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Management of Common

Horsell Common Management Plan

Active management is key to keepingthespecial ecosystem and habitats of Horsell Commonin goodcondition. Therefore, there have been surveys on the woodland and heathland, on the vegetation of thevalley mire as well as the birdlife. These surveys have been carried out by specialist consultants leadingto long term planning on the management of theCommon. The overarching aims of these surveys can be summed up as: “Preserve, restore and enhance the heathland and woodlands of Horsell Common for future generations through sustainable and sensitive heathland and woodland management, providing a rich resource that can be enjoyed by visitors, staff and volunteers alike. Maintain and enhance the conditionof SSSI units for their woodland and heathland habitat, breeding bird and invertebrate interest”.Inconclusion, Horsell Common is being cared for and managed not only at the day to day level but withlong term vision and careful planning which will secure its future.

Kevin Penfold (member of the Institute of Foresters)

Kevin Penfold, who has extensive experience in the management of heathland and ancient woodland, carried out an extensive survey of Horsell Common resulting in a 10 year plan, building on existing management. This plan has now been signed off by the Forestry Commission The survey analysed and recorded all aspects of the Common such as the environment and the common as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI )and Special Protection Area(SPA); the heritage and the need to protect rare archaeological features such as the Bronze Age Bell and Disc barrows; maintaining and managing for access and public enjoyment; the economy of the woodland: monitoring for signs of disease and building fire resilience

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A further survey was carried out on vegetation around the Danewell Gutter and the Valley Mire and the surrounding heathland.

Dr Giles Groome, consultant ecologist, was commissioned by the Horsell Common Preservation Society to conduct a vegetation survey and assessment of an area of valley mire and adjacent heathland beside the Danewell Gutter in 2019. The Danewell Gutter is very visible as a pond alongside Sandy track. The drainage goes much farther both north and south of this pond. The survey included soil sampling, water levels and recording of species in this bog habitat. The species were mapped throughout the whole area. In total, 57 species were recorded including 13 species of mosses. Out of the 57 species, 12 are defined as rare. The report concluded with recommendations which would further allow the sustainability of this habitat and the species it supports.

Bird Survey by Richard Denyer.

Heathland is very important for the European Nightjar, the Dartford warbler, the stonechat and the woodlark. Regular surveys are carried out throughout the year and have concluded that the number of these species has remained stable. The presence of the woodlark in 2019, the first time in 10 years, proved that the heathland management has created a good habitat for these birds.

Horsell Common Preservation Society
Company limited by Guarantee – registered in England and Wales Company Number 6460936
Charity No 1123473

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The report gives information on every aspect of the Common, including a detailed study of the flora and fauna, which highlights priority species found on the Common including the European Nightjar and the Woodlark. Over 200 plant species have been recorded on Horsell Common and it is one of the most diverse, species rich commons in Surrey. Horsell Common is also one of the richest sites in Surrey for bees, wasps and ants. At least 163 species have been recorded including the potter wasp, 15 species of spider hunting wasps and the solitary bee. The report gives details about historical monuments, veteran trees and those with a TPO, access, public recreation facilities and car parks. Particularly relevant is the description of the Woodland Habitat types such as the trees, heathland and grassland. The report highlights many specific objectives. 

  • Restoring priority heathland habitat
  • Managing plantation conifer in clear-fell rotation for SPA bird interests
  • Preserving and building the deadwood resource to benefit invertebrate and bird communities
  • Applying appropriate thinning to control light levels to ground flora
  • Carrying out ride management to benefit vascular plant and invertebrate communities especially lepidoptera species
  • Protecting open sandy banks and path edges for invertebrate interests especially solitary bees and wasps Through sustainable thinning regimes, coppicing and ride management, the woodlands will continue to be enhanced. Increased light levels will encourage regeneration and the subsequent developmentof structural diversity within stands, with a range of associated benefits for wildlife and people. The many specific areas of ongoing work, monitoring and safeguarding covers all areas from woodland and heathland to monuments, public access and economy. This is a working document giving clear guidelines on the care and management of Horsell Common which will allow the long-term vision to become a reality.
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