Chipstead Downs

Last updated
Chipstead Downs
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Yew tree near Fames Rough - geograph.org.uk - 583955.jpg
Location Surrey
Grid reference TQ 266 578 [1]
InterestBiological
Area157.8 hectares (390 acres) [1]
Notification 1985 [1]
Location map Magic Map

Chipstead Downs is a 157.8-hectare (390-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest south-east of Banstead in Surrey, England. [1] [2] Part of it is Park Downs, which is managed by the Banstead Commons Conservators. [3]

This site has ancient woodland and steeply sloping chalk grassland together with associated secondary woodland and scrub. A large part of the grassland is dominated by tor-grass, but in some areas mowing and rabbit grazing have produced a rich chalk grassland flora including the endangered greater yellow-rattle. There are rich bird and butterfly fauna. [4]

Most of the site is public open space which is owned by Surrey County Council and managed by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. [4]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Designated Sites View: Chipstead Downs". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  2. "Map of Chipstead Downs". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  3. "Banstead Commons and Banstead Commons Conservators". Banstead Commons Conservators. Archived from the original on 2018-08-09. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  4. 1 2 "Chipstead Downs citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 5 November 2018.

Coordinates: 51°18′18″N0°11′06″W / 51.305°N 0.185°W / 51.305; -0.185