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Protecting, conserving, and celebrating the four Coulsdon Commons in South London. Ashtead Common: Registered charity no. 1051510.

We manage and care for these beautiful open spaces including Farthing Downs, Coulsdon Common, Riddlesdown, and Kenley Common. Our sites are managed by charitable trust to protect and conserve their wildlife and heritage value and for the recreation and enjoyment of the public. Coulsdon Commons: Registered charity no. 232989. West Wickham Commons: Registered charity no. 232988.

20/04/2026

Our wildlife walk on Farthing Downs is happening tomorrow afternoon, and we’ve still got spaces left if you fancy joining us.

The cowslips are out at the moment and looking really lovely, so it’s a great time to come along for a wander and enjoy the Downs in spring.

👉 Book here if you’d like to join: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986973587488?aff=oddtdtcreator

25/03/2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team as a Ranger at Coulsdon Common.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to help care for ancient woodland, chalk grasslands, and wildlife-rich meadows. As part of a small team, you’ll support habitat and estate management, engage with visitors, and work alongside volunteers and contractors across Coulsdon Common and the wider West Wickham & Coulsdon Commons.

📅 Applications close at 12 noon on 30 March 2026
👉 Apply or find out more: https://cityoflondon.jobs.hr.cloud.sap/job/Ranger/1168-en_GB/

11/03/2026

Join the Ranger team on Sunday 15 March between 11am and 2pm for our popular “Meet the Calves” event on Coulsdon Common. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the grazing cattle that help manage the chalk grassland across the Commons. Rangers will introduce the calves, explain how conservation grazing works, and talk about the important role cattle and sheep play in maintaining the rich wildflower grassland and the wildlife it supports. Volunteers from the Kenley Revival Project will also be there, displaying some of the items associated with historic WWII RAF Kenley. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly event and a chance to get a closer look at the animals helping care for this special landscape.

For full details, please visit the Eventbrite event page for more information (see below). Please note that there is no parking on site except for Blue Badge holders. Visitors can park along Hayes Lane between Kenley Common and Coulsdon Common, which is about a 10-minute walk, or at The Fox pub, which is around a 15-minute walk across Coulsdon Common. We look forward to welcoming you for a chance to meet this year’s calves and learn more about conservation grazing on the Common.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984050477387?aff=oddtdtcreator

18/12/2025

🚧 Notice: The toilets at Farthing Downs will be closed today and tomorrow due to renovation works taking place.

Thank you for your patience while improvements are carried out.

09/11/2025

Today, local organisations and community representatives came together at Kenley Common to remember and honour all those who have served and sacrificed.

A wreath was laid at the RAF Tribute by Caroline Haines, Chair of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, on behalf of the City of London Corporation.

RAF Kenley played a vital role during the Battle of Britain, making it a fitting and special place for reflection and remembrance.

Thank you to everyone who joined and helped mark this important day.

02/09/2025

The weather’s looking good for tomorrow night’s sold-out bat walk on Farthing Downs.

We’ll be heading out at dusk with hand-held detectors to listen in on the calls of bats. September is an active month for them, as their mating season begins and, on warm nights, they take advantage of flying insects to build up fat reserves before winter hibernation.

If you missed out on booking for tomorrow, don’t worry — there’s another chance. Join us for our next bat walk on Kenley Common on Friday 3rd October. Tickets are £3 and can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1652449463829?aff=oddtdtcreator

01/09/2025

The wonderful Kenley Revival - History of Kenley Airfield volunteers are hosting another public heritage walk around Kenley Airfield on Sunday, September 7, at 11am. 🚶

These tours are a great introduction if you haven’t been before, and just as rewarding if you’re coming back for another walk.

Tickets are £3 and can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kenley-airfield-tour-tickets-1650389853479?aff=oddtdtcreator

11/07/2025

It’s been a brilliant year for butterflies across Coulsdon Commons, with lots of sightings of beautiful species like the Small Copper, Comma, Marbled White, and even the elusive Purple Hairstreak butterfly (who spend most of their short lives way up in the canopy of large oak trees!)

To make the most of the season, we’re running a guided butterfly walk on Riddlesdown with our site Ranger and volunteer butterfly recorder Mick on Saturday 19 July. 🗓️

Come along to enjoy the sights, learn about local species, and find out how we manage these special habitats for wildlife. All welcome!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/butterfly-walk-riddlesdown-tickets-1461383059069?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*1d2uvj2*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzc2Nzc4MDA3LjE3NTE1NTEzMjU.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NTE1NTEzMjUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTE1NTEzMjUkajYwJGwwJGgw

10/07/2025

🐄 The Sussex cattle are back out on Farthing Downs 🐄

Today they were fitted with new reflective leg bands to help them stay visible at night along Ditches Lane. A vet also gave them a quick check up to see which ones are expecting.

A few of the cattle are wearing GPS collars, so you can check their location here: https://grazingmap.nofence.no/ (Just make sure to turn on location settings on your device when using the map.) Please give the cattle plenty of space and if visiting with a dog ensure that your dog is under close control at all times.

23/06/2025

This summer, explore the hidden stories, stunning landscapes, and rich history of the Coulsdon Commons on three fascinating local history and heritage walks.

📅 Thursday 26 June – Heritage & Ale Trail (Coulsdon Common)
🕖 7pm
🔍 Explore the fascinating heritage of Coulsdon Common in a leisurely circular walk, then unwind with a drink at the local pub.
💷 £3 per person.

📅 Saturday 28 June – Heritage Walk (Farthing Downs)
🕥 10.30am
🌸 Stroll across Greater London’s largest remaining chalk downland—steeped in Iron Age, Anglo-Saxon, and WWII history.
💷 £3 per person.

📅 Wednesday 17 July - Kenley Airfield Tour (Kenley Common)
🕖 11am
✈️ Join us for a guided tour of Kenley Airfield and delve into its incredible RAF history—filled with stories and accounts from the servicemen and servicewomen stationed there.
💷 £3 per person.

🎟 Booking is essential:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/citycommons-17228025876

Address

Merlewood Estate Office
Caterham
CR35LN

Telephone

+442086608533

Website

https://linktr.ee/coulsdoncommons

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