Epsom & Ewell Council has sent us the following release:
Code of Conduct introduced for users
of Epsom & Walton Downs
Contrary to a widely held belief, Epsom & Walton Downs are not common land. The land is privately owned, with an Act of Parliament allowing the public access for ‘fresh air and exercise’. Under the Act the principal use of the land is for racehorse training and public access is secondary.
The Code of Conduct has been issued by the Epsom & Walton Downs Conservators and is in response to a growing number of conflicts between the users of the open space.
New signs have been installed on the Downs making people aware of the Code of Conduct.
Jean Smith, Chairman of the Epsom & Walton Downs Conservators, said: “The Code of Conduct emphasises the importance of respect for all users of the Downs to each other and especially to those training racehorses. The Downs would not be available to any of us, if it weren’t for the racehorse training that takes place each morning”
Simon Dow, who is a racehorse trainer operating from the Clear Height Stables on Epsom Downs, said “From a horseman's point of view, there are many potential circumstances which can alarm and startle horses which may not be apparent to the general public. The new Code of Conduct, with the signs on the Downs, clearly explains that dogs must be kept under strict control and that cyclists, runners and walkers must keep well away from the horses and be prepared to stop if asked to do so”.
The owners of racehorses trained on the Downs pay a monthly fee to use them. A percentage of this goes towards the Conservators, which funds the daily administration and running of the Downs, including the Downskeepers.
As well as being detailed on the signs, the Code of Conduct is available on the Council website -
