Chobham Common has a largely open landscape with many characteristic low growing heathland shrubs and grasses. Tree cover varies considerably from isolated trees here and there to dense scrub and woodland. Although this blend is typical of heaths in S.E. England, the natural and timeless appearance is deceptive.
A patchwork of heather, grass, bracken, scots pine and birch - the Common in June Photo: David Stokes

Heathlands are one of our most ancient landscapes - they were created when prehistoric farmers began clearing trees from areas with light sandy soils which could easily be cultivated by primitive wooden ploughs. Robbed of the protective forest canopy these fragile soils rapidly deteriorated into vast tracts of impoverished acid soil which was colonised by heathers, gorse, broom, petty whin, bracken, purple moor grass and other characteristic heathland species with physical adaptations to withstand this inhospitable environment.

Chobham Common is exceptionally rich in wildlife and is nationally important for its insects. It is the top national site for the group: ants, bees and wasps, and also for aquatic beetles. A total of 64 rare species of insects have been recorded on the heath. Several butterflies and moths that are abundant here are generally uncommon elsewhere. One rare ant occurs nowhere else on the British mainland. The Common claims the longest list of species of spiders in Britain with over 43% of all species occurring here (six of them very rare). One of which, without so much as a common English name, has not been recorded anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

Many rare flowering plants, ferns and lichens grow here. Marsh gentian, southern marsh orchid, royal fern and others that are attractive, are quite well known to local villagers who are very protective towards them and berate visitors who pick them in ignorance. Plants such as yellow bird's nest, marsh clubmoss, sedges and lichens, that are far less attractive to most visitors, are not so likely to suffer harm in this way.
	The ornithological interest is also outstanding - over 80 species have been recorded in recent years, including woodcock, Dartford warbler, stonechat, and the nightjar which migrates from Chad. Also seen is that beautiful and rare bird of prey - the hobby.
Photo: David Mintor	Each autumn the wooded areas are rich in fungi; the Common is a favourite of many Polish people who gather edible species.  In late Summer, after a heathland fire you will often see Daldinia vernicosa (a little brother of "King Alfred's Cakes"), which typically grows on branches of burnt gorse. The fruiting bodies are about 1.5 cm in diameter, and are hard and long-lasting. It can be phenomenally abundant on the Common, and it is likely to be a common site all winter.

 

The scientific value of Chobham Common is further enhanced by the patchwork of habitats, often created by the commoners or the military. Some of the wet heath and bog areas are particularly good. The slopes and valley of Little Arm have great ecological interest. Peat cutting and moss gathering has created acid pools that are home to gems like dragonflies and water beetles.

With such a wide list of rare species and a wide variety of habitats it is not surprising that the Common has been designated a top (Grade 1) Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve.