A special series of public events has been organised by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council so that local residents and Heath users can help to shape the future management of Reigate Heath.

Reigate Heath is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), one of the most important wildlife designations nationally, and a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) because it is an important example of the lowland heath habitat, including the heather and acid grassland found there. The site also has a number of Bronze Age burial mounds (3,000-5,000 years old) which have been designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

The Heath’s status means the Council has a duty to conserve it. The Council is currently updating the management plan for Reigate Heath that will steer how the heath is managed over the next five years to 2015, and beyond. A number of events are planned during June and July to allow members of the public to learn more about the Council’s approach to managing the Heath and to see and comment on the draft proposals.

Cllr Julian Ellacott, Executive Member for Environment, said:

“Local residents care a great deal about Reigate Heath and we want to hear your views on its management so that we can work out the best way of protecting and enhancing this natural asset. It is also very important to us that we inform the community about the various legal designations of the Heath and the obligations which they place on the Council as its owner. Please do tell us what you think, it will make a difference.”

The consultation runs from today, Monday 21 June 2010, until Friday 30 July. An unmanned display on the Heath and the draft management plan will be located at the Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate and Redhill Library from Monday 21 June to Sunday 27 June.

On Saturday, 26 June 2010, the Countryside Rangers will be at the Priory Park Community Festival when visitors can view the display and talk to the Rangers about the plans, and from Monday 28 June to Friday 2 July the exhibition moves to the sports pavilion on Reigate Heath where members of the Parks and Countryside team will be on hand to discuss the management of the Heath with visitors between 9.30am and 5.00pm.

Three guided walks have also been arranged to give people the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Heath and its management and to discuss their views on the way forward with the Countryside team. Guided walks will take place on Tuesday 29 June at 12.00pm, Wednesday 30 June at 6.30pm and Tuesday 6 July at 10.00am and run for about an hour and a half.

The walk on Wednesday 30 June will conclude at the Golf Club house where visitors will have the chance to chat further with members of the Reigate Heath Management Steering Group about the management plan over a cup of tea.

Cllr Mrs Lisa Brunt, Chairman of Reigate Heath Management Steering Group, said:

“The Reigate Heath Management Plan aims to take into account the needs of all users of the Heath, so as not to compromise its nature conservation value, the landscape or the needs of its users. I would urge anyone who uses, or has an interest in the Heath, to let us know what you think so we can take this into account when updating the plan for managing the site.”

Finally, a public meeting is being held at the Town Hall in Reigate on Monday 12 July at 6.30pm to hear about the proposals and to discuss your views.

Questionnaires will be provided at all events to that people can submit their views for consideration.

If you are unable to attend any of the consultation events, the exhibition information and the current management plan can be viewed on the Council’s website and there is an online survey so you can still have your say.

All walks meet at Flanchford Road Car Park, Reigate Heath, Grid Reference: TQ 239 502. Please wear suitable footwear as the terrain can be a bit rough or steep in places. Well behaved dogs are welcome.

For more information about these events see the Reigate Heath page on the Council’s website or call the Council’s Helpline on 01737 276000.