Frequently Asked Questions

Epsom Wildlife

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Millennium Green?
Who is responsible for the Green?
Who owns the Green?
How can I make a donation to the trust?
Why should I donate?
I have read that you need volunteers on a regular basis to help out on the Green. How can I help?
What's in it for me?
Who can use the Green?
Can I pitch a tent on the Green?
I am a horse owner, can I ride on the Green?
How do I become a Patron?
Can I walk my dog on the Green?
Why is there no lighting on the footpaths?
Can I have a BBQ on the Green?
Why are there no litter bins by the benches?
Can I leave money in my Will for the Green?
How do I become a Trustee?
How is the Millennium Green Trust run?



What is a Millennium Green?

The nationwide Millennium Green Scheme was funded from lottery money by the then Countryside Agency (now part of Natural England) to mark the beginning of the new century. Groups of residents were invited to apply for grants in order to improve and safeguard areas of open land in otherwise built environments. Each Millennium Green is run by a local charity specific to that Millennium Green, with locally appointed trustees.

Grants from the Countryside Agency met up to 50% of the cost of creating a Millennium Green; the rest had to be raised locally in cash or in kind (eg voluntary labour could be converted into an equivalent cash donation).

Woodcote Millennium Green fits precisley with the original aim of initiative by revitalising a public open space close to people's homes that will be enjoyed permanently by the local community around Woodcote, as well as the users, staff and visitors of Epsom General Hospital. There are now around 250 Millennium Greens across the country, many of whom have websites.


Who is responsible for the Green?

The Woodcote Millennium Green Trust, a charitable trust registered in 1999, which is entirely run by volunteers.


Who owns the Green?

The Land is owned by the Woodcote Millennium Green Trust.

The registered proprietor of the Millennium Green is the Official Guardian of Charities who holds land on behalf of charities.


How can I make a donation to the trust?

This is quite straightforward and there are various ways in which you can make a donation:

A one off cheque or cash donation which you could post to Mark Swan (Chairman of Trustees) at 6 Sunnybank, Epsom KT18 7DX. Cheques should be made payable to "Woodcote Millennium Green Trust".

A regular standing order either as a Friend of the Trust or as a Patron. Please contact any of the trustees who will provide you with the relevant form or look at our donations page.


Why should I donate?

As with all charities we depend upon donations in order to meet all of the obligations that the charity was originally set up to carry out.

We believe that the Millennium Green is an asset to the area and we wish to maintain it as a lovely green space for local residents and users to enjoy. In order to do this effectively, we rely on donations and support from local people.


I have read that you need volunteers on a regular basis to help out on the Green. How can I help?

There are various ways in which you can help. You can register your interest via our website or contact anyone of the trustees. We will keep you informed of when we plan to carry out our next maintenance day.

We usually hold maintenance sessions on Saturday afternoons between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Alternatively, you can do "your bit" by picking up litter and reporting anything untoward to us.


What's in it for me?

The Millennium Green is entirely run by volunteers who all genuinely believe that we can all benefit from the Green. The Green not only offers a place to sit, walk, talk, relax, have fun on, play on, paint on (not graffiti!) but also enhances the local quality of life. Because of these benefits it also assists in keeping property values higher.


Who can use the Green?

Anyone. The trust was set up with a specific aim to open up the green to allow access for all.


Can I pitch a tent on the Green?

Sorry but we don't encourage camping.


I am a horse owner, can I ride on the Green?

Sorry but no. The paths are designed for pedestrian, wheel chair and cycle use only, and will not withstand equestrian traffic. There could also be a danger to other users of the Green.


How do I become a Patron?

This is straightforward. We launched an appeal in 2005 for Millennium Green Patrons and our initial target is for 100 patrons. Each Patron will agree to contribute £250 to an endowment fund either in a lump sum or by standing order for £50 each year for five years or £25 each year for 10 years. Please contact any one of the trustees and they will provide you with the relevant paper work to set this up, or see the Donations section of this website.


Can I walk my dog on the Green?

Yes, but we ask dog owners to be considerate and clear up after their dogs, as children play in the area and volunteers cut the grass.


Why is there no lighting on the footpaths?

We consulted local residents on the plans before any work was done. One of the key messages we received was that people want to see the area kept as natural as possible, and for it not to be turned into another park.


Can I have a BBQ on the Green?

We want people to be able to enjoy the area safely, so if you do want to have a BBQ on the Green please be very conscious of the fire risk, and do not hold one if the weather has been very dry for some days. Dispose of hot ashes very carefully at all times, as we deliberately leave fallen branches on the site for the benefit of the wildlife.


Why are there no litter bins by the benches?

We are trying to keep the Green looking as natural as possible. If we had bins on the Green then volunteers would have to empty them. The Borough Council has kindly put bins on the edges of the Green, and at least one of them is suitable for the disposal of cigarette stubs. We hope people will use these, or take their litter home.


Can I leave money in my Will for the Green?

Yes please! Please apply to any of the Trustees for a draft paragraph that your solicitor can amend to your own circumstances. For every £100 left to a registered charity like ours, estates could be saving £40 of Inheritance Tax.


How do I become a Trustee?

Every Registered Charity has to have a Trust Deed, which is basically the rules within which the Trustees have to run the charity. Our one says that current Trustees can ask others to become Trustees. We aim to have a range of skills among the Trustees, e.g., an accountant, solicitor, environmental expert, etc. When we have need of a new Trustee we will mention it in our Newsletter, which is distributed to over 600 properties in the area around the Green.


How is the Millennium Green Trust run?

As mentioned above, the Trustees are responsible for the day to day running of the charity, and have to send reports to the Charity Commission every year. We hold an Annual General Meeting in March each year, to which all local residents are welcome. We receive ideas for our future plans that way, as well as receiving comments throughout the year. We are fortunate that local people turn out to help maintain the area when there are specific tasks that need doing.