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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. |
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A patchwork of heather, grass, bracken,
scots pine and birch - the Common in June
Photo: David Stokes |
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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. |
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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
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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.
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