Thanks! Another management technique that will help us to create and improve habitat for the marsh gentian is the implementation of conservation grazing regimes. According to Surrey Wildlife Trust, the common … Near Longcross, loop back and strike out along the narrow paths of dry heath.
But its 574 hectares are a fragment of the vast lowland heaths that once dominated this landscape from East Anglia, through Surrey into West Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset.Seen as agriculturally useless, about 90% of England’s heathlands were destroyed between 1750 and 1980 – ploughed, ‘improved’ by artificial fertilisers, or planted with conifers. Chobham Common is a 655.7-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest north of Chobham in Surrey. You may have more luck if you take a late-evening walk, when their eerie whirring song haunts the settling dusk. Discover carnivorous sundews, basking lizards and vast cushions of flowering heather this spring in one of the finest remaining lowland heaths in the worldChobham Common luxuriates in the honour of being the largest national nature reserve in south-east England.
Some 29 species of butterfly live here, including the rare silver-studded blue, and 22 types of dragonfly hover and dart above the heathland pools. An area of 265.7 hectares (657 acres) is the Thursley & Ockley Bogs Ramsar site. The remnants are precious but still fragile, as shown by the murderous slice of the M3 that rudely bisects the site, and the constant threat of urban encroachment.Start at Roundabout car park on Chobham Road (B383). It contains three Scheduled Monuments.
Some 29 species of butterfly live here, including the rare silver-studded blue, and 22 types of dragonfly hover and dart above the heathland pools. The Trust has its own herd of belted galloway cattle, a hardy yet docile breed, which are ideal for use on rough, unimproved grasslands and areas with high levels of public access. Chobham Common is home to many rare species of plant and insect, including the marsh gentian and window-winged caddis fly. Sweeps of purple flowering heather and sweet scented gorse dominate the heathland, while the wetlands harbour insect-eating sundews and rare marsh gentians.
For over 200 generations rural communities have carefully managed this stunning open countryside, creating a wonderful, wildlife rich patchwork of mini-habitats. Chobham Common, which is one of the largest nature reserves in the south east, is home to many rare plants, included the marsh gentian. Find out more about the work of Surrey Wildlife Trust.From membership to volunteering, there are so many ways to support wildlife in Surrey!Discover where to see wildlife in Surrey, search for a reserve near you and plan your visit.Learn about the wildlife found in Surrey and across the UK and how you can help nature where you live.Discover wildlife themed events and activities in Surrey.Due to a recent wildfire incident, Longcross car park is currently closedPublic access managed by Surrey County Council, conservation managed by Surrey Wildlife TrustAccess – During the summer a hard track is available from Longcross car park for suitable mobility vehicles.Chobham Common isn’t just beautiful, it’s formidable. The few surviving heathlands are very special places providing a living link to our stone-age past.
Our best wishes for a productive day. This site is of national …
Take the path north-east through the heather and past a monument.
Public access managed by Surrey County Council, conservation managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust
Owned by Surrey County Council and managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust, it is the largest National Nature Reserve in South-east England. Renée Grayer led a walk, attended by 16 members and friends, at Chobham Common on the morning of Saturday 23 rd August. Stay quiet and tread softly and you might see foxes and deer. Try 3 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just £5! Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences