Elmbridge`s countryside estate, the area owned and managed by Elmbridge Borough Council, covers 625 hectares.
Much of the land is common land, except for 5 sites. They are included because of their landscape character and/or associated management issues. The Commons can be broadly classified as Lowland Amenity Commons consisting of a variety of habitats. The ‘central block’ of 360 hectares (Arbrook, Esher, Fairmile, Oxshott Heath, West End and Winterdown Woods) are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The 2023-2028 strategy draws together current best practice found nationally and within the Esher Commons SSSI Restoration and Management Plan and our commitments made through our Countryside Stewardship Agreement with the Forestry Commission and Natural England. We are committed to applying these principles to our wider countryside estate.
We will ensure that biodiversity and sustainability are key in delivering the strategy to benefit all who use and enjoy the countryside.
The strategy will support the drive to reduce carbon and create the best environment for wildlife and biodiversity in our open spaces.