- Events at Whitmoor & Rickford Commons
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Tue 9th Jul 13
Work Party : Himalayan Balsam removal
- Reserves near Whitmoor & Rickford Commons
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Fir Tree Copse is under 3536 miles away.
Wallis Wood is under 3537 miles away.
Vann Lake including Candy's Copse is under 3538 miles away.
Hedgecourt is under 3538 miles away.
Hankley & Elstead Commons is under 3538 miles away.
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Whitmoor & Rickford Commons
Pond on Whitmoor by Mark HavlerWhitmoor and Rickford Commons comprise of a series of heathland pockets that are surrounded by woodland, which vary in content from Scots pine stands and birch coppice to secondary oak/birch.
The commons are the largest areas of open heathland in the Guildford area and support a vast range of species that are specific to heathland environments; as such they are important from a county perspective.
The commons were once grazed by the commoners' stock which helped maintain the open aspect that, in parts, can be seen today. Since the practical cessation of commoner's rights and traditions, the commons have increasingly become prone to afforestation by the natural invasion of Scots pine and silver birch.
Heathland is surviving on the commons and the preservation and expansion of this is one of the main priorities for the site. Both commons contain areas of wet and dry heath which have been encroached by woodlands of various mixes along with bracken and certain dense grasses. The predominant species are ling, cross-leaved heath and bell heather. Around the wetter areas there is also a mix of heath and willow with an area of alder carr on the edge of the common. To the east and south of this point there are stands of aspen.
The large water body in the centre of the common is a major focus for dragonfly activity in the area, with 19 species being recorded in or around the vicinity of the pond itself. The stream running through the common also provides a habitat for the water vole, and with some management work this species should be able to colonise the pond.
A visitor guide and self-guided trail leaflet is available for this reserve. Download your copy here.
Designation : SSI, LNR and SPA
Grid reference : SU 985 534
Habitat : Heathland
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