About Us
About Horsell Common
North of Woking, the 907 acres of Horsell Common are a wonderful mix of heathland, woodland and meadows with the River Bourne flowing through. Since the 1980s, the Common has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest as many birds characteristic of heathland breed here. More recently, the Common has gained international status as a Special Protection Area because of its birdlife. The Horsell Common Preservation Society is a charity that owns and manages the Common, balancing the needs of recreation for local residents and the preservation of this special heathland habitat and the wildlife it supports. In addition to Horsell Common, the Society, has responsibility for Littlewick Common, Pyrford Common and various other parcels of neighbouring land.
Heather Farm
In recent times HCPS has acquired Heather farm which was formerly a mushroom farm. Thanks to financial support from McLaren and Woking Borough Council, we undertook the demolition of the old mushroom farm and the creation of the wetlands area. We retained one building which houses our office and store.
History
Horsell Common was originally part of the Great Park of Windsor but was eventually passed into the private ownership of the Earl of Onslow. Today the Common is owned and managed by Horsell Common Preservation Society.
Management of Common
Active management is key to keeping the special eco system and habitats of Horsell Common in good condition. Therefore, there have been surveys on the woodland and heathland, on the vegetation of the valley mire as well as the birdlife.
Management Team
The Society is managed by a committee of trustees who are passionate about the common and its wildlife. They are elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting. Our members also make a valuable contribution to the upkeep and management of this important natural resource and add weight to the Society as an influential environment organisation in Woking.
Working Partners
To help us in our aims we work with local and national agencies at various times.