Issue - meetings

To present the Conservators with the Habitat Management Plans 2023-2028 for Epsom and Walton Downs and Epsom Golf Course.

The Conservators received a report presenting Habitat Management Plans 2023-2028 for Epsom and Walton Downs and Epsom Golf Course.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Integration with Climate Change Action Plan, Climate Change Emergency and Climate Change Working Group. Following a question from a Member, the Conservators were informed by the Senior Countryside Officer that the Habitat Management Plans were not directly cross-referenced with the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan and Climate Emergency at present. The Conservators considered that cross-referencing would be beneficial and requested that it be undertaken.

b)            Future update on progress. The Conservators considered that an update report on the objectives of the Habitat Management Plans (with particular reference to the reintroduction of grazing on Juniper Hill, use of cut and collect equipment and creation of an Epsom and Walton Downs volunteer group) should be presented to their meeting in November 2023 and added to the Forward Plan.

c)            Thanks to Officers. The Conservators recorded their thanks to the Officers for their work to produce the Habitat Management Plans.

d)            Brian Angove. The Conservators were informed that Brian Angove, former Conservation Officer to the Conservators had sadly died in October 2022. Mr Angove had been instrumental in the production of the first Habitat Management Plan for the Downs. The Conservators expressed their sorrow on hearing this news.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Approve the contents of the Habitat Management Plans and the prescription table, which sets out the ideal actions for future management of the Downs and Golf Course.

(2)      Agree that officers work towards the three main objectives of the five-year plan as set out in 2.5 of the report and bring an interim report to the Conservators’ November meeting.