As the weather warms up, many of us are spending more time outdoors enjoying the wonderful green spaces that make Epsom & Ewell such a great place to live. Whether you're walking the dog, exploring woodland trails, enjoying a family picnic or simply getting some fresh air, it's worth being aware of a small but important seasonal hazard: ticks.
Ticks are small spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are commonly found in long grass, woodland, heathland and areas with dense vegetation. While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks can carry infections such as Lyme disease.
Yes. Ticks are known to be present in several of our local green spaces, particularly during the spring and summer months.
The locally renowned Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, the largest Local Nature Reserve in Surrey, provides a rich habitat for wildlife but is also an area where visitors should remain tick aware. Local history and nature resources specifically advise visitors that ticks can be encountered on the Common.
Other local nature areas, including Horton Country Park and surrounding countryside, can also provide suitable habitats for ticks.
People are most likely to encounter ticks when doing activities in the countryside, particularly in woodlands and grasslands where wild animals (including deer) and livestock are also abundant. Other green spaces such as urban parks or gardens can also provide opportunities for contact between people and ticks.
While ticks are most active in the spring and summer months, they can be found all year round. The majority of tick bites will not cause Lyme disease. There are around 1,500 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease in England and Wales each year, although an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 more people are diagnosed each year based on clinical assessment rather than laboratory tests.
The good news is that a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk:
✅ Stick to clearly defined paths where possible.
✅ Avoid brushing through long grass and dense vegetation.
✅ Wear long trousers and covered footwear when walking in grassy or wooded areas.
✅ Consider using an insect repellent suitable for ticks.
✅ Wear light-coloured clothing, making it easier to spot ticks before they attach.
After spending time outdoors, especially in woodland or long grass, it's a good idea to check:
Ticks are often very small and can easily go unnoticed.
If you discover a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible using a proper tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily upwards without twisting.
Avoid squeezing the body of the tick, as this can increase the risk of infection. If you develop a rash, flu-like symptoms or feel unwell following a tick bite, seek medical advice promptly.
We are incredibly fortunate to have access to wonderful local outdoor spaces, from Epsom Common and Horton Country Park to the many parks, woodlands and countryside walks around the borough.
Being tick aware shouldn't put you off enjoying these beautiful places. A little preparation and awareness can help ensure you, your family and your pets stay safe while making the most of the great outdoors.
For further information about tick awareness and Lyme disease, visit:
👉 UK Health Security Agency Tick Awareness Information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tick-awareness-and-toolkit
👉 NHS Lyme Disease Information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/
So get outside, enjoy nature, and remember to be tick aware this summer!
