| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
) | |
| Area of Search | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | TQ 266 578[1] |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 157.8 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.[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]
References
- ^ a b c d "Designated Sites View: Chipstead Downs". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- ^ "Map of Chipstead Downs". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- ^ "Banstead Commons and Banstead Commons Conservators". Banstead Commons Conservators. Archived from the original on 2018-08-09. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- ^ a b "Chipstead Downs citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 5 November 2018.