In the summer of 1997, the Council began grazing areas of Epsom Common using cattle owned and managed by the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project.  The return of the cattle marked the end of a period starting in the early twentieth century when grazing disappeared from Epsom Common.  The disappearance of grazing started a process of succession where the largely open treeless landscape of Epsom Common was transformed into the landscape dominated by the developing woodland we see today.  The progression to a single, uniform habitat of woodland has the effect of reducing biodiversity on the site.  What we aim to achieve is a balance between woodland, scrub, grassland, open water and the important transitions between these habitats.

The aerial photographs below, taken in 1949, 1971,1998 and 2003, illustrate how quickly woodland has encroached on the Common.  It is hoped in the near future to have images from the 1940's to present.  All the images are the Copyright of Surrey County Council and copies can be obtained for a fee by telephoning 020 8541 9441.

1949  - note the light coloured ploughed and cropped area north of the circular Wells Estate

1971 - the common remains relatively open

1998 - the open areas have been almost entirely encroached by developing woodland

2003 - open areas of habitat are reinstated through the grazing project

Why reintroduce grazing?

A large part of Epsom Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a significant part of this nationally important designation is due to the site's importance as breeding bird habitat.  The rapid disappearance of scrub and adjacent grassland in recent decades has threatened the biodiversity of many flowering plants, birds, mammals and invertebrates.

Since the 1980s, the Council has used it's own work force, contractors and volunteers to try and maintain a better balance between the various competing habitats.  While initial clearance of woodland is an important part of the process of managing these areas, it is the long term maintenance of the cleared areas that is central to the preservation of biodiversity.  The known benefits of grazing in helping to control encroaching woodland persuaded the Council to work in partnership with the Lower Mole Project to reintroduce grazing onto Epsom Common.

During 1997 two cows were used to great effect.  Today, the number of cows has now increased to 20 and the grazing area has quadrupled in size to stand at approximately 12 hectares in 2006.  Epsom and Ewell Borough Council receives grant aid from both DEFRA and Natural England to assist grazing on the site.  Today the overall aim is to restore a habitat that is defined as pasture woodland which includes all the habitats mentioned above.

Why Cattle?

As the Common has been historically grazed for hundreds of years, cattle are very suited to grazing this site.  Grazing is a sensitive way of maintaining the grassland without causing disturbance to other wildlife.  Cattle, in preference to other grazers such as sheep, create a varied structure in the grassland which is beneficial to wildlife.  For example, taller areas of grass provide shelter for bird nesting/chick concealment as well as providing areas for insects to feed and hibernate.  Alternatively their hooves trample bracken and other undesirable plants as well as create areas of bare soil which allow plants to regenerate and insects to lay eggs.  Even dung-pats provide habitat for invertebrates!  Mechanical methods are, by contrast, very sudden ways of controlling vegetation and do not give wildlife, particularly invertebrates, time to adjust to the change in habitat.  Additionally cattle are easier than ponies, goats or sheep to contain with temporary fencing which, in turn, allows good public access onto the site.  Cattle are also far less susceptible to being frightened by dogs.

Animal Welfare

In order to ensure the welfare of the cattle, checks are carried out on a daily basis.  The cattle themselves are checked to ensure they are in good health and, in the event of any problems, their owner is immediately notified.  In addition, we ensure daily that the electric fencing and water supply on the grazing area is in good working order and that the cattle's mineral licks are in place.  The checks are carried out by EEBC staff from the Countryside Team and Ranger Service, volunteers from the Epsom Common Association and staff from the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project.

Surveying and Monitoring

The effect of grazing on the biodiversity of the Common is monitored carefully.  In accordance with the Epsom Common Management Plan we have employed a number of techniques, from surveying quadrants to fixed point photography to assess the effects of grazing versus mowing and no management at all.