The Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir and Molesey Reservoirs Nature Reserve are two significant natural areas located within the Esher and Walton constituency. However, despite their potential to provide valuable green space and recreation for local residents, these areas are currently closed off from public access.
The Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir is a vast 525-acre site owned by Thames Water. It features beautiful natural landscapes and walking trails, but is currently only accessible to Thames Water staff and contractors. Opening up this space for public use would allow residents and visitors to enjoy its natural assets, with the potential to add amenities like a visitor's center and cafe to draw more people to the area.
Similarly, the 400-acre Molesey Reservoirs Nature Reserve, located along the River Thames, offers an important habitat for local wildlife. But this site is also closed off from the general public. Granting access to this natural reserve would give people the opportunity to appreciate the local environment and go for walks or other outdoor activities.
Providing open access to these spaces would have numerous benefits for the Esher and Walton community:
Improved physical and mental health: Connecting with nature has been shown to have significant positive impacts on both physical and mental wellbeing. Opening these areas would give residents, especially families and those without easy access to green spaces, a place to exercise, relax, and recharge.
Economic activity: Turning the Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir and Molesey Reservoirs Nature Reserve into public destinations could drive increased tourism and economic activity in the local area, as people visit to enjoy the natural amenities.
Environmental education: Allowing public access to these natural sites would also present opportunities for environmental education and raising awareness about the importance of conservation.
For these reasons, we are calling on the UK Government and Surrey County Council to work with Thames Water to open up the Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir and Molesey Reservoirs Nature Reserve for public use and enjoyment. Providing open access to these significant green spaces would be a tremendous benefit to the Esher and Walton community.
Started by: James Levine
This ePetition runs from 16/04/2025 to 15/07/2025.
11 people have signed this ePetition.