath@aol.com

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