ACCS is an umbrella group for organisations concerned with nature conservation in Croydon. Formed around 25 years ago it represents the interests of our member groups on nature conservation, wildlife habitats and open space issues. We provide a forum within which our groups can share matters of concern or obtain advice and assistance. We monitor, examine and comment upon town planning policies and proposals as well as planning applications that affect open space or nature conservation. The expertise and knowledge of our members provides a vital pool of information that can be used to obtain a picture of what is or what might be happening within Croydon to sites of interest to us.

We meet about 8 times a year and the London Borough of Croydon’s Nature Conservation Officer, its Community Partnership Officer and the BTCV Officer, often attend our meetings.

GROUP MEMBERS - Our member organisations hope that this website will help you to appreciate Croydon’s Countryside and the nature conservation work that is carried out by volunteers in Croydon’s Green Open Spaces. It may also encourage you to join in – either by joining a guided walk or becoming a volunteer. There may well be a site near you that would welcome your help. Nature conservation work is a good way of enjoying the open air and the world around you by keeping fit and meeting new people or even helping with surveys, computers or paperwork. The map will help you to find your local site and ACCS members or Other groups to find a local group.

Some of our groups work in partnership with Croydon Council and receive support from the Community Partnership Officer. Others work independently or in association with other organisations such as the Corporation of London or the Surrey and London Wildlife Trusts. ACCS brings all these groups together and also works in partnership with Croydon Council on such matters as the preparation of the Open Space Strategy and currently with the production of the Croydon Biodiversity Action Plan. All our groups are able to send representatives to the Green Link Forum where those with interests in nature conservation and allotments meet to discuss areas of common interest with Council members and officers.

WILDLIFE SURVEYS - Our Garden Wildlife Survey has been running annually since 1997 and provides useful information about local wildlife. We have a current need for data and more detailed surveys on sites covering woodland, heathland, chalk grassland and cemeteries as part of the Biodiversity Action Plan process and future monitoring. We would be pleased to hear from anyone who has any data on these habitats or indeed any local site or who would be prepared to help with surveying.

CONTACTS - Whatever your interest in nature conservation we hope that you will enjoy browsing our website. If you would like to get involved do contact one of our groups or ACCS direct.