The Common (North East)	::: << Prev ::: Index ::: Next >> :::

Only the poles which support the cables that bring electricity and telephones to the Common indicate any change from the scene that would have been found here in the middle of the nineteenth century.

As you go deeper into the common it becomes progressively more wild. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The undulating ground was formed in the last Ice Age by melting ice forming the depressions, which often form small ponds and became the habitat for various rare plant and insect species. This surprises the casual, untrained, observer will only see a forest nettles and stagnant mosquito infested swamps!

Some local people are concerned about the way the common has been managed since it became designated an SSSI. As it stopped being farmed commercially and cattle no longer graze here, the variety of bird life has been much reduced.

Page updated: 20 December 2004