Background
Ashtead Common has been part of the Epsom and Ashtead Commons Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1955 because of its community of breeding birds. It has also been a National Nature Reserve since 1995 because of the wood of decaying ancient trees and the rare invertebrates that live in it. It contains a wooded common with over 2300 pollarded oaks which are between 300 and 400 years old. These provide a habitat for many rare and endangered deadwood species. The area is of conservation interest in Britain and Europe. Also within the common are bracken, scrub grassland, semi-improved neutral grassland and various aquatic habitats.
Trials have been undertaken on how to deal with the invasion of michalmas daisies. It was concluded that grazing by goats was the most successful management option.
There is a Roman villa on the common as well as tile works. These are scheduled ancient monuments. There are also some earthworks.
When the railway companies wanted to build a new line to connect Chessington South railway station with Leatherhead railway station in the 1930s, they were denied planning permission because of the importance of the area.
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