DRIVING DOWNLANDS AHEAD

The Downlands Trust primarily supports the aims and work of the Downlands Partnership, delivering countryside conservation and management schemes across NE Surrey and South London. The Partnership needs to acquire a new off-road vehicle by Autumn 2021 to help them deliver their established countryside management service and we would be delighted if you could help us to achieve this goal! Please click here for more information.

Covid-19. Following Government guidelines, all our events have been postponed until further notice. Be assured that we are looking forward to producing an engaging programme for all ages and interests in the coming year as soon as circumstances permit. If you have any suggestions for walks or activities that you would enjoy then do let us know using the contact page! 
  
The Trust is run by volunteers and primarily, though not exclusively, supports the aims and work of the Downlands Partnership (formerly the Downlands Countryside Management Project) established in 2008 to introduce and maintain countryside conservation and management schemes across Northeast Surrey and adjoining parts of South London.
 
Much of our support is directed towards chalk downlands, but we also help to maintain and protect ancient woodlands and ponds in our area.

Our activities involve:
         -  Raising funds for investment into the future of the local countryside
         -  Promoting the conservation, protection and improvement of the countryside
         -  Encouraging access to the countryside for all
         -  Promoting the health and social benefits of becoming involved in a local practical conservation work group
         -  Advancing the education of the public in the conservation and management of the physical and natural                            environment.

Our primary partner organisation and beneficiary is the Downlands Partnership, which provides a well established local countryside management service with the vital support of volunteers. The Partnership carries out seasonal practical countryside work in order to maintain, restore and enhance biodiversity and access. It also delivers an extensive conservation grazing programme at 24 locations across NE Surrey and in the adjoining urban fringe areas of Croydon and Sutton, including sites in Banstead, Caterham, Chipstead, Coulsdon, New Addington, Sanderstead and Woldingham. In 2020 the Partnership grazed a total of 200 sheep, 12 cattle and 14 goats.

The majority of these managed sites are of high conservation value and many are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). They encompass a wide variety of habitats, principally rare and valuable chalk grassland but also ancient woodlands and ponds and each has its own agreed management requirements. Some of these sites are managed in partnership with conservation groups/charities including the London Wildlife Trust (Hutchinson’s Bank Local Nature Reserve and Salt Box Hill) and the Woodland Trust (Marden Park).

​