Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve recognised with landmark 20th consecutive Green Flag Award

We are celebrating a significant milestone as Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR) receives its 20th consecutive Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee stated:

"We are incredibly proud that Epsom Common LNR has received a Green Flag Award for the 20th consecutive year. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Countryside team, volunteers and partners, who work tirelessly to protect and enhance this special place for wildlife and visitors alike.

"Receiving this award in the Green Flag Award scheme's 30th anniversary year makes this milestone even more special. It highlights two decades of excellence in managing one of the borough's most important natural spaces and creating habitats that enable biodiversity to flourish.

"As a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Epsom Common plays a vital role in supporting rare species and habitats. We remain committed to protecting and nurturing this unique environment for future generations to enjoy.

"A huge thank you to our Countryside team, volunteers and partners, including the Epsom Common Association, the Lower Mole Partnership and Natural England — it is your continued support that helps make achievements like this possible."

Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve dates back to Saxon times and is a nationally and internationally important wildlife site. It is designated a ‘Site of Specific Scientific Interest’ due to its rare insects and its important breeding bird habitat. This local nature reserve contains oak woods, wood pasture, remnant heathland and wetland habitats, including large ponds, and hosts species including Corky-fruited Water-dropwort and Purple Emperor butterflies.

Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve is one of a record breaking 2,391 parks and green spaces in the UK to achieve the Green Flag Award.

To find out more about the walks and tours taking place on Epsom Common, managed by the Countryside team at the council, take a look here: What's on | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

"Congratulations to everyone involved."

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.