Puttenham Common

The common is the remains of what was once a large area of lowland heath. Heathland shrubs such as ling, bell heather, and gorse remain in the more open areas.

The area is dominated by silver birch, bracken, and wavy hair grass. Oak and Scots pine are also in abundance.

There are two ponds with associated wetland and carr areas, and they contain a good range of aquatic plants and invertebrates.

Many birds visit the reserve, including great crested grebes, green woodpecker and grey heron.

Adders can be seen basking in the sun on the southern facing slopes and if you are lucky you may spot a roe deer through the trees.

There is a wide range of fungi species to be seen during the early autumn, and the moss and lichen flora is also well developed.

Puttenham Common is of high archaeological interest. Substantial finds have been recorded from every period except Saxon. The main feature is the Hill Fort at Hillbury which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, probably dating back to the Iron Age, but with greater evidence of occupation during Roman times.

The reserve was extensively used by the military during World War 2 with evidence including slit trenches and rifle range butts.

The common now forms part of the Hampton Estate.