The award-winning Surrey park perfect for long walks and wildlife spotting

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4 days ago

Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve has won its 19th consecutive Green Flag Award.
This recognition is given to parks and green spaces that meet the international quality standard.
Councillor Liz Frost, chair of the environment committee, said: "We are incredibly proud that Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve has received its 19th consecutive Green Flag Award.
"This is an outstanding achievement and a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our countryside team, volunteers, and partners as they create and maintain habitats that help biodiversity to flourish."
Epsom Common joins 2,250 UK parks meeting top environmental standards (Image: Green Flag Award) Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve is a site of special scientific interest due to its rare insects and important breeding bird habitat.
It hosts various habitats, including oak woods, open pasture, woodland, and wetland environments.
It is home to species such as cotton spotted orchids and purple emperor butterflies.
Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve is one of 2,250 parks and green spaces in the UK to have received the award.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: "Congratulations to everyone involved in Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
"Quality parks and green spaces like Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve make the country a healthier place to live and work in and a stronger place in which to invest."
Mr Todd also emphasised the importance of these green spaces during the ongoing cost of living crisis, describing them as a "free and safe space for families to socialise."
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He said that they provide significant opportunities for people to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of green space.
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under a licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.
Find out more about the walks and tours taking place at Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, managed by the countryside team at the council, by visiting the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council website.
Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve dates back to Saxon times and is a nationally and internationally important wildlife site.