In 2010 the Epsom Common Site of Special Scientific Interest was judged to have reached “favourable” condition, and application to

extend the Ashtead Common National Nature Reserve (NNR) to include Epsom Common, commenced. Due to funding cuts at Natural England (NE) there was little progress, but in 2021 NE renewed interest. By 2022 NE’s approach had changed and a much larger “super” NNR from the Thames at Kingston to Box Hill proposed. This would link nature rich sites across several boroughs, ensuring wildlife retains the essential ability to move across suitable sites over a wide area, rather than being confined to an isolated nature reserve.
Within Epsom & Ewell the proposal, provisionally named “Thames to Downs NNR”, might include four Council owned sites: Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Manor Open Space, Horton Country Park LNR, Hogsmill LNR, as well as Nonsuch Park where management is shared with Sutton. Other sites within the Borough are also under consideration.
This is an exciting proposal, although with many hurdles to overcome. However on 17 October the EEBC Environment Committee voted unanimously to: “Agree that Officers continue to explore the possibility of including...” the five sites “...in the proposed Thames To Downs NNR, and report back to this Committee if NE indicate that we meet the criteria for entry into the proposed NNR.”
We are very pleased with the Council’s decision on the NNR proposal, which we wholeheartedly support. 21 Oct 23
For more information:
https://democracy.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=144&MId=1493&Ver=4
https://epsomandewelltimes.com/no-reservations-to-put-reserves-in-thames-to-downs

Noble Park enlargement?

Crest Nicholson & the Vistry Group have launched a public consultation on their proposal to build about 90 dwellings on land immediately to the east of Noble Park. See: http://nobleparkconsultation.com

We are considering, but several points are clear:

The land was not identified for development in the EEBC draft Local Plan - apparently due for imminent resuscitation.
It is green belt, assessed as performing well in the Green Belt Study.
It is an important wildlife corridor linking Epsom Common with Horton Country Park, both Local Nature Reserves.
Developing this site seems unlikely to result in the biodiversity net gain soon to be required of all developments.

The ECA is not opposed to all further development on the former hospital land. However, as we have been making clear for some years, preserving wildlife corridors between the Common and the Country Park is vital for the biodiversity of both sites. Any development must be designed to ensure adequate wildlife corridors are preserved and improved.
20 Oct 23