Hartlebury Common Local Group - Join and Conserve the Common

Tel/fax: 01299 877275
E-mail: enquiries@HartleburyCommonLocalGroup.org.uk		 Amanita muscaria

Aims:




Hartlebury Common - The facts


  • Hartlebury Common is legally owned by Worcestershire County Council.

  • A well attended public inquiry in 2009 found in favour of enclosing the common and grazing by cattle.

  • It is a Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI) because of its importance as a heathland. The aim is to increase the amount of heather, encouraging flora and fauna like stonechats, whinchats and nightjars to return.

  • A new ten year plan, starting in 2010, was commissioned by WCC and undertaken by ecological consultants. The common is divided into 36 conservation areas each of which is managed individually.

  • Funding for the project comes from DEFRA Higher Level Stewardship.

  • 35% of the trees will be removed over a ten year period. These are mainly trees that have recently self-seeded such as birch and oak, due to the lack of management and grazing.

  • Natural England has deemed the common to be failing as a SSSI.

  • If the SSSI status is lost the common will lose this protection.

  • Hartlebury Common Local Group, founded in 2006, holds twice a month conservation work parties and supports the new ten year plan. Presentations on natural history topics occur regularly featuring professional speakers.


    • Meetings:













  • Please fill in membership form to join Hartlebury Common Local Group: