CHOBHAM COMMON NNR - Surrey Wildlife Trust

CHOBHAM COMMON NNR 

DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN 

2007 – 2012

CONTENTS 

DESCRIPTION 1 

LOCATION 1.1 

LAND TENURE 1.2 

Areas 1.2.1 

Freehold 1.2.2 

Leasehold 1.2.3 

Section 35 1.2.4 

Other agreements 1.2.5 

Legal rights of access 1.2.6 

Other rights and covenants 1.2.7 

STATUS 1.3. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES 1.4 

Geology 1.4.1 

Geomorphology 1.4.2 

Soils 1.4.3 

Hydrology 1.4.4 

Climate 1.4.5 

BIOLOGICAL FEATURES 1.5 

Vegetation communities 1.5.1 

Plants 1.5.2 

Fungi 1.5.3 

Animals 1.5.4 

CULTURAL FEATURES 1.6 

Landscape 1.6.1 

Archaeological and historic features 1.6.2 

Land use history 1.6.3 

Socio-economic use 1.6.4 

Education, research and demonstration 1.6.5 

ACCESS AND VISITOR FACILITIES 1.7 

Visitor appeal and suitability for access 1.7.1 

Access provision 1.7.2 

Visitor facilities 1.7.3 

SITE FEATURES TABLES 1.8 

Biological features 1.8.1 

Landscape features 1.8.2 

Historic features 1.8.3 

Socio-economic features 1.8.4 

Demonstration, education and research 1.8.5 

Public access 1.8.6 

Other estate assets 1.8.7

EVALUATION 2 

SITE ANALYSIS 2.1 

Site strengths 2.1.1 

Site weaknesses 2.1.2 

External opportunities 2.1.3 

External challenges 2.1.4 

SITE MANAGEMENT POLICY 2.2 

Heathland and mire habitats 2.2.2 

Neutral grassland habitats 2.2.3 

Woodlands 2.2.4 

Fire prevention 2.2.5 

Historic features 2.2.6 

Landscape 2.2.7 

Public access 2.2.8 

VISION – CHOBHAM COMMON 2057 2.3 

OBJECTIVES 2.4 

Biological objectives 2.4.1 

Objective 1 Heathlands 

Objective 2 Mires 

Objective 3 Grasslands 

Objective 4 Woodlands 

Objective 5 Open water 

Landscape and cultural objectives 2.4.2 

Objective 6 Landscape 

Objective 7 Historic 

Objective 8 Economic 

Objective 9 Liaison 

Objective 10 Education 

Objective 11 Access 

Estate assets objectives 2.4.3 

Objective 12 Legal and contractual obligations 

Objective 13 Estate assets 

Objective 14 Site security 

Objective 15 Fire Plan 

SSSI consented operations 2008-2009 3 

MAPS 

Location 1 

Tenure 2 

Access 3 

Common land, bylaws, highway verges 4 

Major utilities 5 

Status 6 

Extent of habitats 7 

Stewardship 8

Fire Plan 9 

Access and visitor facilities 10 

Tree inspection areas 11 

Mowing plan 12 

Compartments 13 

Sub-compartments 14 

SSSI Units 15 

APPENDICES 

Bylaws 1 

Site risk assessment 2 

SAC citation 3 

SPA citation 4 

SSSI designation 5 

Potentially Damaging Operations 6 

Members of the Chobham Common Liaison Group 7 

References

Part 1 Description 

1.1. LOCATION: 

Chobham Common lies between one and three miles north of the village of Chobham 

in north-west Surrey. 

County 

Most of the area covered by this plan lies within the County of Surrey. 

A small area (0.26 Ha) in the extreme north-west corner of the Common lies within 

the County of Berkshire 

District 

Most of the area covered within this plan lies within the Borough of Surrey Heath. 

The Barrow Woods (Comp 21) lie within the Borough of Runnymede. 

The small area in Berkshire lies within the Royal Borough of Windsor and 

Maidenhead. 

Local Planning Authority 

The local planning authority for most of the Common is Surrey Heath Borough 

Council. 

The local planning authority for the Barrow Woods is Runnymede Borough 

Council. 

The local planning authority for the small area of land in Berkshire is the Windsor and 

Maidenhead Royal Borough Unitary Authority. 

National Grid Reference. 

Staple Hill Car Park, which lies near the centre of the Common, is at Grid 

Reference 974 648 on OS sheet SU 175. 

Map 1 - Site location and site boundaries. 

1.2 LAND TENURE 

1.2.1. Areas 

Chobham Common National Nature Reserve 513.36 Ha 

Glovers Pond 3.85 Ha 

Gracious Pond 12.4 Ha 

Broomhall Heath 14.5 Ha 

SSSI Unit 10 (Burma Road) 1.46 Ha 

Total SSSI, SPA, SAC covered by plan 545.57 

Barrow Woods (Comp 21) 6.44 Ha 

Little Heath and Burrowhill (Comp 22) 6.11 Ha 

Valley End and Brickhill Settlement (Comp 24) 32.55 Ha 

Chobham Place Fields 5.43 Ha 

West Wood and Valley Wood 18.75 Ha 

Non-SSSI land east of Burma Road and Burma Road Dump. 1.54 Ha 

Total area covered outside of SSSI 70.82 Ha 

Total area covered by plan 616.39 Ha 

1

1.2.2. Freehold 

1. Chobham Common NNR, Little Heath, Burrowhill Green, Valley End, Brickhill 

Settlement, Burma Road Landfill Site ….Surrey County Council 

Notes: Acquired freehold by Surrey County Council from Lord Onslow in 1968, under 

the Surrey County Council Act 1931 and the Local Government Act 1933. 

2. Barrow Woods, Chobham Place Fields………….…..Surrey County Council 

Notes: In the process of being acquired freehold from the Department for Transport 

as exchange land for land taken for the construction of the M3 Motorway in 1973. 

Chobham Place Fields has replaced Longcross Meadows (referred to in previous 

management plans) as proposed exchange land. The exchange has been agreed 

and will be formalised when SCC receives the exchange certificate. 

3. Rangers Station………………………………………….Surrey County Council 

4. Glovers Pond……………………………………………..Surrey Wildlife Trust 

Notes: Acquired freehold in 2004. 

5. Gracious Pond……………………………………………Mr. Charles Good 

Notes: Managed by agreement and not part of stakeholder engagement process 

6. Broomhall Heath, West Wood, Valley Wood…………Wentworth Golf Club Ltd. 

Notes: Managed by agreement and not part of stakeholder engagement process 

7. Land East of Burma Road including SSSI Unit 10…Crest Nicholson 

Notes: Agreement to be negotiated 

1.2.3 Leasehold 

1. Chobham Common NNR, Barrow Woods, Little Heath, Burrowhill Green, Valley 

End, Brickhill Settlement, Burma Road Landfill Site…Surrey Wildlife Trust 

Notes: Surrey Wildlife Trust has a fifty-year lease on the Surrey County Council 

Countryside Estate, which expires in May 2052 

2. Barrow Woods, Chobham Place Fields………………..Pending 

Notes: Once Surrey County Council has received the exchange certificate for these 

areas they will be included in a supplemental lease between Surrey County Council 

and Surrey Wildlife Trust. 

3. Ranger station….Supplementary lease between Surrey County Council and 

Surrey Wildlife Trust to be agreed. 

1.2.4. Section 35 Agreements 

2

1.2.5. Other Agreements 

Chobham Common NNR, Barrow Woods, Little Heath, Burrowhill Green, Valley End, 

Brickhill Settlement, Burma Road Landfill Site. These areas are part of Surrey 

County Council’s Countryside Estate and are managed by the lessee Surrey Wildlife 

Trust in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and Service Delivery 

Specification signed between the two parties for the duration of the lease. 

Barrow Woods, Chobham Place Fields – Surrey Wildlife Trust manages the Barrow 

Woods on a grace and favour basis until such time as the supplemental lease is 

agreed. While there is an agreed program of works for Chobham Place Fields this 

will not be implemented until Surrey County Council receives the exchange certificate 

for this land. 

Gracious Pond – Managed by agreement with the landowner since 1982. 

Broomhall Heath, West Wood, Valley Wood 

Surrey Wildlife Trust signed a fifteen-year management agreement with Wentworth 

Golf Club in September 1989, with a clause that stated the agreement would roll on 

after the fifteen years (which passed in 2004) unless one of the parties terminates the 

agreement, giving twelve months notice. Under the agreement the Wildlife Trust is 

responsible for conservation management while the Golf Club is responsible or 

general estate management. 

1.2.6 Legal rights of access 


Settlement, Burma Road Landfill Site, and Glovers Pond. These areas are Open 

Access areas under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. 

2. The whole area covered by this Plan with the exception of Gracious Pond, Barrow 

Woods, Chobham Place Fields, the Rangers’ Station and the land to the east of 

Burma Road is subject to a revocable Deed of Access made by Lord Onslow in 1936 

under the Law of Property Act 1925. 

3. Barrow Woods, Chobham Place Fields. The public are currently allowed access 

into the Barrow Woods on an informal basis, once Surrey County Council receives 

the exchange certificate for these areas access will be formalized for the Barrow 

Woods and provision for access will be made for Chobham Place Fields. 

4. A plan showing the land available under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 

2000 is appended (Map 3) 

1.2.7. Other rights and covenants 


Settlement, and the Burma Road Landfill Site are registered Common land. When 

the Barrow Woods and Chobham Place exchange certificate comes into effect these 

areas will become common land under section 147 of the Law of Property Act 1925. 

At present commoners rights are held by the owner of Stanners Hill Farm, Chobham 

to practice estovers and piscary over all the registered common land and by the 

owner of “Beesholme”, Gracious Pond, Chobham to graze five goats and practice 

turbary and estovers over that part of the Common known as Old Slade. 

3


Settlement, and the Burma Road Landfill Site are covered by the County Council 

Byelaws (made under Sections12 and 15 of the Open Spaces Act 1906), which were 

confirmed by the Home Office on 23 March 1978. When the exchange certificate for 

the Barrow Woods and Chobham Place Fields comes into effect, these areas will 

also be covered by the Byelaws as part of Chobham Common. A copy of the 

Byelaws (Appendix 1) is attached. 

3. There is a two-metre wide highway verge along the edges of the roads that cross 

the Common which was excluded from the common land designation and which is 

maintained by Surrey County Council and Windsor and Maidenhead Council under 

their Highway responsibilities. 

4. Several important utilities cross the Common. There are easements for the 

National Grid pylon line, Esso oil pipelines, British Pipeline Association high-pressure 

oil pipeline and the two major British Gas pipelines, and way leaves for the Southern 

Electricity power lines. A plan showing these utilities and contact details are included 

in the Site Risk Assessment (Appendix 2) 

5. There are numerous easements, way leaves, rights of access and rights of way 

relating to properties and utilities on the margins of the Common. Copies of some of 

these are held by Surrey County Council (Deed Package 2052 and File numbers 

5972 and 5972/3). 

6. The fishing rights for the Fishpool are currently leased to Chobham and District 

Angling Club until 28 th September 2011 

Maps 

Map 2 – Tenure – Freehold, Leasehold, and Agreements 

Map 3 – Access – Open access (CRoW), and Deed of Access 

Map 4 – Common land – Common Land, Bylaw Coverage, and Highway Verges 

Map 5 – Major Utilities 

Appendixes 

Appendix 1 – Chobham Common Bylaws 

Appendix 2 – Site Risk Assessment 

1.3. Status 

SAC: 545.57 Ha 

Most of the area covered by this plan is part of the Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and 

Chobham Special Area for Conservation, which was designated on 1 st April 2005. 

The area covered represents 10.6 % of the total area of the SAC. The SAC citation 

is appended (appendix 3). 

SPA: 545.57 Ha 

Most of the area covered by the plan is part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special 

Protection Area, which was designated in March 2005. The area covered represents 

6.5 % of the SPA. The SPA citation is appended (appendix 4) 

4

NNR: 513.36 Ha 

This plan covers the whole of the Chobham Common National Nature Reserve which 

was declared in 1994 under section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 

SSSI: 545.57 Ha 

The area covered in this plan takes in the greater part (65 %) of the Chobham 

Common Site of Special Scientific Interest. The SSSI was originally declared in 1973 

under section 23 of the 1949 Act, as part of the Chobham Pirbright Group. Chobham 

Common SSSI was renotified in 1985 under section 28 of the Wildlife and 

Countryside Act 1981 and extended in 1986 and 1994. The Chobham Common SSSI 

designation is appended (appendix 5) 

Other designations (site) 

There are Sites of Nature Conservation Interest at Burrowhill Green and Little Heath 

(Comp 22) 

There are three Scheduled Ancient Monuments 

A Bronze Age round barrow at SU175 992 646 

The Beegarden an earthwork of unknown date at SU175 974 644 

The Rectangular Beegarden an earthwork of unknown date at SU175 993 639 

Maps: 

Map 6 – Status – Site, SAC, SPA, NNR, SSSI boundaries 

Map 10 – Statutory Rights of Way and Scheduled Ancient Monuments 

Appendixes 

SAC citation 

SPA citation 

SSSI designation 

1.4. Physical features 

1.4.1. Geology 

Chobham Common is an extensive open tract of lowland heath, which has developed 

over the tertiary deposits of the London Basin. 

1.4.2. Geomorphology 

The site is bisected by the M3 motorway, which cuts across the Common from southwest 

to north-east; approximately one third of the site lies to the north of the 

motorway. 

To the north of the M3 the land undulates forming three ridges (Oystershell Hill and 

Brick Hill, Ship Hill, and Burnt Hill) with south-easterly and north-westerly aspects, 

separated by Long Arm and Little Arm Bogs. The land to the west of Burma Road 

falls gently to the west until it reaches Long Arm. 

Immediately to the south of the M3 Valley End, Chickabiddy Hill and Staple Hill form 

a continuous ridge. Jubilee Mount and Tank Hill are southern spurs of Staple Hill, 

which form the western and eastern rims of the broad valley known as Albury 

5

Bottom. South of these features the site falls away to its southern boundary on 

Gracious Pond Road, with low ridges at Butts Hill and Monks Walk. 

The highest point on the site is The Clump on Staple Hill at just under 75 metres 

above sea level, while the lowest elevations are at about 30 metres. 

1.4.3. Soils 

The soils are formed from the Bagshot, Bracklesham and Barton Beds, and are 

typically stagnogley podzols, with stagnogley soils and some gleys in the more 

wooded margins of the site, peaty soils in the wetter low-lying areas and plateau 

gravels on the high ridges. 

There is an extensive zone of disturbance on either side of the motorway (Comp 14). 

High levels of nitrogen deposition have been measured on the Common extending 

out from the motorway and this may in part explain the distribution of extensive areas 

of Molina caerulea dominated grassland that occur on the Common. 

1.4.4. Hydrology 

North of the M3 the Common is part of the Chertsey Bourne river catchment and is 

drained by three deep valley bogs (Long Arm, Little Arm, and the unnamed bog in the 

north west corner of the site) all of which flow from south-west to north-east. 

South of the M3 the Common is part of the Addlestone Bourne river catchment. Most 

of this area drains southwards through a complex system of shallow valley bogs into 

the stream that flows south from Langshot Stables, there is a deep bog on the 

Common to the west of the stables. Willies Leap Bog, Old Slade Bog and the 

Fishpool complex flow southwest across the southeast spur of the site. 

1.4.5. Climate 

The climate is typical of central southern England, moist and temperate with mild 

winters (Koppens Cfb). Prevailing winds are from the south-west, and in most years 

rainfall ranges between 550 millimetres and 650 millimetres. Normal average 

temperatures are 17 o C in July and 5 o C in January. Sunshine levels are amongst the 

highest in Britain, while the number of snow days is comparatively low (Baxter-Brown 

A.I 1982). 

It should be noted that recent analyses of climate trends by the Meteorological Office 

indicated the following changes in climate in south-east England 1 ; 

• A mean temperature rise between 1914 and 2004 of 0.84C and an increase 

in the thermal growing season. 

• A mean temperature rise of 0.84C during the winter months (1914-2004), an 

increase in winter precipitation and a strong decline in snow days (down 75% 

since 1975) and frost days (down 25-35% since 1961). 

• A mean temperature rise of 0.9C during the summer months (1914-2004) with 

a decrease in summer precipitation and an increase in heavy rain events. 

1 Meteorological Office 2006. A special analysis of trends in the UK climate since 1914. 

6

1.5 Biological Features 

1.5.1. Vegetation communities 

The citation for the Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham Special Area of 

Conservation states that the qualifying habitats for designation are European dry 

heath; North Atlantic wet heath with Erica tetralix; and depressions on peat 

substrates of the Rhynchosporion. 

There are extensive areas of European dry heath on Chobham Common made up of 

NVC H1 heather-sheep’s fescue Calluna vulgaris- Festuca ovina heath, NVC H2 

heather-dwarf gorse Calluna vulgaris- Ulex minor heath, and NVC H3 dwarf gorsebristle 

bent grass Ulex minor- Agrostis curtisii heath. Success in reducing fires on the 

site has meant that many Calluna vulgaris blocks have reached maturity; while there 

is age variation between Calluna vulgaris blocks, individual blocks tend to be of even 

age. Purple moor grass Molinia caerulea is a component of the H3 heath and can 

dominate where nutrient enrichment has occurred through nitrogen deposition, 

uncontrolled fires and lack of grazing. There appears to be a positive correlation 

between the frequency of M. caerulea and proximity to the M3 motorway and there 

are concerns that this species is supplanting heathland and mire habitats as a result 

of nutrient enrichment locally from the motorway and more generally, from aviation 

sources and atmospheric nitrogen deposition. Where grazing has occurred and the 

Molinia caerulea has been suppressed H3 heathland has successfully been restored. 

Where mowing has occurred and the Molinia caerulea has been suppressed H3 

heathland has been restored, but it lacks the diversity and structure of the grazed 

areas. 

Areas of undisturbed bare ground and early successional habitat, created by 

recreational activity or for conservation reasons, are an important component of the 

dry heath communities. The dry heath is interspersed with areas of bracken 

Pteridium aquilinum, European gorse Ulex europeaus, birch Betula pendula - 

pubescens and invasive Scots pine Pinus sylvestris, as well as isolated trees and 

bushes. 

The North Atlantic wet heath is represented by NVC M16 cross-leaved heath- 

Sphagnum moss Erica tetralix- Sphagnum compactum wet heath, which occurs on 

the margins of most of the bog systems and of many areas of open water, in damp 

low lying areas and on higher areas where drainage is impeded, and it is quite 

extensive in some places. 

NVC M21 bog asphodel-Sphagnum moss Narthecium ossifragum- Sphagnum 

papillosum valley mire occurs in the deeper valleys, low lying areas and wet hollows 

that are permanently water logged. Depressions in the peat substrates occur within 

this habitat and in the transition zone between mire and wet heath, and are found in 

and around seasonal bog pools, in flushes on the edges of mires and in areas that 

have been artificially disturbed especially where conservation management has 

occurred. Marsh club-moss Lycopodiella inundata occurs in this habitat. 

Many mire areas are dominated by NVC M25 purple moor grass-tormentil Molinia 

caerulea- Potentilla erecta mire and there is evidence that over time it has 

supplanted the more bio-diverse M21 mire. Where grazing has occurred and the 

Molinia caerulea has been suppressed M21 habitats have been restored. In places 

the M25 extends into wet heath areas and where it has been grazed, lightly trampled 

or burnt it forms a herb rich acid meadow, which supports marsh gentian Gentiana 

pneumonanthe and saw-wort Serratula tinctoria. 

7

There are some thirty-five ponds of varying size on the Common, which support a 

rich invertebrate fauna. The less acidic ponds on the margins of the site support 

amphibians. Most are of recent origin although the Fishpool complex was a medieval 

carp pond. 

A variety of NVC MG5 crested dog’s-tail grass-knapweed Cynosurus cristatus- 

Centaurea nigra type grasslands occur on the margins of the site including Little 

Heath and Burrowhill Green, on road verges and on areas of heathland verge along 

fire breaks and the edges of hardened fire tracks. They act as important nectaries for 

invertebrates and Deptford pink Dianthus armeria occurs in one of these areas. 

Carr woodlands occur in several of the bog areas with NVC W5 alder-greater tussock 

sedge Alnus glutinosa – Carex paniculata type wet woodland at Monks Walk, Old 

Slade and Fishpool and with the more frequent NVC W1 grey willow-marsh bedstraw 

Salix cinerea- Galium palustre wet woodland elsewhere. In areas where little 

management has occurred this grades into NVC W4 silver birch-purple moor grass 

Betula pendula-Molinia caerulea woodland. Betula pendula-Molinia caerulea 

woodland is prevalent on many of the damp margins of the Common where it grades 

into NVC W10 pedunculate oak-bracken-bramble Quercus robur- Pteridium 

aquilinum- Rubus fruticosus woodland. 

At Monks Walk and elsewhere there are dense stands of Scots Pine with no ground 

flora. 

Most of the woodland in the area is of recent origin. The few areas of older 

secondary woodland that occur on and around the Common (including the Barrow 

Woods) are dominated in the canopy by sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) with 

scattered beech (Fagus sylvatica and oak (Quercus spp.) and occasional stands of 

Scots pine, the shrub, field and ground layers are either absent or are composed 

entirely of Rhododendron ponticum. Although some interesting fungi are found in 

these areas, and the over-mature trees and lack of human visitors may benefit some 

of the shyer breeding birds, this climax has by far the lowest ecological value of any 

of the communities found on Chobham Common. 

1.5.2. Plants 

Three hundred and ninety vascular plant species have been recorded on the site. 

The wet heath and mire communities support excellent assemblages of wetland 

plants including the nationally scarce marsh gentian Gentiana pneumonanthe, and 

the Surrey rarities hare’s-tail cotton grass Eriophorum vaginatum, bogbean 

Menyanthes trifoliata, and royal fern Osmunda regalis. Other wetland species include 

round-leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia, oblong-leaved sundew Drosera 

intermedia, bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, bog pimpernel Anagallis tenella, 

common cotton grass Eriophorum angustifolium, heath spotted orchid Dactylorhiza 

maculata, and saw-wort Serratula tinctoria. Of most note is the marsh club moss 

Lycopodiella inundata, which is classified as nationally scarce, is protected under 

schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and is a BAP priority species. 

The dry grassland areas are quite diverse and support the nationally scarce mossy 

stonecrop Crassula tillaea and Dianthus armeria which is classified as nationally 

vulnerable, is protected under schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 

The better areas of secondary woodland support a typical W10 woodland flora. 

Mistletoe Viscum album a Surrey rarity occurs on the site. 

8

The Common has a rich bryophyte flora. 

The systematic lists for vascular plants, mosses and liverworts are held SWT 

1.5.3. Fungi 

This group is well represented but under-recorded. 

1.5.4. Animals 

Some twenty-six species of mammal have been recorded on the site including 

colonies of water vole Arvicola terrestris (a BAP priority species), and five species of 

bat. 

One hundred and seventeen species of bird have been recorded on the Common, 

which forms an important part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. 

The Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area site was declared under Article 

4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) as it supports populations of European importance 

of the Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata, Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, and 

Woodlark Lullula arborea all of which are listed on Annex I of the Directive and 

Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 

The Common supports in excess of ninety breeding pairs of Dartford warbler (4.7% 

of the British breeding population) and in excess of fifty pairs of European nightjar 

(1.5% of the British breeding population). Woodlark numbers vary between six and 

twelve pairs (0.4-0.8% of the British breeding population). 

Non-qualifying species of interest that are listed in the SPA citation that breed on the 

common are hobby Falco subbuteo, woodcock Scolopax rustica, skylark Alauda 

arvensis, stonechat Saxicola torquata, tree pipit Anthus trivialus, and yellowhammer 

Emberiza citrinella. Merlin Falco columbarius and kingfisher Alcedo atthis are 

irregular winter visitors to the site. 

Red list Birds of Conservation Concern that are resident breeding birds on the 

Common are reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, lesser spotted woodpecker 

Dendrocopus minor, linnet Acanthis cannabina, song thrush Turdus philomelos, 

starling Sternus vulgaris, and bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Grey partridge Perdix 

perdix, grasshopper warbler Locustella naevia, spotted flycatcher Ficedula 

hypoleuca, and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus breed in some years. 

The four common amphibian species and the four common reptile species occur on 

the site. Sand lizard Lacerta agilis a BAP priority species was successfully reintroduced 

to the site in 1987. 

Six species of fish occur in the Fishpool complex, none of which are of any particular 

conservation interest. 

The site ranger holds systematic species lists for all vertebrate groups 

The Common is nationally important for its invertebrate fauna, in particular its 

Spiders (Areneae); bees, wasps and ants (Hymenoptera); aquatic beetles and 

ladybirds (Coleoptera); true flies (Diptera); and butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera). 

9

The invertebrate site register for the Chobham Common SSSI lists 467 notable 

invertebrate species; of these, 9 species are listed as endangered (one ant, 3 wasps 

and 5 bees), 6 species are listed as vulnerable (one hoverfly, 2 spiders, 2 wasps and 

one bee), 28 species are listed as rare (5 Hemiptera bugs, one sawfly, 7 wasps, 9 

bees, 4 Diptera and 2 spiders), 29 species are listed as nationally scarce notable A, 

96 species are listed as nationally scarce, 2 species are listed as regionally scarce, 

286 species are listed as local, one species is listed as insufficiently known, 2 

species are listed as requiring confirmation, and one species is listed as extinct on 

the site “site possibly now obliterated by M3”. 

Some 281 species of spider have been recorded of which 39 species are classified 

as rare and 8 as very rare. This gives Chobham Common the largest known fauna in 

Britain with 47% of all British species. Of most note is the BAP priority species 

Uloborus walckenaerius. 

389 species of bees and wasps (Hymenoptera aculeata) have been recorded on the 

Common together with 21 species of ant (Formicidae). Of most note is the BAP 

priority species the red bearded ant Formica rufibarbis which only occurs on 

Chobham Common in the mainland UK. 

106 species of Diptera have been recorded most notably the BAP priority bee fly 

Thyridanthrax fenestratus. 

Some 122 beetle species have been recorded, including 21 of the 24 extant native 

British ladybird species. 

33 species of butterfly have been recorded of which 28 breed on the site. Of most 

note are silver studded blue and the grayling (Hipparchia semele). 322 species of 

moth have been recorded. 

22 dragonfly (Odonata) species been recorded. 

Species lists for spiders, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Diptera, 

Lepidoptera, and notable invertebrates are held by SWT. 

At present systematic species lists are not available for the remaining invertebrate 

groups. 

Map 7 – extent of habitats (2002) 

1.6 CULTURAL FEATURES 

1.6.1. Landscape 

Regional landscape character 

Chobham Common falls within the Thames Basin Heaths Character Area, (Character 

Area 129) which is characterised as – 

A particularly diverse landscape unified by the high incidence of heathland 

and coniferous forestry, the open unenclosed nature of which is unusual 

within the context of the south-east region. 

A heavily populated and developed area characterised by large towns plus 

numerous smaller settlements along transport corridors interspersed by open 

land. 

10

Fragmented but often connected blocks of largely neglected remnant 

heathland as a result of early agricultural clearances and widespread 

development, with most heath retained on large commons or as Ministry of 

Defence training areas. 

Cultivated farmland and pasture is typically enclosed within small and 

irregularly shaped fields divided by hedgerows with small areas of wood and 

heath heavily used for horse grazing. 

Large tracts of coniferous plantations or mixed wood with beech and birch are 

typical of much of the area, with significant areas of ancient woodland in the 

west. 

The Character Area description notes that Chobham Common is the only large 

heather dominated heathland within the Area that does not have restricted access. 

Local landscape character 

As the only accessible example of an extensive open heathland landscape in the 

area Chobham Common is of considerable local importance both historically as a 

fine example of an ancient landscape and as an important local amenity. Visitors 

appreciate the “open, natural and wild” character of the site. A landscape feature of 

great importance to local communities is the Clump where a fine stand of ancient 

Scots pines stood until the early nineteen sixties, the area was replanted in the midnineteen 

seventies and there are long term plans to restore it to it’s former 

prominence. 

There are a number of factors that detract from the landscape value of the site, the 

M3 Motorway crosses the site and although it is not visible from most parts of the site 

both the motorway and aircraft from Heathrow cause considerable noise pollution. 

The pylon lines that cross the Common and the BAT tower in Woking detract from 

the otherwise fine views looking south from the Staple Hill Ridge across the open 

heath to the North Downs. 

1.6.2. Archaeological and historical features 

There are three Scheduled Ancient Monuments on the Common:- 

The fine Bronze Age round barrow, complete with ditch located in the Barrow Woods. 

The Bee Garden, which is situated in Albury Bottom, is a roughly circular earthwork 

approximately one hundred metres in diameter with an enclosure at it’s southern end. 

It has yet to be dated and it’s original purpose is unknown. It may well prove to be a 

prehistoric farmstead; it has also been suggested that it could be a mediaeval stock 

enclosure although the Anglo-Saxon place name Albury (“the old burgh or 

earthwork”) would indicate it was regarded as ancient in the early mediaeval period. 

The Rectangular Bee Garden situated at Old Slade is a triple-moated enclosure fifty 

metres across on its longest side. Its purpose and date of origin have yet to be 

ascertained although it is clearly more recent than the Bee Garden. Local people 

believe that the bailiff for the nearby fish pools lived here, it has also been suggested 

it was a stock enclosure although this seems unlikely. 

The Victoria Memorial Cross, which stands at the western end of Ship Hill within a 

circular earthwork, believed to be a 19 th Century gun battery, was erected in 1901 to 

commemorate Queen Victoria’s review of troops encamped on the Common in 1853, 

prior to their departure to the Crimea. The Cross is a Listed Building Grade II (DoE 

number: Chobham 2/59) 

11

A detailed account of all the archaeological and historic features on the site can be 

found in - An Archaeological and Historical Survey of Chobham Common proposed 

Area of Historic Landscape Value (Currie C. 2002), copies of which are held by the 

Surrey county archaeologists and the site ranger. 

1.6.3. Land use history 

It is believed that in common with other inland heaths Chobham Common was 

created when early farmers cleared the primary woodland that once cloaked the 

country. This exposed and degraded the fragile soils that underlie the site, creating 

the conditions favoured by heathland. After the initial clearance the area would have 

been kept free of trees by grazing and fuel gathering. There is evidence that the area 

was occupied during the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age; analysis of peat cores 

from areas with similar geology and patterns of settlement elsewhere in southern 

Britain would suggest the heathland on Chobham Common was created at some 

time during these periods. 

Over 80% of the heathlands that once covered extensive areas of southern Britain 

have been lost, with similar losses on the near continent where the remaining 

lowland heathland of oceanic temperate regions occurs. This dramatic decline began 

during the eighteenth century and early nineteenth century as changes in agriculture, 

which resulted in the loss of grazing on heaths, and as the growing availability of 

cheap coal as an alternative to other fuels, brought traditional heathland 

management to an end in many areas. Large areas of heathland were lost to neglect 

or subjected to agricultural “improvement” and enclosure as arable farming methods 

advanced. During the Twentieth Century fifty percent of the heathland that remained 

in 1919 was converted to commercial forestry and substantial areas have been lost 

to development and invading scrub. 

The survival of Chobham Common as an extensive area of lowland heath is largely 

due to the historic isolation of the Chobham area where traditional heathland 

management continued until the early Twentieth Century. While turbary (turf-cutting) 

was still practised on a small scale at the beginning of the Twentieth Century it had 

ceased to be an important factor in the management of the Common by that time. 

Rough grazing and the cutting of heather, gorse and small trees began to decline 

after 1914 and had almost completely ended by the time of the Second World War. 

Photographic evidence and verbal reports indicate that during the early part of the 

Twentieth Century large tracts of Calluna vulgaris with extensive areas of wet heath 

and open bog dominated the Common. There was little scrub and the only trees of 

any great size were at the Clump on Staple Hill and the Lone Pine to the south of the 

Beegarden. 

The Common was used by the military during the 1920’s and 1930’s, and throughout 

the Second World War, when it was severely damaged by tanks. Immediately after 

the Second World War the southern part of the Common was ploughed and seeded 

with an annual grass to allow the natural vegetation to re-establish, while the area 

north of Staple Hill, which was not as heavily damaged, was allowed to recover 

naturally. By the 1950’s the Common was recovering well with large tracts of open 

heath. At this time the Common was heavily rabbit grazed with little scrub and large 

areas of close cropped heather and gorse. Myxomatosis reached the area in 1955 

and consequently the heather and gorse on the Common grew on and scrub began 

to develop. By the 1960’s scrub was starting to become a problem. 

12

In 1984 Surrey County Council produced the first management plan for the Common 

which acknowledged invading scrub, fire and erosion as the main threats to the site. 

The Surrey Trust for Nature Conservation had carried out small-scale scrub 

clearance work from 1974 onwards and Surrey County Council began clearing scrub 

on the Common from the 1970’s onwards; however despite their best efforts the 

scrub continued to advance. While describing birch and pine invasion on the 

Common as “Possibly the most serious problem for nature conservation” the 1984 

Management Plan states, “Widespread invasion control is difficult to justify 

financially. Intervention management will therefore be limited to the more significant 

open habitats and places where an acceptable level of tree cover can be maintained 

at low cost”. From the late 1980’s a more aggressive approach to scrub management 

was adopted together with more active conservation management starting with the 

large scale annual events for schools and volunteers such as “Purge the Pine” and 

“Free Christmas Tree” events. While these events, which involved over 1,500 

volunteers in some years, dramatically reduced the threat to the Common from pine 

invasion, birch remained a major threat to the site. 

The 1992 Management Plan took a much more positive approach to conservation 

management of the Common. In the same year the site was proposed as a National 

Nature Reserve (NNR) and a substantial grant covering a ten-year period was 

awarded to Surrey County Council under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme for 

the management of 280 hectares of the Common. The Scheme was extended to 

cover the whole NNR for a further ten years in October 2002. A plan showing the 

areas covered by Countryside Stewardship is appended (Map 8). At the time of 

writing at least 17 Ha of scrub management takes place each year together with at 

least 20 Ha of conservation mowing, and bracken control. Bare ground creation is 

carried out in conjunction with Queenwood Golf Club; and heather cutting, pond, 

scrape and pool creation are carried out on a ad-hoc basis 

Fires occurred fairly regularly during the 1950’s and 1960’s and the whole Common 

was seriously damaged by major fires in the early and mid 1970’s which caused the 

loss of smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) and sand lizard from the site and allowed 

extensive areas of purple moor grass and bracken to establish. Many of the blocks of 

purple moor grass on the Common date from this period. Since 1976 a network of 

fire tracks and firebreaks has been created and progressively upgraded. Since 1990 

rangers and volunteers have fire watched during periods of high risk and in 2006 the 

rangers were equipped with a fire fighting system. These measures together with 

close liaison with the Surrey Fire Service have served to reduce both the frequency 

and scale of fires on the site. A copy of the Chobham Common Fire Plan is 

appended (Map 9). 

The major utilities which cross the Common were constructed during the 1950’s and 

early 1960’s. The M3 motorway was completed in 1974 cutting the site in half. Some 

attempts were made at mitigation work at the time, but with hindsight they were both 

inappropriate and inadequate and large blocks of gorse (Ulex europeaus) developed 

in the zone of disturbance on either side of the Motorway creating further 

fragmentation of the site and causing serious fire risks. Following serious fires in 

2001 and 2002 the Department for Transport provided funding for clearance of the 

gorse in the zone of disturbance and this area is mown annually to suppress any 

gorse re-growth. 

The first car parks on the Common were created in 1936 at Staple Hill and south of 

the Monument. After the Second World War the recreational use of the Common 

grew dramatically. This recreational use developed in an ad-hoc manner with walkers 

13

and horse riders creating tracks then abandoning them for new routes as they gullied 

and became impassable, causing wide scale erosion on the site. It is also reported 

that during the 1950’s and 1960’s visitors regularly took vehicles onto the Common 

further adding to the problem. An aerial photograph dated 1964 clearly shows severe 

erosion problems on Tank Hill and Staple Hill. By the time the County Council 

acquired the Common in 1968 there were nine car parks on the area covered by this 

plan. Initially the Council wished to develop a country park but these plans were soon 

dropped in favour of informal recreation and nature conservation. Erosion and 

disturbance continued to be serious problems through the nineteen seventies and 

eighties. By the late nineteen-eighties both walkers and riders were showing a 

marked preference for the growing network of high quality fire tracks. In 1992 a 

consultative process began to resolve long running conflicts of interest between 

horse riders and other users, and to rationalise the rights of way networks in order to 

meet the needs of visitors while protecting sensitive habitats and species. Following 

a public enquiry in 1996 the present network of rights of way and agreed horse rides 

which incorporates the fire track network was installed. Since then there have been 

few serious erosion problems and disturbance has been greatly reduced. 

Grazing was carried out using temporary fencing on five areas totalling 30 Ha 

between 1994 and 2000, with excellent results. There were plans to carry out 

extensive grazing on the Common, however the Secretary of State turned down an 

application to fence the northern section of the Common following a public inquiry in 

1998, as there were public concerns about permanent perimeter fencing and the 

inspector felt other options for establishing grazing had not been fully explored. 

There is a more detailed history of the Common in the 1998 Chobham Common 

Management Plan. 

1.6.4. Socio-economic use 

The Common is managed for nature conservation and informal recreation. Local 

shops, restaurants and public houses benefit from visitor use of the Common. Local 

stables benefit from their use of the Common. Heather turves from the Common are 

used by Queenwood Golf Course, who carry out works on the NNR in exchange for 

material. 

The Common has been used for filming since 1914. In the nineteen-fifties there was 

a semi-permanent film set at Tank Hill and as late as 1979 ten film units used the site 

in one year. Since the mid-nineteen-eighties filming has only been allowed where it 

does not interfere with the enjoyment of the Common by visitors and where it can be 

shown it will not damage the ecology or fabric of the site. At the time of writing the 

Common is used two or three times a year for television dramas, adverts or minor 

scenes for feature films. 

The possibility of brash from scrub management being utilised at the Slough 

Combined Heat and Power Station is currently being investigated. 

Approximately twenty-five per cent of visitors to the Common come from the 

surrounding villages. There is considerable local interest in the management of the 

Common. From 1879 to 1968 the Common was managed by the Chobham Common 

Preservation Committee, initially this was a committee elected by the Commoners to 

protect their interest but as the number of active commoners declined it became a 

committee of interested villagers. From 1968 until 1986 the Chobham Common 

Preservation Committee assisted Surrey County Council “as a consultative body 

rather than with any management responsibility” (Chobham Common Management 

14

Plan 1984). In 1986 Surrey County Council set up the Chobham Common 

Consultative Group as a more representative consultative body. In 2002 Surrey 

Wildlife Trust replaced the Consultative Group with the current Chobham Common 

Liaison Group. The group includes representatives of Surrey Wildlife Trust, Surrey 

County Council, Natural England, Surrey Heath Borough Council, Runnymede 

Borough Council, Windsor and Maidenhead Unitary Authority, Chobham Parish 

Council, West End Parish Council, Windlesham Parish Council, Virginia Water 

Community Association, the Surrey Heathland Project, RSPB, Chobham Society, 

Chobham Common Preservation Committee, the Ramblers Association, Chobham 

Common Riders Association, Chobham Common Model Fliers Association and 

Chobham and District Anglers Club. The role of the Group is to “positively assist 

Surrey Wildlife Trust in managing Chobham Common”. There are two indoor and onsite 

meetings of the Liaison Group each year. 

Chobham Common is an important amenity for local people and visitors from other 

parts of Surrey, the Windsor and Maidenhead area, and from Middlesex and West 

London. Annual visitor numbers are estimated at between 250,000-300,000, by site 

managers, with approximately 25% coming from the surrounding villages (Jenkins, 

1994), and 63% come from within 5 miles 2 . The Common is used for informal 

recreation with walking, dog walking, model aircraft flying, quiet relaxation, horse 

riding, cycling, and fishing being the main activities (94% of visitors, (Jenkins, 1994). 

The majority of visitors and local people have expressed the wish that the present 

‘open, natural and wild’ character of the Common is retained 3 . Dog walkers make up 

49% of all visitors (WSP Environmental 2004), this shows an increase from 34% in 

1994 (Jenkins, 1994). Model aircraft flying accounts for 11% of visits, horse riding 

just under 5% and cycling 2% (Jenkins, 1994) 

1.6.5. Education, research and demonstration 

The Common is an excellent outdoor classroom and is used by schools, colleges, 

Universities and field studies groups for educational activities ranging from preschool 

‘acclimatisation’ to post graduate research on a fairly regular basis. As ranger 

time is limited it is suggested that one way to enhance the educational value of the 

Common is to produce teacher and student packs. 

Research has occurred on the site in an ad hoc manner. Research has tended to 

focus on erosion, the effects of fire, scrub invasion, and visitor use consequently 

there has been much replication of work and much work that is of little benefit to the 

site managers. Students have undertaken most of the work and there is little 

continuity and little scope for long-term work. A research wish list has been produced 

and supplied to local universities and colleges in order to encourage students to carry 

out worthwhile projects such as the work undertaken by Kent University on nitrogen 

deposition. The possible re-introduction of grazing onto Chobham Common could 

provide a good focus for future research. 

Map 8 – Countryside Stewardship 

Map 9 – Fire plan 

1.7 Access and visitor facilities 

1.7.1. Visitor appeal and suitability for access 

2 WSP Environmental 2004. Chobham Common Visitor Survey 

3 Surrey County Council Management Plan 1984 

15

The open heathland landscape attracts visitors to the site throughout the year. The 

site is easily accessible by car and is accessible on foot from Chobham and 

Sunningdale, 93% of visitors come by car and roughly 5% on horseback. Roughly 

25% of visitors come from neighbouring villages and 63% come from within a fivemile 

radius including the towns of Woking, Addlestone, Chertsey, Bagshot and 

Camberley, with most of the remainder coming from other parts of Surrey and 

Berkshire, and from south-west London. Visitors with an interest in natural history 

often come from further afield the site attracts ornithologists for the heathland birds 

(particularly Dartford warbler and nightjar), entomologists, and botanists as well as 

amateur photographers and astronomers. 

There is an excellent network of public bridleways, public footpaths, horse rides and 

informal tracks, which most visitors stick to. The steep slopes on the site make 

access for visitors with limited mobility difficult. Deep heather, Molinia tussocks, 

hidden trip hazards and boggy ground can make going off track hazardous. 

Many visitors come to the Common, as it is a convenient place to walk their dog, and 

have little appreciation of the sensitivity of the site; consequently there are problems 

with dog fouling in and around the car parking areas, and serious concerns regarding 

the disturbance of ground nesting birds by dogs. While education and the 

enforcement of relevant byelaws have served to reduce these problems, the 

provision of dog bins and alternative sites for dog walking in the area are both being 

considered at the time of writing. The provision of a good quality track network and 

restricting off-road cyclists to public bridleways, have ensured that erosion is no 

longer a serious problem on site and have served to reduce disturbance to wildlife, 

however it is essential that this network is maintained in good condition in order to 

ensure this remains the case. The over collection of edible fungi has been a concern 

in recent years and in order to reduce it’s impact a one kilo limit per visitor has been 

imposed, together with interpretive signs in English, Polish and Italian. 

1.7.2. Access provision 

With the exception of Broomhall Heath, West Wood, Valley Wood, the land east of 

Burma Road, Chobham Place Fields, the Barrow Woods and Gracious Pond, the 

whole site is Access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act and is 

covered by a Deed of Access under the Law of Property Act 1925. There is informal 

access on Broomhall Heath, West Wood, Valley Wood and the Barrow Woods. 

Chobham Place Fields will be made accessible to the public once Surrey County 

Council receives the exchange land certificate formalising its ownership of the fields. 

There are three self-guided trails on the Common together with a short easy access 

trail around Roundabout Car Park. 

There is an extensive rights of way network with links to neighbouring Access land at 

Chobham Place Woods, Round Pond Woods and Stanner’s Hills and west of 

Chobham Road, and to Chobham, Sunningdale, Horsell Common and Woking. 

There are hourly buses from Woking to Chobham, which stop at Bowling Green 

Road just south of the Common, during the day, and regular daytime bus services to 

Sunningdale from Ascot, Windsor, Camberley and Staines, from Monday to 

Saturday. There are no bus services to Chobham or Sunningdale on Sundays, bank 

holidays or during the evening. 

Sunningdale Railway Station, which is 600 metres from the north-west corner of the 

Common, is well served by trains, including weekend, bank holiday and evening 

16

services, from London Waterloo and Reading, and can be reached from Guildford via 

Ascot. 

Improvements to pedestrian access from Chobham and Sunningdale and provision 

of a footpath from Windlesham to the Common could reduce some of the vehicular 

traffic to the site. A trail from Sunningdale station to Woking station could also be 

considered as a green link. As there are currently proposals for a 3,000 space car 

park at the former DERA site and a major housing development on the former DERA 

test track site, the creation of pedestrian access to the Common from these sites or 

Virginia Water would be undesirable. 

1.7.3. Visitor facilities 

There are six car parks on the Common with a total capacity of 200 cars with 

overspill areas at Roundabout Car Park, Staple Hill Car Park and the old Clump Car 

Park. There is also informal roadside parking on Burma Road, Burrowhill Green and 

Gracious Pond Road. 

There is an easy access trail around Roundabout Car Park, while the main routes 

from Roundabout and Longcross Car Parks are accessible to off road wheelchairs 

the many slopes on the Common deter most users. Benches are placed at intervals 

on the main routes to allow those with limited mobility to rest. 

There are information boards in each of the car parks with interpretive maps, 

information about the NNR and quarterly Ranger’s reports. There are habitat beds 

and interpretive panels explaining the history, ecology and natural history of 

heathlands and the Roundabout easy access trail. There is a site leaflet, which is an 

available from the ranger and in local shops together with information on guided 

walks and volunteer events. Chobham Common has its own pages on Surrey Wildlife 

Trust and Natural England websites and an entry in Wikipedia. 

Map 10 – Access and visitor facilities – Rights of Way, agreed horse rides, other 

major access routes, car parks, self guided trails, model flying areas, fishing. 

17

1.8 Site Features 

1.8.1 Biological Features 

Feature BAP Habitat Specific feature Explanation/ SAC SPA SSSI Nat Nat Euro Nat WCA JCA 

number type 

ranking 

BAP rare Sp. scarce Sp. 

1. Dwarf scrub H1/H2 

* * * * 

heath Calluna heaths 

2 H3 Agrostis 

heaths 

* * * * 

3 Dartford warbler 4.7% UK 

breeding 

population 

* * * 

4 Nightjar 1.5% UK 

breeding 

population 

* * * * 

5 Woodlark * * * * 

6 Outstanding BTO index 

* * 

heathland bird assemblage 

assemblage score of 22 

7. Bryophyte 

Dicranum 

spurium 

* 

8 Sand lizard * * * 

9 Formica 

Red barded 

* * 

rufibarbis ant 

10 Silver studded 

blue 

* * * 

11 Uloborus 

walckenaerius 

A spider * * * 

12 Outstanding 

invertebrate 

assemblage: 

heathland scrub 

* 

13 Outstanding 

invertebrate 

assemblage 

Early 

successional 

heathland, 

including: 

* 

Thyridanthrax 

Fenestratus 

Anisodactylus 

nemorivagus 

Mottled bee 

fly 

A ground 

beetle 

* * 

* * 

14 Bogs* M16 Wet heath * * * * 

15 Fen marsh 

swamp* 

M21 Mire * * 

16 Depressions in 

the peat 

substrates of the 

Rhynchosporion 

* * * 

17 Marsh club moss * * * * 

18 Wetland plant 

assemblage 

* 

18

19 Invertebrate 

assemblage 

1 RDB rare, 

1 notable A, 

15 nationally 

rare species 

* * * 

20 Water vole * * 

21 M25 mire * * 

22 Marsh gentian * * 

23 Neutral 

grasslands 

MG5 grassland 

24 Deptford pink * * * 

25 Broadleaved 

mixed yew 

woodland 

W1, W4, W5, 

W10 

26 Bats 5 species 

recorded, 

including 

pipestrelle* 

** * * 

27 Badger * 

28 Invertebrate 

assemblage 

Old growth open 

canopy 

woodland 

1RDB 

nationally 

rare, 1 

notable A, 

15 nationally 

rare species 

* * * 

29 Formica rufa * 

30 BAP priority Bullfinch, 

* 

birds/BTO red song thrush, 

list species spotted 

flycatcher, 

lesser 

spotted 

woodpecker 

31 Open 

standing 

water 

32 Nationally rare Small red 

* * * 

or scarce 

dragonflies 

damselfly 

33 Dragonfly 22 breeding 

* 

assemblages species 

1.8.2 Landscape features 

Feature 

number 

Specific feature Status 

34 Open heathland landscape Joint Character Area 

35 Broadleaved, mixed and conifer 

woodland 

Joint Character Area 

36 The Clump A locally important 

landscape feature 

19 

* 

*

1.8.3 Historic features 

Feature 

number 

Specific feature Status 

37 Bronze Age round barrow Scheduled Ancient Monument 

38 The Bee Garden earthwork Scheduled Ancient Monument 

39 Rectangular Bee Garden 

earthwork 

Scheduled Ancient Monument 

40 The Victoria Memorial Cross Listed Building Grade II 

1.8.4 Socio-economic use 

Feature 

Very Important Insignificant 

number 

Important 

41 Economic use * 

42 Community 

involvement 

* 

1.8.5 Demonstration, education and research 

Feature 

Very 

Important Insignificant 

number 

Important 

43 Education * 

44 Research * 

45 Demonstration * 

1.8.6 Public access 

Feature 

Very 

number 

Important 

46 Public Access * 

1.8.7 Other estate assets 

Important Insignificant 

Feature Asset Description 

number 

Notes 

47 Leasehold on Surrey 

County Council Land 

Expires May 2052 

48 Terms of Partnership 

Agreement and 

Service Delivery 

Specification 

On SCC land for duration of lease 

49 Freehold Glovers Pond 

50 Management 

Agreement Broomhall, 

West Wood, Valley 

Wood 

51 Management 

Agreement Gracious 

Pond 

52 Management 

Agreement land east of 

Subject to negotiation of agreement 

20

Burma Road 

53 Open Access under 

Countryside and 

Rights of Way Act 

2000 

54 Deed of Access under 

Law of Property Act 

1925 

55 Statutory Rights of 

Way 

See Map 3 Access 

Revocable 

See Map 3 Access 

See Map 10 – Access and Visitor 

facilities 

56 Fishing rights Fishpool Current lease expires 28 th September 

2011 

57 Wayleaves/ 

Easements 

58 Commoners Rights 

59 Consultation with 

Chobham Common 

Liaison Group 

60 Section 35 Agreement NNR 

61 Obligation under 

Wildlife and 

Countryside Act 1981 

(as amended under 

CRoW 2000) 

SSSI 

62 Operations requiring 

consent under section 

28, Wildlife and 

Countryside Act 1981 

SSSI 

63 Special Protection Area 

status under European 

Birds Directive 

64 Special Area for 

Conservation Status 

under European 

Habitats Directive 

65 Ancient Monuments 

and Archaeological 

Areas Act 1979 

66 Countryside 

Stewardship Scheme 

Agreement 

67 Woodland Grant 

Scheme Agreement 

68 SITA funding for works 

at Glovers Pond 

69 Funding to suppress 

gorse re-growth M3 

corridor 

70 Health and Safety at 

Work Act 1974 

71 Occupiers Liability Act 

1957 

72 Disability 

SSSI 

SSSI 

Scheduled Ancient Monuments 

Expires October 2012 

Ends 2009 

Duty of care for all visitors to site 

21

Discrimination Act 1995 

73 Dog Fouling of Land 

Act 1996 

74 Surrey County Council 

Bye-Laws 

SCC land 

75 Rangers Station 

76 Vehicles 

77 Tools and equipment 

78 Site security Barriers, gates, height restrictors, bunds, 

ditches, stumps 

79 Encroachments and 

Incursions 

80 Fire plan 

22

Part 2 Evaluation 

2.1. Site analysis 

2.1.1. Site strengths 

Size – Chobham Common is an extensive area of lowland heath 

Diversity – Chobham Common has the full range of heathland and associated 

habitats found on Thames Basin Heaths and a very diverse flora and fauna 

Rarity - Lowland heath is a globally rare and threatened habitat, which has declined 

dramatically throughout its range during the last two hundred years. This in turn 

makes many species, which are heathland specialists rare and vulnerable. The large 

number of rare species that occur on the Common is indicated in the biological 

description. 

Populations – Robust populations of Annex 1/Schedule 1 birds, nationally important 

invertebrate assemblage, diverse wetland and heathland verge plant communities. 

Tenure – Both the freeholder and the leaseholder are fully committed to the 

conservation, landscape, historic and archaeological, and amenity objectives for the 

NNR, other Surrey County Council owned land and Glovers Pond. 

Access – There are six car parks and an excellent network of fire tracks, rights of 

way, agreed horse rides and other access routes, which allow public access and 

access for management and fire fighting, while minimizing erosion and disturbance 

Visitor appeal – The greatest appeal of the Common is its ‘open, wild and natural’ 

character and landscape. The colours of the Common attract many visitors especially 

during periods when gorse or heathers are in flower. Many enjoy seeing larger 

mammals, birds, butterflies, dragonflies and wildflowers. 

Small numbers of naturalists and photographers visit the site specifically to see 

wildlife 

Community involvement – Strong links with local communities and high levels of 

community ‘ownership’. 

Interpretation – Good on and off site interpretation 

2.1.2. Site weaknesses 

Fragility - Lowland heath is a fragile habitat, which in the absence of management is 

extremely vulnerable to succession, nutrient enrichment and the effects of 

uncontrolled fire and erosion. Wetland communities are vulnerable to changes in the 

water table. 

Management issues – The management of succession, control of nutrient levels 

from atmospheric pollution, wild fire prevention and provision of access tracks to 

prevent erosion and allow access for fire fighters and management require on-going 

intensive management. 

The future management practices on Chobham must address its unfavourable 

condition. Currently, a large area of the common is in unfavourable condition due to 

23

poor structural diversity of the sward and increased abundance of purple moor grass. 

Historically, active management played a significant part in shaping and developing 

the habitat in a way considered to be highly beneficial to the heathland ecosystem. 

However, a range of management practices will be required to establish favourable 

condition of the heathland. These might include grazing, flail cutting, controlled burns, 

scrub removal, gorse coppicing and bare ground creation or combinations of these. 

The full range of possible management practices must be considered in a public 

engagement and dialogue process which will address both continued public access 

to, and enjoyment of, the area, whilst also achieving favourable condition for the site 

Fragmentation – The site is fragmented by the M3 motorway and other roads that 

cross it and by roadside strips of gorse and other vegetation. 

Uncertainty over management agreements – Uncertainty over the continuation 

and nature of management agreements for Broomhall Heath, West Wood, Valley 

Wood, Gracious Pond and the land east of Burma Road is a cause for concern. 

Vulnerable species – The location of Formica rufibarbis and sand lizard on single 

locations makes them vulnerable to fire, disturbance and habitat change. 

Inappropriate uses –Uncontrolled dogs are a threat to ground nesting birds, a 

nuisance to visitors and a potential health risk. Regular problems with litter, fly tipping 

and vandalism, and less frequent incursions by travellers, and motorcyclists and 

arson attacks are a serious drain on limited available resources. Horse riding and 

cycling off appropriate routes can cause erosion, disturbance and safety risks. Over 

collection of fungi in the autumn months is also a cause for concern. 

2.1.3. External opportunities 

Neighbouring land – To link the management of the remaining areas of the 

Chobham Common SSSI (west of Chobham Road, and Round Pond Woods) and of 

newly restored heathland areas at Stanner’s Hill with that of the NNR. 

SANGs – The provision of appropriate Suitable Accessible Natural Greenspaces as 

mitigation for developments in the area to act as alternative sites for dog walking and 

off-road cycling. 

Sustainable use of materials – The sustainable disposal of timber, turves, heather 

and other materials for income, in exchange for works or as an alternative to more 

labour or cost intensive forms of disposal. 

Filming – Income from filming where it does not impact on the nature conservation 

or visitor use of the site. 

Pedestrian access - To improve pedestrian access from Sunningdale and 

Windlesham. 

Re-introductions – To investigate re-introducing or introducing smooth snake, 

natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), and white-faced darter (Leucorrhinia dubia). 

2.1.4. External challenges 

Nitrogen and sulphur deposition – High levels of nitrogen and sulphur deposition 

are a threat to the low nutrient N-limited habitats on the sites and nutrient build up will 

favour competitor species such as Molinia caerulea and Pteridium aquilinum. 

24

Development – Housing and other developments in the area could increase visitor 

use and pressure on the site – especially an increase in dog walking. Housing 

developments within 1,000 metres of the site could make ground-nesting birds, water 

vole and sand lizard vulnerable to predation from domestic cats. 

Invasive introduced species – The accidental or deliberate introduction of invasive 

introduced species such as Crassula helmsii would be a serious threat to biodiversity 

on the site. 

Climate change – Associated periods of drought are a threat to wetland 

communities; can severely stress Calluna vulgaris and increase the risk of damaging 

uncontrolled fires. Heavy rain events cause serious erosion and can seriously 

damage fire tracks, rights of way and other access routes. 

25

2.2 SITE MANAGEMENT 

2.2.1 Introduction 

“Lowland heathland is characterised by the presence of plants such as heather, 

dwarf gorses, and cross-leaved heath and is generally found below 300 metres in 

altitude. Areas of good quality heathland should consist of an ericaceous layer of 

varying heights and structures, some areas of scattered trees and scrub, areas of 

bare ground, gorse, wet heaths, bogs and open water. 

Lowland heathland is a priority for nature conservation because it is a rare and 

threatened habitat. In England only one sixth of the heathland present in 1800 now 

remains. The UK has an important proportion (about 20%) of the international total of 

this habitat. 

In the past heathland was lost primarily to agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and 

development. Uncontrolled wild fires have also been a particular threat to bryophyte 

and lichen-rich heathland. The main factors affecting the habitat at present are the 

encroachment of trees and scrub and the simplification of vegetation structure due to 

a lack of conservation management such as light grazing, controlled burning and 

cutting. Nutrient enrichment, particularly deposition of nitrogen compounds, 

fragmentation and disturbance from developments such as housing and road 

constructions 4 . 

2.2.2 Scrub and Woodland encroachment 

Without regular management most heathlands will rapidly be lost to either bracken 

dominated communities or to encroaching trees and scrub, mostly birch Betula ssp. 

and Scots pine Pinus sylvestris (Gimingham, 1972;Power pers. comm.; Marrs, Hicks 

& Fuller, 1986),. Most European heathlands including those in the UK were originally 

derived from woodland (e.g.Dimbleby, 1962; Kaland, 1986; Odgaard, 1994) but 

following the clearance of trees, human activities such as farming, grazing, cutting 

and turf-stripping have kept the heaths open. Although the resulting heathland soils 

have lost their bases and some of their nutrients from the leaching effects of 

rainwater, these nutrient poor and acid soils are still capable of supporting trees 

particularly when there are nearby seed sources and adequate phosphorus 

availability in the soils (Manning, Putwain & Webb, 2005). Invasion by trees and 

scrub has been seen as one of the main threats to heathland in recent years and was 

one of the mainsprings for the successful European bid for funding for 38 projects 

across the southern counties under `The Tomorrows Heathland Heritage’ initiative 

led by English Nature. 

2.2.3 Atmospheric nutrient inputs 

Airborne nitrogen (as ammonia and nitrous oxides) from burning fossil fuels by 

industry, traffic, aviation, shipping and agriculture pose one of the greatest threats to 

heathland in Europe. Heathland systems are generally poor in nutrients and many of 

the plant species can only survive and compete successfully on soils with low 

nitrogen availability (Bobbink et al., 2002). Nitrogen compounds also increase 

acidification in soils. The addition of nitrogen in rain or dust particles, results in an 

increase in the nitrogen in the vegetation, litter and upper soil layers, and this builds 

up over time. Heather growth can initially benefit from inputs of nitrogen, but where 

4 (Habitat Action Plan – Lowland Heath, Biodiversity: UK Steering Group Report, 

1995) 

26

the heather is removed for example by fire, then grasses gain a competitive 

advantage both from the higher nutrient levels and from the increase in light, and this 

triggers a conversion from heather to grass dominated communities. Where there is 

no sudden event such as fire, the enhanced nutrient levels in the heather plants can 

speed up the growth cycle so that aging occurs more rapidly, the plants become 

more vulnerable to cold weather effects or drought and higher nutrient levels can 

encourage more frequent attacks by insects, particularly heather beetle (Carroll et al., 

1999; Kristensen, 1999; Lee & Caporn, 1998; Lee et al., 2000; Power et al., 1998). 

All these factors can lead to a weakening of the heather, and the replacement of 

heather by grasses, as the increased light penetration through weakened or dead 

heather canopies and higher levels of nitrogen in the soil from a build-up of airborne 

nitrogen deposition, both encourage the growth of grasses. 

A range of grass species can be involved in this process, and one of these, purple 

moor grass (Molinea caerulea) has displaced heathland vegetation on many heaths 

across North-west Europe. Molinia is a tussock forming species forming extensive 

beds with a thick thatch of undecayed vegetation making this a habitat which is 

difficult to access on foot and poses a high fire risk when dry. On wet heaths, purple 

moor grass can oust the typical heathland shrubs under high nitrogen conditions 

(Aerts & Berendse, 1988; Berendse & Aerts, 1984; Milligan et al., 2004; Uren et al., 

1997). In a review of the evidence, Bobbink et al. (2002) concluded that the critical 

load 5 for nitrogen in wet heathland should be 10-25 kilograms of nitrogen deposition 

per hectare per year (kg ha -1 yr -1) with the lower end of this range applied to sites with 

low intensity management. 

A number of studies have shown a decline in heather and an increase in the 

dominance of purple moor grass on a range of heaths, mires and moors in Norway, 

Denmark, Holland, Belgium and the UK (Chambers, Mauquoy & Todd, 1999; Tybirk, 

Bak & Henriksen, 1995). In the UK, there is evidence of grass invasion of some dry 

heaths, while others remain heather dominated. These changes involve a variety of 

heathland grasses including purple moor grass, sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina and 

wavy hair grass Deschampsia flexuosa (Marrs, 1993; Todd et al., 2000). Bobbink et 

al. (2002) suggest that the critical load for dry heath be set at 10-20kg N ha -1 yr -1 . 

At Chobham Common, the main grass species are Molinia caerulea on wet and 

humid heath, and Agrostis curtisii on dry heath. 

The deposition of nitrogen has fallen in Europe since 1990, and levels are expected 

to fall further (NEGTAP., 2001) although world levels are predicted to go on rising for 

some time. However, increasing traffic levels on the nearby motorway and more 

flights from Heathrow may result in increasing levels of nutrient deposition locally . 

However, past depositions remain in the vegetation, litter and upper soil layers and 

modelling suggests that it may take between 20 and 50 years to restore Calluna 

dominance depending on the intensity of management (Terry et al., 2004). 

The lower critical level for wet and dry heath have both been set at 10 kg N ha -1 yr -1 , 

which are below the estimated annual deposition level of about 16 Kg ha -1 yr -1 at 

Chobham Common (Power pers. comm.). 

5 Critical loads are defined as the rate of pollutant deposition below which adverse effects do 

not appear in the ecosystem Cunha, A., Power, S.A., Ashmore, M.R., Green, P.R.S., 

Haworth, B.J. & Bobbink, R. (2002). Whole ecosystem nitrogen manipulation: An updated 

review. In. JNCC Report No. 331., Peterborough. 

27

Fire prevention 

Uncontrolled fires are a serious threat to public safety and the high conservation 

value of Chobham Common. 

Uncontrolled fires are a potentially serious risk to visitors to the Common, fire fighters 

and road users, particularly on the busy M3 Motorway (Surrey Community Risk 

Register 2005). 

Frequent and extensive fires can lead to under representation of mature stands of 

dwarf shrubs and the loss of species dependent on old growth including specialized 

invertebrates (Bell, Wheater & Cullen, 2001), sand lizards (Corbett, 1994) and 

Dartford warbler (Bibby, 1977; Bibby, 1979). Frequent extensive fires result in large 

areas of even age vegetation, loss of structural mosaic, and fragmentation of old 

growth stands (Moore, 1962). 

Uncontrolled fires can lead to an increase in scrub and bracken invasion (Bullock & 

Webb, 1995). Severe fires destroy viable Calluna seed banks and kill stem bases 

(Legg, Maltby & Proctor, 1992) and may cause slow or incomplete vegetation 

recovery (Maltby, Legg & Proctor, 1990). Grass and moss cover that develops after 

uncontrolled fires may delay or inhibit restoration of heathland (Clement & Touffet, 

1990; Gloaguen, 1990); this is a particular concern given the increase in Molinia 

caerulea that can be caused by nitrogen deposition (Tomassen et al., 2004). Large 

and intensive fires and frequent fires can increase the invasive spread and frequency 

of Molina caerulea on dry heaths and the presence of Molinia caerulea can increase 

the probability of more frequent fires (Brys, Jacquemyn & De Blust, 2005). 

Ensuring that the frequency and scale of uncontrolled fires is kept to a minimum 

should be a high priority. The presence of rangers and trained volunteers on site 

during periods of high fire risk acts as a deterrent to the arsonists that, rangers and 

the Surrey Fire Service believe, are responsible for most uncontrolled fires. This onsite 

presence also ensures that the fire service is contacted promptly and given 

accurate information when fires occur, that appliances can be lead to the fire site and 

that small fires can be contained until the fire service arrives. It is therefore important 

that rangers or trained volunteers are on site during periods of high fire risk and that 

rangers are trained and equipped to contain small fires and in the use of the Fire 

Fogging System. Close liaison with Surrey Fire Service is important, in order to make 

them aware of the importance of Chobham Common and familiar with the site and to 

allow them to advise SWT on fire prevention and fire access issues. 

The maintenance, improvement and extension of the existing network of fire access 

routes, internal fire breaks and fire access points is a key part of fire prevention as is 

the breaking up of large blocks of European gorse. Roadside firebreaks are of great 

importance as fires often start from the roadside, these can either be mown roadside 

breaks where roads cross the more open parts of the Common or roadside strips of 

broad-leaved woodland in other areas. The railway line that forms the northern 

boundary of the NNR is also an area where fires have started in the past and the 

maintenance of the firebreak that runs parallel with the railway should continue. 

Controlled fires and grazing are also potential mechanisms to help reduce fire risk by 

suppressing Molinia and bracken thatch. 

2.2.5. Heathland and mire habitat management 

Scrub management 

28

The cutting and removal of birch, pine and other scrub species is essential if the 

open heathland is to be retained and its succession to woodland prevented. This 

need to be sensitively done to retain sufficient scattered trees and scrub to enhance 

the biodiversity and landscape value of the site and to meet the habitat needs of key 

species, including managed scrub blocks to provide feeding areas for nightjar. 

European gorse is an important component of the heathland communities, 

(particularly as foraging and breeding habitat for Dartford warblers) but large blocks 

of this species can create a significant fire risk and should be suppressed or reduced 

by mowing as part of the fire plan. Elsewhere gorse can be coppiced as part of the 

normal cycle of scrub management in order to maintain structural diversity. 

Both cutting and treatment with Asulam are effective means of controlling bracken 

(Marrs, Johnson & LeDuc, 1998), however cutting can damage areas of heather and 

causes more disturbance than herbicide treatment, so on-going foliar treatment with 

Asulam has been the favoured method of bracken control on Chobham Common. 

In the mire and heathland habitats, in order to maintain and enhance present levels 

of bio-diversity it will be necessary to create good botanical and structural diversity 

and to carry out management which will favour the growth of ericaceous shrubs and 

suppress competition from purple moor grass. There are a number of ways of 

managing heathland (which are not mutually exclusive), each of which has a number 

of advantages and disadvantages. 

Grazing 

Grazing creates botanical and structural diversity (Gimingham, 1972; Gimingham, 

1992a; Lake, 2002; Lake, Bullock & Hartley, 2001; Webb, 1986), and enhances 

species richness (Bokdam & Gleichman, 2000; Byfield & Pearman, 1994) . Grazing 

has also been shown to be effective at mitigating the effects of atmospheric nitrogen 

and phosphorus deposition through the removal of vegetation, and is also generally 

considered an appropriate tool to reduce purple moor-grass cover and studies have 

generally shown declines in the abundance of purple moor-grass after grazing 

(Clarke, 1988; Diemont & de Smidt, 1987; Edwards, 1985; Fottner et al., 2007; 

Hulme et al., 2002; Tubbs, 1986). This is supported by observational information 

from 11 site managers interviewed by Lake, Bullock and Hartley (2001) who all 

considered that purple moor grass was being controlled through grazing on their 

sites. Grazing has proved effective in suppressing Molinia caerulea when used in the 

past in enclosures on Chobham Common. Grazing can also play a role in 

suppressing scrub and bracken, creating bare ground and reducing litter (Bullock & 

Pakeman, 1997). 

Research has shown that structural diversity is maximised on dry heath by light 

grazing as it stimulates young growth while not adversely affecting mature or 

degenerate plants (Demopoulos, 1996; Welch, 1984). Absence of grazing may 

eventually lead to heather degeneration. Erica spp. tend to be grazed only lightly or 

avoided altogether. In general, intermediate grazing is likely to favour Erica spp. in a 

mixed sward, while heavier grazing will decrease both Erica spp. and Calluna. 

Grazing also affects the relative proportions of dwarf shrubs (heather and Erica ssp.) 

and grasses in heathland swards. Generally, on dry heath in the uplands light 

grazing leads to an increase in dwarf shrub cover and heavy grazing leads to the 

replacement of heather with grassland species (Alonso, Hartley & Thurlow, 2001; 

Hartley, 1997). 

29

Light grazing can compensate for annual nitrogen in/outs (Fottner et al., 2007). On 

heathland in south east England, grazing might approximately balance the annual 

input of nitrogen but further action would be needed to reduce the stored nitrogen 

from previous inputs 

A decrease in plant richness in wet heath and valley mires has been correlated with 

an increase in Molinia cover following cessation of grazing (and vice versa) over time 

scales varying between three and 40 years in Pembrokeshire, the New Forest and 

Dorset (Byfield & Pearman, 1994; Chatters, 1996; Clarke, 1988; Cox, 1998; Evans, 

1989; Lake, 2002). For example, Cox (1998) and Lake (2002) showed an increase in 

characteristic mire species such as bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, oblongleaved 

sundew Drosera intermedia, round-leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia, 

cotton grass Eriophorum angustifolium and some Sphagnum species, together with a 

decrease in purple moor grass and dwarf gorse Ulex minor, after three years of 

moderate grazing. This is corroborated by (Clarke, 1988) and (Sanderson, 1994) 

where higher diversity in grazed areas was seen in the bryophyte, sedge and herb 

communities. 

The use of grazing requires the control of stock. If sheep are used, then control may 

be through shepherding or fencing, but cattle or ponies will require fencing. 

Sheep 

The continental sites grazed by shepherds consist of a mixture of heathland, 

grassland and arable. The sheep are taken onto the heaths by a shepherd, who 

stays with them all day and controls them with trained dogs. Dogs are usually large, 

intelligent and can be well trained, and can guard against other dogs chasing sheep. 

In the late afternoon the sheep are taken off the heath and folded for the night into a 

barn. This system operates for 365 days pa, except during lambing in early spring 

when the sheep are kept on lay-back grassland. The shepherds and their flock are 

an attraction to both the local people and tourists, but tend to operate in areas where 

the numbers of other users are low, where dog walkers have to keep their dogs on 

leads, and where there are very large open spaces. Each shepherd looks after a 

flock of about 400 ewes, with 50 wethers, 6-8 rams and 350 lambs. Sheep are 

ineffective graziers of tall vegetation such a Molinia but could be used after controlled 

fires or cutting. On sites where Molinia is dominant, as it is green only during the 

summer, (or where only summer grazing is required) this type of shepherded system 

would not be appropriate. If sheep are fenced in, then sheep netting must be used 

which is more expensive to install than normal stock fencing, and some protection 

against dogs is essential. 

Goats 

Goats are unsuitable for large areas as they are the most difficult stock type to 

contain and would be vulnerable to attack by dogs. Where contained in small 

enclosures for a specific task, goats can be a useful way of managing vegetation, 

particularly growth of young trees and shrubs as they are browsers rather than 

grazers. Large scale use of goats on Chobham Common as a management 

mechanism would not be practical. 

Cattle and ponies 

Cattle and ponies require fencing and breeds must be carefully chosen. Traditional 

breeds are generally docile and ignore dogs and people. Cattle grazing takes place 

on many heavily visited sites, but despite this, many visitors are understandably 

30

nervous about visiting areas with stock, especially when accompanied by dogs. 

Ideally, some areas should be free of stock at any one time. 

Bulls, young cattle and cows with young calves are not suitable on sites visited by the 

public. Horse riders are generally wary of free grazing ponies, particularly stallions, 

and where there are gates, riders and their mounts have special requirements. 

If grazing is considered as a suitable management tool at Chobham Common, it will 

be necessary to gain public support and confidence, especially in local communities. 

The effect of any proposed grazing regime on site users must be minimised and a 

range of potential options will need to be discussed with site users and interest 

groups to identify as close a consensus as possible. 

Burning 

Managed burning will help to remove atmospheric nitrogen stored in the vegetation 

by destroying the above ground biomass and releasing much of the nitrogen, in one 

study, about 53% of the above ground nitrogen was removed (Hardtle et al., 2006). 

However, 60% or more of the nitrogen is stored in the top layers of the soil, so 

managed burning will only remove 10-15% of the stored nitrogen, the equivalent of 4- 

5 years input. However, managed burning at intervals of ten or fifteen years (the time 

it takes for vegetation to recover and be suitable for burning again) are not enough to 

compensate for the inputs of atmospheric nitrogen during the intervening years, so 

while burning slows nitrogen build up, it does not stop it (Hardtle et al., 2007; 

Niemeyer et al., 2005 Power pers comm.). Furthermore, although heathland 

vegetation may be suitable for burning after 15 years, the burning cycle adopted 

when managing for wildlife would be much longer than this, 25-35 years depending 

on conditions, so as to include an appropriate proportion of older heathland 

vegetation in any burning programme. In addition, a number of studies have found 

increasing leaching rates after burning, threatening nitrogen pollution of heathland 

watercourses (Niemeyer et al., 2005; Pilkington et al., 2007). Leaching of bases such 

as calcium and magnesium can also increase after fire leading to increased acidity 

(Mohamed et al., 2007). Burning alone can increase the dominance of Molinia and 

reduce the frequency and dominance of Calluna, (as can be seen at Albury Bottom), 

although post burn grazing can increase plant species richness and structural 

diversity (Brys, Jacquemyn & De Blust, 2005; Ross, Adamson & Moon, 2003; 

Vandvik et al., 2005). 

Results of managed burning can be variable (Lake, 2001; Ross, Adamson & Moon, 

2003); and burning of old stands of Calluna reduces diversity (Stewart, Coles & 

Pullin, 2004) and can cause loss of bryophyte and lichen diversity (Gimingham, 

1992b). 

The presence of the M3 motorway, other roads and power-lines on the site would 

restrict any areas of potential burning, and there could also be health and safety 

issues and concerns that controlled burning (in winter) might encourage wild fire 

raisers at other times. There are always risks associated with managed burning and 

even managed fires can sometimes get out of control. Nevertheless, managed 

burning was used historically, as a form of heathland management following the 

cessation of the traditional practice of extensive turf stripping, although if adopted as 

appropriate at Chobham Common would need careful consideration and preparation. 

31

Mowing 

Regular mowing creates an even sward and can favour grass dominance over dwarf 

shrubs. As mowing removes only the taller parts of plants, leaving the lower layers of 

vegetation and litter layer intact, the effect on the accumulated nutrient stores is 

modest. Mown material must be removed off site to reduce nutrients. In one study 

the amount of nitrogen removed from the system was equivalent to about five years 

of atmospheric input with 44% of the above ground nitrogen removed (Hardtle et al., 

2006) and calculations from inputs and stored nitrogen levels in south east England 

suggest that mowing and litter removal could remove about 22% of stored nitrogen or 

6-7 years of inputs (Power pers. comm.). Mowing and removal of cut material is 

impractical on many parts of Chobham Common, especially on low lying areas and 

steep and uneven ground. Mowing uses machinery which is less sustainable than 

grazing and burning, and also risks the possibility of soil compaction and possible 

erosion, particularly on wetter ground. 

Turf stripping 

Turf stripping removes the remaining vegetation, the litter and organic layers and 

depending how low the machinery is set, part of the A horizon of the underlying soil. 

This is an extremely effective way of reducing nutrients, as high levels of nitrogen are 

stored in the organic layer and soil A horizon and so the removal of these, as well as 

above ground vegetation constitutes a substantial removal of nutrients. This has 

been calculated as the equivalent of between 37 and 176 years of nitrogen input. 

(Hardtle et al., 2006). Turf stripping can increase species richness and reduce the 

cover of Molinia (Backx, El-Kahloun & Meire, 2005). However it can also result in 

restoration of a species poor heathland, due to depletion of seed banks from the 

stripping process, acidification of groundwater and increases in soil ammonium 

concentrations which can inhibit seed germination and reduce seedling survival 

There is strong historical evidence that extensive turf stripping was one of the main 

traditional practices on Chobham Common (Letter from Bisley churchwardens to the 

Poor Law Commissioners, 1838; Agriculture in Surrey, Stevenson W. 1809). 

Turf stripping creates bare ground, early successional habitats and areas of open 

water which are important components of heathland communities and support a 

range of species including woodlark, Formica rufibarbis, water vole, sand lizard, 

marsh club moss and the communities found in depressions in the substrates of the 

Rhynchosporion. The creation of new areas of bare ground, scrapes pools and 

ponds as part of the cycle of management will benefit and maintain biodiversity. 

Turf stripping is expensive and produces large volumes of material for disposal, 

although this can be offset if turves are used in restoration projects. If carried out on 

a large scale or in an insensitive manner turf stripping can be unsightly. There are 

also indications that in the long term, use of mowing and turf stripping can lead to 

loss of phosphorus and that P limited areas may favour Molinia, but that phosphorus 

loss is limited when burning is used. as more P is retained in the ash (Hardtle et al., 

2006). All donor turf sites must also be carefully checked for potential sites of historic 

environment value, including Mesolithic flint deposits. 

From the point of view of nutrient stripping only, management by occasional burning 

or cutting followed by grazing, and a long term programme of turf stripping are 

probably the best options for heathland restoration and maintenance. 

32

Approximate figures suggest that to remove the existing stock of nutrients it would be 

necessary to turf strip about 8ha of heathland each year for 50 years. However this 

would not prevent further inputs. Burning and cutting would remove about half the 

inputs over a twelve year cycle, that is on a managed area of about 35 ha pa. The 

addition of extensive grazing could remove the remaining nutrient inputs so that a 

combination of cutting, burning and grazing could prevent further nutrient 

accumulations. 

If the creation of a diversity of age and structure within heath blocks is the aim, then 

selective cutting and removal of heather should occur from old stands, from 

bryophyte and lichen rich areas, and from areas where burning is not practical 

because of safety concerns. This should be accompanied by small, controlled burns 

on areas where it is safe to do so within building/mature stands. This strategy, 

followed by maintenance grazing would be the best way to retain and enhance 

structural diversity. 

Away from amenity areas ponds will allowed to undergo succession to mire and bog 

habitats if they are not maintained as fully open water. These natural processes 

maximise the diversity of open water and wetland habitats across the site. 

Wherever possible materials generated from heathland management such as 

heather cuttings, turf, brash, woodchip and timber should be removed from site (to 

reduce nutrients) and sold, exchanged or utilised in a sustainable manner. 

Uncontrolled fires are a serious threat to the bio-diversity and integrity of heathland 

communities and measures to reduce fire risks are discussed in the fire plan policy. It 

should be noted that methods to suppress Molinia caerulea and bracken (such as 

grazing, spraying and litter stripping) significantly reduce potential fire risks 

Conclusion – There are a range of management tools available to the heathland 

manager, including cutting, burning, grazing and turf stripping. Each of these has 

advantages and disadvantages in relation to nutrient removal, prevention of 

succession to woodland, creation of structural diversity and species biodiversity, 

financial costs, landscape considerations and public access. A balance between all 

these considerations will need to be struck which meets the need to reach and 

maintain favourable condition status of the site whilst attracting a wide measure of 

public understanding and support. 

2.2.6. Neutral grassland habitats 

These grasslands occur in four contexts on the site – 

Heathland verges on the sides of fire-tracks and on firebreaks. These are managed 

as part of the fire plan and are cut between September and January with the option 

of a second cut in June if they have become rank or in order to implement the fire 

plan. Where practical a forage harvester or flail collector should be used. 

Road verges. These fall within the highway verge and are managed by the highway 

authority however SWT should encourage the local highway authority (Surrey County 

Council) to carry out an appropriate mowing regime and appropriate restoration 

works after road works. 

More extensive areas of grassland such as those at Burrowhill Green, Little Heath, 

and Brickhill Parade Ground. These should be cut between September and January 

33

with an additional June cut on high amenity areas (as identified in the mowing plan) 

and where they have become rank. Where possible a forage harvester or flail 

collector should be used. The conversion of the improved meadows at Chobham 

Place fields to MG5 grassland by using hay cuts to impoverish the soils and the 

introduction of seeds (including yellow rattle Rhinanthus angustifolius) from 

grasslands on other parts of the site would help to restore a species rich grassland. 

Grassland to the east of Burma Road. This grassland is of high conservation 

importance. Gaining tenure of this land or a formal management agreement in order 

to ensure the ongoing appropriate management of this area is a high priority and a 

plan for the management of this area will be appended. 

2.2.7. Woodlands 

The woodlands on Chobham Common are of less conservation value than the 

internationally important heathland and mire habitats, although they do contribute to 

the overall biodiversity of the site and have locally important landscape and amenity 

value. There is also an important assemblage of invertebrates associated with the 

dead wood on site. The first priorities in woodland management should be to ensure 

that those areas to be retained, as woodland or as managed scrub habitats are 

identified, and managed for long term retention. 

The W1 and W5 carr woodlands support a good range of species but they are subclimaxes 

and if left unmanaged would be replaced by W4 Betula pendula – Molinia 

caerulea woodland then by secondary climax woodland. Those areas identified as 

carr woodland should be managed on a coppice cycle that creates a mixture of mire 

and carr habitats if W4 woodland is to be prevented from establishing. 

W4 Betula pendula – Molinia caerulea woodland also has some limited wildlife value 

and is also a sub-climax. Areas of coppiced birch enhance bio-diversity and provide 

feeding areas for nightjar. The Plan needs to identify those areas to be retained as 

managed scrub blocks maintained by coppicing; and those small areas that will be 

allowed to undergo managed succession to W10 Quercus rober – Pteridium 

aquilinum – Rubus fruticosus woodland. 

W10 Quercus rober – Pteridium aquilinum – Rubus fruticosus woodland occurs on 

the margins of the NNR and outside of the NNR at Little Heath, Valley End and Brick 

Hill. It is the semi-natural climax in the area and is more bio-diverse than the exotic 

dominated climaxes that also occur in the area. Native deciduous woodland is 

important for landscape and amenity reasons, is an important feeding habitat for 

nightjar and enhances the overall bio-diversity of the site, and is important culturally. 

To maintain these interests, management of this habitat should include the retention 

of mature and over mature trees and dead wood, the removal of exotic tree and 

shrub species, and where necessary the creation of woodland glades and rides to 

encourage woodland herbs and invertebrates. 

There are a number of self-seeded pine plantations on the site, most notably at 

Monks Walk and the Clump. Where they have been unmanaged they form dense 

stands with little ecological or amenity value. Where areas of pine woodland are to be 

retained they should be thinned in order to allow a heathland ground flora to develop 

and to allow well-spaced trees to develop to maturity in order to create a more 

naturalistic appearance to these areas and to increase their biodiversity. The 

exception is the Clump, which will be managed as a landscape feature. 

The Barrow Wood is dominated by sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) with scattered 

34

eech (Fagus sylvatica) and oak (Quercus spp. and stands of Scots pine; the shrub, 

field and ground layers are either absent or are composed entirely of Rhododendron 

ponticum . This climax woodland has by far the lowest ecological value of any of the 

communities found on Chobham Common. Ideally long term management of this 

area should seek to replace exotic species with native broadleaf species and to open 

up the structure of the woods while retaining veteran trees – however the 

management of this area from a conservation viewpoint is a lower priority than that of 

other communities. 

2.2.8. Historic features 

The three Scheduled Ancient Monuments on the Common should be managed in 

accordance with English Heritage advice by keeping them clear of scrub, bramble 

and bracken to ensure that underground features are not damaged and that above 

ground features are visible, and by ensuring that no inappropriate recreational 

activities such as horse riding or off road cycling occurs on them and that no vehicles 

are taken onto them. Rabbits may have to be controlled on the Round Barrow to 

ensure no further damage occurs. The earthworks around the Victoria Memorial 

Cross should be kept free of scrub, bramble and bracken, and roadside vegetation 

along Chobham Road kept down to ensure the Memorial Cross remains visible. 

Damage to non-scheduled archaeological features as listed in An Archaeological and 

Historical Survey of Chobham Common proposed Area of Historic Landscape Value 

must also be avoided. 

2.2.9 Landscape 

If the conservation management of the site is carried out in a sympathetic manner the 

open heathland landscape with scattered scrub and trees and wooded margins that 

makes Chobham Common an important feature in the Thames Basin Heaths 

Character Area should be retained. The creation and maintenance of windows in the 

roadside scrub along Staple Hill Road and Chertsey Road and the maintenance of 

views across the Common from Staple Hill, Jubilee Mount and Roundabout Car 

Parks will ensure visitors and those crossing the Common by road can enjoy the 

extensive vistas. 

The Clump should be managed with the long-term aim of restoring it as a prominent 

stand of mature Scots pines; this should be achieved by careful silvicultural 

management of the Clump itself and by the removal of surrounding areas of scrub 

and trees, which obscure views of the Clump. Lone pine should also be retained as 

an isolated prominent landscape feature. 

2.2.10. Public access 

Access 

With the exception of the privately owned areas, the site is open to the public for 

access and informal recreation as Open Access land under the Countryside and 

Rights of Way Act 2000, under the1936 revocable Deed of Access and under the 

terms of the Partnership Agreement and Service Delivery Specification signed by 

Surrey Wildlife Trust and Surrey County Council. 

35

The site is heavily used for a range of activities so the challenge is to facilitate public 

enjoyment of the site while minimising damage to the site fabric and to sensitive 

habitats, and disturbance to wildlife. 

General access 

The severe erosion that occurred on the site in the past as a result of the ad hoc 

development of access routes in the second half of the 20 th Century has largely been 

prevented by the provision and maintenance of a network of good quality tracks 

which was formalized by the creation of the present network of rights of way and 

agreed horse rides based on the fire track network following the 1996 public enquiry. 

The maintenance of this network should remain a priority in order to maximise 

appropriate visitor access. 

Most visitors stay on these routes, which minimises disturbance by walkers and 

horse riders. As people will avoid walking in Calluna dominated areas (Boorman & 

Fuller, 1977) if given an alternative, disturbance to nesting Dartford warbler and 

nightjar by walkers without dogs is minimised by the provision of the track network. 

Nesting density of woodlarks is lower on disturbed sites than on undisturbed, 

however extensive visitor distribution has a greater negative impact than visitor 

numbers alone, below certain threshold levels, (Mallord, 2005); this means that 

disturbance can be minimised by encouraging visitors onto some routes. As 93% of 

visitors come by car (WSP Environmental 2004) this can largely be achieved by 

managing the provision of car parking and encouraging visitors onto main routes 

leading from car parks and away from sensitive locations. Roundabout Car Park links 

into several well-maintained circular routes that visitors enjoy, and the deep valley 

mires, areas of deep heather, busy roads to the south and west, and railway to the 

north all serve to channel people onto the main routes in this area. As part of this 

strategy to encourage visitors onto the main routes on the northern section of the 

Common, Roundabout Car Park has been developed as the main car park on the 

site. Further improvements to Roundabout Car Park should be considered as part of 

this strategy. The remaining car parks on the Common are less formal and tend to be 

used more for their views (Staple Hill and Jubilee Mount), for short walks or by model 

fliers (Longcross and Staple Hill) or by anglers (Fishpool). 

At present most pedestrians visiting the Common come from Chobham village, 

entering the Common from the Burrowhill and Red Lion Road area, with many using 

the numerous small routes across the south eastern part of the Common. 

Improvements to make Bridleways 87 and 90 more pedestrian friendly could 

enhance the enjoyment of the Common by walkers from Chobham. Improvements to 

pedestrian access to the Common from Sunningdale and Windlesham, in order to 

reduce the number of car journeys to the Common would be compatible with the 

strategy of encouraging visitors to use the main access routes on the northern 

section of the NNR and should be discussed with the relevant local authorities. 

However given the plans for a major development to the east of Burma Road any 

proposed provision of pedestrian access from Virginia Water could create access 

and increase visitor numbers to the Common from that development. 

Information boards together with regular Ranger’s reports, information on upcoming 

walks and events and copies of the Byelaws should be maintained in each car park, 

with appropriate signage at other access points to help visitors make the most of their 

visits. These paper copies should be supplemented by quarterly updates on the web. 

The three self guided trails, the site leaflet and the interpretive areas in Roundabout 

Car Park should be maintained and up-dated as necessary. Regular volunteer 

36

events, walks and other activities should be held to increase visitor enjoyment, 

participation and understanding of the site. 

Visitor safety is of paramount importance and risk assessments and regular risk 

auditing will be carried out. 

Dog walking 

Dog walkers make up 49% of visitors (WSP Environmental 2004) and this activity 

can create conflicts of interest between access and conservation objectives. Dogs 

frequently enter Calluna areas, bogs and other sensitive habitats (Clarke et al 2006). 

This can cause disturbance to nesting birds(Murison et al., 2007; Woodfield & 

Langston, 2004b). Nightjars are readily flushed from the nest (Woodfield & Langston, 

2004a) and there is a strong link between disturbance of nesting nightjars and the 

predation of their eggs and young by corvids (Murison, 2002; Taylor, 2002). There is 

also good evidence that dogs predate the eggs and chicks of ground nesting birds 

(Nol & Brookes, 1982; Pienkowski, 1984). Predation by dogs can account for up to 

29% of water vole mortalities during the winter months, in areas where American 

mink Mustela vision is absent (Jordan & Netheton, 1999), the impact of uncontrolled 

dogs on the water vole populations in Long Arm and Little Arm Bogs must therefore 

be a cause for concern. Dogs entering ponds can cause damage to banks and 

structure, disturb wildlife and may cause contamination if they have been treated for 

ecto-parasites (Bull, 1998). 

Dog fouling can have a significant fertilising effect (Shaw, Lankey & Hollingham, 

1995), but the ecological impact of this is largely restricted to the area immediately 

surrounding Roundabout Car Park on Chobham Common (Williams, 2005). Dog 

fouling presents a health risk to visitors, detracts from the amenity value of the site 

and is the cause of most visitor complaints about the Common. Uncontrolled dogs 

cause nuisance and there have been cases of them attacking other dogs and horses, 

and chasing deer and horses – including an incident where a horse was struck and 

killed by a car when it was chased into Chertsey Road by an uncontrolled dog. 

There is a need to reduce the incidence of uncontrolled dogs across the Common 

and to reduce dog fouling at Roundabout Car Park. Education and the enforcement 

of relevant byelaws have served to reduce these problems but further action could be 

taken. The provision of dog bins at Roundabout Car Park and the extension of the 

provisions of the Dog Fouling of Land Act to cover the whole NNR could help to 

reduce dog-fouling problems. Increased education and policing could help reduce 

disturbance and nuisance problems caused by dogs, and the provision of alternative 

sites by local authorities for those who want their dogs to “run free” should be 

encouraged. 

Horse riding 

As most riders prefer to use the network of bridleways and agreed horse rides on the 

site there are few horse related erosion or disturbance problems on the site. Horses 

may alter the nutrient budgets on track edges (Liddle & Chitty, 1981), but as the 

edges of the main routes are mown as firebreaks this is not a great cause for 

concern. The maintenance of a network of good quality tracks is therefore of the 

highest priority. 

37

Model aircraft flying 

This activity is zoned to the western and south-western part of Tank Hill for radiocontrolled 

models, and to the north-western part of Albury Bottom for free flight 

models. Although it does cause some disturbance, model flying creates bare areas 

suitable for invertebrates, small paths through areas of Molinia, which benefits the 

marsh gentian colonies within the flying area, and fliers assist in keeping the Albury 

Bottom and Tank Hill areas free of scrub. This activity should be managed by 

ensuring that fliers remain within the designated areas, fly in a safe manner and keep 

noise nuisance to a minimum; and by liaison with Chobham Common Model Fliers 

Association arranging fliers work parties during the winter months. 

Fishing 

Fishpool is leased to Chobham and District Anglers Club and the policy with regard 

to this activity should be to liaise closely with the Fishing Club in order to ensure they 

continue to manage the area in keeping with conservation, landscape and access 

objectives, and maintain it in a safe and clean condition. 

Cycling 

Given the nature of the soils on Chobham Common the site is particularly vulnerable 

to erosion caused by off-road cyclists. This activity should therefore continue to be 

restricted to statutory public bridleways, and more adventurous riders should be 

encouraged to use more suitable purpose made sites. 

Other activities 

Other recreational activities, organized events and commercial activities (including 

filming) should only be considered when they do not conflict with nature conservation 

objectives or public access and enjoyment of the site. These activities may be 

subject to Natural England consent if they take place on the SSSI, and should not 

take place during the bird nesting season – mid-February to late September - unless 

they are restricted to car parks and tracks. 

The ban on model rockets and fireworks should remain in place and be strictly 

enforced. Collection of fungi should be limited on the site by restricting visitors to one 

kilo per visit, and if this fails to reduce over-collecting, banning this activity altogether. 

38

2.3 A Vision of Chobham Common in 2057 

Chobham Common is an extensive area of lowland heath, with a range of heathland 

and associated habitats with semi natural woodland on its fringes. There is great 

structural diversity on the site creating a wildlife rich mosaic of microhabitats. There 

are sweeps of heather with scattered scrub, trees and gorse bushes; and patches of 

acid grassland and in the botanically rich valley mires and wet heaths. Within the 

wetland areas there are patches of willow and alder carr and pools of open water. 

There are open structured oak woodlands on the margins of the site and the Clump 

is a prominent landscape feature at the heart of the Common. The site is of national 

importance for its invertebrate communities and breeding birds, and regionally 

important for it’s herptiles and flora with a good range of mammals including water 

vole. The site is managed in a sustainable way with minimal use of machinery and 

heathland products being marketed or put to use. 

The Common is popular with visitors who come to enjoy the open space, sweeping 

landscape and abundant wildlife. A wide habitat bridge across the M3 with pedestrian 

access has greatly reduced the fragmentation of the site by the motorway. The power 

lines that once blighted the landscape have been moved off site and underground. 

Visitors are able to enjoy a network of good quality rights of way, access routes and 

fire tracks. There are a number of easy access routes. There is good pedestrian 

access from Chobham and Sunningdale linking in with public transport and a trail 

between Sunningdale and Woking railway stations to encourage sustainable access. 

There is excellent on site and off site interpretation with emphasis on the great 

cultural and ecological importance of heathlands. On-site interpretation is low key 

and non-intrusive allowing the visitor to discover the joys of the Common. Off-site 

interpretation includes a web site with virtual self-guided trails, regular reports and a 

message board. Regular walks, talks and volunteers enhance visitor awareness and 

enjoyment of the site, and its wildlife and management. The volunteer base is 

expanded to include a dedicated group who regularly work with the rangers helping 

with practical management of the common. 

The site is a centre for excellence regularly used to demonstrate the sustainable 

management of heathland and for scientific research. There is excellent on line 

educational material including illustrated talks/videos about the history, origins and 

ecology of heathland and a virtual site manager program to illustrate concepts such 

as succession and sustainable management. Schools and youth groups are 

encouraged to get involved in practical events like “purge the pine” and simple 

surveying work in order to foster a sense of stewardship and active involvement in 

the site and the wider environment. 

39

Objectives 

Biological Objectives 

All the following objectives are exclusive of events beyond the control of the 

site managers 

Objective 1. 

To maintain the dwarf shrub habitats in favourable condition with 

particular reference to H2 Calluna vulgaris –Ulex minor and H3 Ulex 

minor – Agrostis curtisii European dry heath and M16 Erica tetralix – 

Sphagnum compactum North Atlantic wet heath, and their associated 

species 

Features addressed by this objective 

1 to 16 

Attributes for key features 

Feature 1: H1/H2 European dry heath 

Feature 2: H3 European dry heath 

Attribute: Extent 

Target: No un-consented decline in the area of habitat – (see Map 7) 

Attribute: Bare ground 

Target: 5-10% firm bare ground including compacted paths, flat areas, slopes, 

banks and faces 

Attribute: Vegetation composition – bryophytes and lichens 

Target: Cover maintained where naturally present – Cladonia strepsilis, C. 

arbuscula present. 

Attribute: Vegetation composition - trees and scrub 

Target: < 15% of sufficient age, species and structural diversity to 

support invertebrate and breeding bird assemblages 

Attribute: Vegetation composition – dwarf shrubs 

Target: At least two of following species present – Calluna vulgaris, Erica 

cinerea, E. tetralix, Genista anglica, Ulex minor 

Attribute: Vegetation structure – dwarf shrub cover 

Target: 25-75 % cover of dwarf shrubs 

Attribute: Vegetation structure Ulex spp. 

Target: < 50% Ulex/Genista spp. cover, >5% < 25% Ulex europaeus cover, no 

large blocks of U. europeaus 

40

Attribute: Vegetation composition – desirable forbs 

Target: At least one species (listed in Box A below) at least occasional 

Attribute: Negative indicators – invasive introduced species (see Box B below) 

Target: < 1% of cover 

Attribute: Negative indicators – acrocarpous mosses 

Target: < occasional – includes Campylopus introflexus 

Attribute: Negative indicators – bracken 

Target: < 10% dense cover. 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Species indicative of eutrophication 

Target: < 1% cover (see Box C below) 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Heavy/active erosion 

Target: < 1% 

Attribute: Structure H1/H2 only 

Target: 10-40% pioneer Calluna, 20-80% building/mature Calluna, < 30% 

degenerate Calluna, < 10% dead Calluna 

Attribute: Vegetation composition – graminoids H1/H2 only 

Target: At least one frequent species and one occasional,

Feature 4: Nightjar 

Attribute: Number of breeding pairs 

Target: Population does not fall below 45 pairs 

Feature 5: Woodlark 

Attribute: Number of breeding pairs 

Target: Population does not fall below 6 pairs 

Feature 6: Outstanding heathland bird assemblage 

Attribute: BTO index score of 22 

Target: Score does not fall below 16 points 

Feature 7: Dicranum spurium 

Attribute: Frequency/extent 

Target: Maintain frequency and extent – if this species is located 

Create appropriate habitat for the species to re-establish, with guidance from 

Natural England bryologists. 

Feature 8: Sand lizard 

Attribute: Condition of existing colony 

Target: To maintain sufficient bare ground adjacent to mature stage heather 

for breeding and feeding habitat to sustain the existing colony. 

Attribute: Potential for further re-introductions 

Target: Create at least two other colonies through suitable habitat 

management 

Feature 9: Formica rufibarbis 

Attribute: Condition of existing colony 

Target: Maintain existing colony in good condition 

Attribute: Potential for further re-introductions 

Target: Create as many other colonies as possible through suitable habitat 

management as part of the Zoological Society of London’s UK Native 

Species Program Red-Bearded Ant Project 

Feature 10: Silver studded blue 

Attribute: Frequency/population size 

Target: Species present and breeding on site. Unfavourable if more than 25% 

loss in core habitat or abundance of food plant in any 6 year cycle 

42

Feature 11: Uloborus walckenaerius 

Attribute: Presence 

Target: To maintain sufficient mature H1/H2 heath to support this species 

Feature 12: Outstanding invertebrate assemblage – heathland scrub 

Attribute: Number of species 

Target: To maintain sufficient structural, age and species diversity in 

heathland scrub communities to support the current assemblage 

Feature 13: Outstanding invertebrate assemblage – early successional 

heathland 


Target: To maintain sufficient areas of and diversity of structure of bare 

ground and early successional heathland to support current 

assemblage 

The invertebrate community includes the important BAP species: 

Thyridanthrax fenestratus 

Attribute: Frequency/ numbers 

Target: To maintain sufficient adjoining area of mature Calluna vulgaris and 

suitable bare ground to support extensive colonies of it’s hosts – 

Ammophila spp. 

Anisodactylus nemorivagus 

Attribute: Sufficient open sandy heath to support species/ presence of species 

Target: Maintain suitable habitat, record species 

Feature 14: M16 North Atlantic wet heath (including H2 and M21) 


Target: – No un-consented decline in the area of habitat – (see Map 7) 

Attribute: Structure 

Target: Heather at all stages of growth 


Target: 1-10% firm muddy exposed bare ground 

Attribute: Vegetation composition – bryophytes and lichens 

Target: > 20% Sphagnum or > 5% lichen cover 

43

Attribute: Vegetation composition – dwarf shrubs 

Target: At least two of following species present – Calluna vulgaris, Erica 

cinerea, E. tetralix, Genista anglica, Ulex minor. >20% ericoids 

Attribute: Vegetation composition - graminoids 

Target: At least one two species (listed in Box E below) 


Target: At least two species (listed in Box F below) at least occasional 

Attribute: Indicators of local distinctiveness 

Target: Presence of Sphagnum compactum 

Attribute: Negative indicators - trees and scrub 

Target: < 10%, sufficient to support invertebrate assemblage and reed bunting 

Attribute: Negative indicators - exotics (see Box B below) 


Attribute: Negative indicators – Dense Molinia caerulea 

Target: < 25 % 

Attribute: Negative indicators – acrocarpous mosses 

Target: < occasional – includes Campylopus introflexus 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Ulex europaeus 


Attribute: Negative indicators – Herbs indicative of eutrophication 


Attribute: Negative indicators – Bracken 


Negative indicators – Trampling, paths 

Attributes- < 1% 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Silt and leachates 

Target: None 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Artificial drains 

Target: None 

BOX A 

DESIRABLE FORBS H2/H3 

Heath bedstraw, petty whin, common cats ear, common birds foot trefoil, 

44

ibwort plantain, tormentil, heath milkwort, common sorrel, saw -wort, common 

dog violet 

BOX B 

INVASIVE INTRODUCED SPECIES 

Includes - Rhododendron, sweet chestnut, turkey oak, Japanese knotweed 

BOX C 

SPECIES INDICATIVE OF EUTROPHICATION 

Common ragwort, nettle, creeping thistle, foxglove, willowherb species 

(except marsh willowherb), buttercup species, broad leaved dock, heath rush, 

soft rush, coarse grasses 

BOX D 

DESIRABLE GRAMINOIDS H2/H3 

Agrostis spp. Carex spp. Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, 

Festuca spp. Nardus stricta, Trichophorum cespitosum 

BOX E 

DESIRABLE GRAMINOIDS M16 

Carex panacea, Carex pulicaris, Eleocharis spp. Eriophorum spp. Juncus 

acutiflorus, J. articulatus, Rhynchospora alba, Schoenus nigricans, 

Trichophorum cespitosum 

BOX F 

DESIRABLE FORBS M16 

Bog pimpernel, sundew spp. petty whin, heath bedstraw, bog asphodel, heath 

milkwort, tormentil, saw-wort, devil’s bit scabious 

Objective methods 

Heathland communities (features 1, 2, 17 and 18) were traditionally managed 

by grazing and by the cutting and removal of heather, gorse, scrub and 

heather turfs for fuel. 

Management of the wet heaths is required to restore favourable condition by 

bringing about structural divergence and by suppressing scrub. It is also vital 

to prevent the drying out of these areas. Without the instigation of some kind 

of sympathetic management on this part of the heath the conservation value 

will continue to decline rapidly. Burning of wet heath can be helpful , but due to 

the wet nature of the ground, the use of machinery for cutting is not always 

appropriate or possible. The most sympathetic and effective management of 

such areas is to graze them. The management options for these parts of the 

common will need to be appraised as part of the stakeholder engagement 

process. 

45

Some areas of dry heathland where Molinia caerulea is becoming dominant 

should receive a single flail cut during the winter months, where possible 

using a flail collector or forage harvester and removing the arisings from site. 

In order to achieve favourable condition it is necessary to manage scrub to 

prevent succession to woodland habitats, this can best be achieved by the 

selective removal of scrub, with stump treatment, over a ten-year cycle across 

the site, with remedial follow-up clearance/herbicide treatment where 

necessary. Sufficient scattered trees, scrub and coppiced scrub blocks should 

be retained to maintain the conservation and landscape value of the site and 

to meet the habitat needs of key species and assemblages. With the 

exception of the Clump, which is to be retained as a landscape feature, areas 

of pine woodland on the NNR should be progressively thinned and broken up 

in order to allow heathland communities to re-establish under well-spaced 

trees. All scrub management works take place between late September and 

mid February. 

Scattered European gorse bushes are an important component o f dry heath 

communities. As part of scrub management fifty per cent of all gorse bushes 

should be coppiced to ensure there is a good mix of tight and leggy bushes. 

Large blocks of gorse should be broken up and managed by coppicing them 

using a scrub-master or where possible a flail collector. 

In order to achieve and maintain favourable condition it is necessary to ensure 

that there are areas of bare ground and early successional habitat, and that 

there is a good structural and age mosaic within the dwarf s hrub communities. 

It is also necessary to remove nutrients from the site in order to prevent 

eutrophication. Heather cutting, turf stripping and controlled burning can 

achieve these objectives. Small irregular areas should be cut in blocks of 

mature and degenerate heather using a flail collector, forage harvester or 

reciprocal cutter, with material being removed from site. Cut heather should 

be allowed to recover (for 2-3 years) then 25-50% should be turf stripped and 

turfs removed from site. All works should take place between late September 

and mid February – the exception being sand lizard (Feature 8) sites were 

heather and turf cutting be carried out by hand and should take place in 

April/May. 

As heather units reach the late building stage (10-14 years) a single controlled 

winter burn should be carried out over roughly 50% of each area during a 

period of suitable conditions when the ground is wet and there is no risk of the 

fire spreading. A firebreak should be cut around the burn site and sufficient 

staff and fire fighting equipment must be present to ensure the fire does not 

spread. This management should not be undertaken near roads or power 

lines or on lichen rich areas. 

Foliar treatment of bracken with Asulam will be undertaken on heathland 

areas during July with a minimum dosage of 2.2 kg/ha. 

As far as is possible arisings from management such as timber, brash, 

woodchip, heather cuttings and turves should be used in a sustainable 

46

manner, sold or exchanged for labour, although some dead wood and discrete 

brash piles should be retained for their habitat value. 

Uncontrolled fires are a serious threat to heathland communities and the 

implementation of the fire plan is a key factor in successful heathland 

management. This will be achieved through the maintenance of a network of 

fire-tracks, firebreaks and fire access points, the suppression of large blocks 

of gorse, close liaison with Surrey Fire Service, and the presence of suitably 

trained and equipped rangers and volunteers on site during periods of h igh 

fire risk. 

Assessment of proposals: These proposals are necessary for the nature 

conservation of the site 

Monitoring methods: 

In each unit in which the main period of scrub management is to be 

undertaken in the following winter (year 1 of 10), to carry out a site condition 

assessment on each habitat within that unit on the basis of that habitat’s 

attributes as described above and to carry out fixed point photography on that 

unit – in order to ascertain the level and type of management required. The 

following year (year 2 of 10) carry out a site condition assessment and fixed - 

point photography, in order to record the effectiveness of management and to 

ascertain if follow up work is needed. Carry out a site condition assessment 

and fixed point photography four years after management (year 5 of 10) to 

ascertain if remedial management is required in year 5. 

Prior to any recommencement of grazing to collect data regarding vegetation 

composition and structure and other relevant attributes from representati ve 

fixed points across the site and to use this to monitor the effects of grazing 

and its impacts on an annual basis and to enable the modification of stocking 

densities and length of grazing season and/or to create stock exclusion zones 

accordingly. 

To use the bracken base map to monitor the location, size and density of 

bracken blocks in May/June each year in order to plan that year’s bracken 

treatment and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. 

When uncontrolled fires have occurred to map and record the fire site, and 

monitor its recovery and the effect of remedial management to suppress 

bracken, Molinia caerulea and Campylopus introflexus and restore heathland 

habitats. 

To carry out breeding bird surveys for one of the following in each year in a 

four-year cycle – nightjars, Dartford warblers north of the M3, woodlark, 

Dartford warblers south of the M3. To estimate the numbers of the other three 

groups in each year. 

To record presence/absence of breeding species within the heathland bird 

assemblage each year. 

47

To locate and monitor Dicranum spurium after the Bryophyte site dossier is 

produced by Natural England 

To assess the condition of the sand lizard site and numbers of lizards each 

April/May. 

To assess the condition of the Formica rufibarbis colony and it’s surrounding 

habitat each summer. 

To record the presence and location of Thyridanthrax fenestratus in 

July/August 

To record silver studded blue numbers on the two butterfly transects currently 

walked. 

There will be no direct monitoring of the following features Anisodactylus 

nemorivagus, Uloborus walckenaerius, and outstanding invertebrate 

assemblages – heathland scrub, early successional heathland, and heathland 

and permanent wet mire by Surrey Wildlife Trust; as the monitoring of the 

relevant habitats is deemed sufficient however any records of Anisodactylus 

nemorivagus, Uloborus walckenaerius, and any nationally rare, RDB, 

nationally scarce notable A or nationally scarce species will be added to the 

site dossier. 

Management constraints- 

Dwarf shrub heath communities are fragile habitats, which in the absence of 

management are extremely vulnerable to succession, nutrient enrichment and 

the effects of uncontrolled fire and erosion. The management of succession, 

control of nutrient levels from atmospheric pollution, fire prevention and 

provision of access tracks to prevent erosion and allow access for fire fighters 

and management require on-going intensive management. Current levels of 

funding allow for a single ten-year cycle of scrub and bracken control on those 

areas covered by the Countryside Stewardship scheme, other management is 

carried out in an ad-hoc manner as funding becomes available. Securing 

higher levels of funding will be necessary to reach and sustain favourable 

condition across all of the dwarf shrub communities on the site. 

Uncontrolled fires are a serious threat to the bio-diversity and integrity of 

heathland communities and should any extensive fires occur on Chobham 

Common there could be serious loss of mature dwarf shrub habitats and the 

feature species and assemblages dependent on those habitats including 

Dartford warbler, nightjar, the outstanding heathland bird assemblage, sand 

lizard, Formica rufibarbis, Thyridanthrax fenestratus, and the outstanding 

heathland scrub and heathland invertebrate assemblages. In the event of any 

serious extensive fires there could be resource implications if large -scale longterm 

heathland restoration in required. 

48

The possible effects of climate change may seriously impact on the cond ition 

of the site and effect Surrey Wildlife Trust ability to deliver favourable 

condition. Associated periods of drought are a threat to M16 communities, can 

severely stress Calluna vulgaris and increase the risk of damaging 

uncontrolled fires. Heavy rain events cause serious erosion and can seriously 

damage fire tracks, rights of way and other access routes. Longer growing 

seasons and wetter winters could limit the time available to achieve many 

conservation objects 

Housing and other developments in the area could increase visitor use and 

pressure on the site – especially any increase in dog walking as ground 

nesting birds are vulnerable to disturbance by uncontrolled dogs. Housing 

developments containing domestic cats within 1000 metres of the site could 

threaten ground-nesting birds (Barratt, 1995), and sand lizards could also be 

vulnerable to predation from domestic cats. 

The removal or thinning of areas of woodland in order to meet conservation 

objectives for the dwarf shrub communities will be subject to Forestry 

Authority approval and may be subject to public consultation. 

The management of Broomhall Heath is subject to a management agreement. 

Objective 2 

To bring the M21 Narthecium ossifragum – Sphagnum papillosum mire 

including depressions in the peat substrates in the Rhynchosporion into 

favourable condition, and to manage shifting areas of W1 Salix cinerea – 

Galium palustre and W5 Alnus glutinosa Carex paniculata wet woodland 

and M25 Molinia caerulea mire within the mire systems, and those areas 

identified as forb rich M25 meadows. 

Features addressed by this objective: 

15 to 22 

Attributes to key features 

Feature 15: M21 Narthecium ossifragum – Sphagnum papillosum mire 



Attribute: Vegetation structure 

Target: < 25% litter cover 

Attribute: Vegetation structure 

Target: 5 - 10% Molinia caerulea tussocks 


49

Target: < 10% exposed substrate 

Attribute: Vegetation composition – bryophytes 

Target: > 70% Sphagnum spp. cover on 80% sample quadrates 

Attribute: Indicators of local distinctiveness – pool edge bryophytes 

Target: Good populations of Sphagnum palustre, S. recurvum 

Attribute: Desirable vascular plants 

Target: At least three of the species in Box G frequent 

Attribute: W5 wet woodland – Willy’s Leap bog and Fishpool Fen only 

Target: 30-50% of total cover with good age structure 

Attribute: W1 wet woodland – Long Arm and Old Slade bogs 

Target: 20–30 % of total cover Long Arm and Little Arm bogs to be vegetation 

characteristic of W1 woodland 

Attribute: W1 wet woodland – All other bogs 

Target: 5-10 % of total cover 

Attribute: Negative indicators – W4 woodland 

Target: < 5% of total cover 

Attribute: Negative indicators – undesirable vascular plants 

Target: < 5% total cover of species in Box H 

Attribute: Negative indicators – undesirable woody plants 

Target: < 1% of total cover Rhododendron, Pinus spp. 

Attribute: Negative indicators - exotics 

Target: Crassula helmsii, Symplocarpus foetides not present. 

Feature 16: Depressions in the peat substrate of the Rhynchosporion 

Attribute: Ephemeral bog pools with areas of short sward open structured 

vegetation and bare ground on their margins. 

Target: Frequent in all areas of M21 mire. 

Attribute: Areas of short sward open structured vegetation and bare ground on 

the transition zone between M16 wet heath and M21 mire. 

Target: Frequent in transition zone. 

Feature 17: Marsh club moss 

Attribute: Extent and condition of colonies 

Target: Maintain the extent and condition of existing colonies. 

Feature 18: Wetland plant assemblage 

50


Target; Maintain the current diversity of key wetland species 

Feature 19: Outstanding invertebrate assemblage – permanent wet mire 


Target: To maintain sufficient wet mire and structural diversity of wet mire 

to support the current assemblage 

Feature 20: Water vole 

Attribute: Viable colonies in Long Arm and Little Arm bog. 

Target: Maintain suitable habitat and viable colonies 

Feature 22: Forb rich M25 Molinia caerulea meadow (including H3 and 

M16) 



Attribute: Structure 

Target: >10% short sward and thatch free spaces between tussocks 


Target: 1-5% firm bare ground including flat, slopes, banks 


Target: At least two species (listed in Box I below) at least occasional 

Attribute: Vegetation composition - graminoids 

Target: At least one frequent species and one occasional in addition to 

Agrostis curtisii and Molinia caerulea 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Dense Molinia caerulea tussocks 

Target: < 10 % 

Attribute: Negative indicators – bracken 


Attribute: Negative indicators - exotics (see Box B below) 


Attribute: Negative indicators – Herbs indicative of eutrophication 


Attribute: Negative indicators - trees and scrub 

Target: < 10%, 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Ulex europeus 


51

Attribute: Negative indicators – Severe trampling, erosion 

Target- < 1% 

Feature 22: Marsh gentian 

Attribute – Extent and condition of all colonies 

Target: Maintain current extent and condition of all colonies 

Box G 

DESIRABLE VASCULAR PLANTS M21 MIRE 

Calluna vulgaris, Drosera rotundifolia, Erica tetralix, Eriophorum 

angustifolium, Molinia caerulea, Narthecium ossifragum, Rhynchospora alba. 

Box H 

NEGATIVE INDICATORS M21 MIRE 

Bracken, bramble, great hairy willowherb, nettle, Molinia caerulea, Phragmites 

australis, Phalaris arundinacea, Glyceria maxima, Brachythecium rutabulum, 

Eurhynchium praelongum. 

BOX I 

DESIRABLE FORBS M25 MEADOW 

Marsh gentian, saw-wort, tormentil, devil’s bit scabious, meadow thistle, 

southern marsh orchid, ragged robin, petty whin, heath bedstraw 


Mire communities (features 20) were traditionally subject to grazing, and the 

digging of Sphagnum, peat and cutting of woody plants. 

Cutting vegetation in wet heath and mire communities can help to create 

structural diversity, but given the wet nature and terrain of the mires is not 

viable over large areas. Burning is also possible but is difficult except in dry 

winters (when there are also greater dangers of fires getting out of control) 

and without follow-up management, is likely to encourage Molinia at the 

expense of Calluna. Re-establishing grazing could play a significant part in 

achieving favourable condition of the mires, as this management has 

historically created the right habitat for the rare and valuable species on the 

Common. If grazing was re-introduced it would ideally be across the site and 

take place in the summer months, using a suitable breed of cattle, with the 

aim of helping to reduce the Molinia cover and litter layer, reducing nutrients 

and lowering the fire risk. All these management methods need to be 

appraised, to seek the best ways of reaching favourable condition in ways 

which will achieve a broad consensus by users of the Common. 

In the herb rich M25 Molinia (Feature 23) dominated meadows, small areas 

could be burnt or strimmed and hand raked each year to try and maintain 

marsh gentian colonies (Feature 24), although more extensive management 

such as grazing would be preferable and more sustainable in the longer term . 

52

In order to achieve favourable condition it is necessary to manage scrub to 

prevent succession to woodland habitats, to prevent any areas of W1 and W5 

wet woodland that are to be retained being replaced by W4 Betula pendula – 

Molinia caerulea woodland and to restore areas where succession has 

already occurred. All areas of W4 in mires should be cleared with birch 

stumps being treated. Selected areas of W1 and W5 should be retained as a 

proportion of the overall scrub cover of the mire areas and managed o n a 10year 

coppice cycle with a few degenerate areas being left as cover. In the 

deeper less accessible bogs ring barking of selected trees may be used to 

create standing dead wood. All introduced invasive species should be dealt 

with promptly and rigorously. All scrub management works should take place 

between late September and mid February. 

Scrapes, wet hollows, ephemeral pools and areas of standing water are 

important components of mire communities and should be regular features 

within the mire systems. These can either be created mechanically using a Hi - 

Mac or similar, or manually in more sensitive areas. There should be sufficient 

ponds in Long Arm and Little Arm to support the water vole populations in 

these bogs. Marsh club moss sites should be managed manually to create 

sufficient shallow scrapes and areas of short sward to sustain and extend the 

existing colonies. 

Water levels in the mires should be retained by impeding drainage by 

obstructing any channels that form , using material from the site such as 

tussocks and logs. 




In each unit in which the main period of scrub management is to be 

undertaken in the following winter (year 1 of 10), to carry out a site condition 

assessment on each habitat within that unit on the basis of that habita t’s 

attributes as described above and to carry out fixed point photography on that 

unit – in order to ascertain the level and type of management required. To 

carry out a site condition assessment and fixed-point photography the 

following year (year 2 of 10) in order to record the effectiveness of 

management and to ascertain if follow up work is needed. Carry out a site 

condition assessment and fixed point photography four years after 

management (year 5 of 10) to ascertain if remedial management is required in 

year 5. 

Prior to more comprehensive management, to collect data regarding 

vegetation composition and structure and other relevant attributes from 

representative fixed points across the site and to use this to monitor the 

effects of management and its impacts on an annual basis and to modify it 

accordingly. 

53

Locate and monitor the extent and condition of marsh club moss colonies 

each year. 

Check for field signs of water vole annually. 

To keep a record of the plant species recorded in each bog and chec k for the 

presence of those species each year. 

Record the extent and condition of the marsh gentian colonies in August each 

year. 

There will be no direct monitoring of the wetland invertebrate 

assemblages by Surrey Wildlife Trust – however records of any 

nationally rare, RDB, nationally scarce notable A or nationally scarce 

species will be added to the site dossier. 

Management constraints- 

Mire communities are fragile habitats, which in the absence of management 

are extremely vulnerable to succession, nutrient enrichment, water level 

changes and acidification. The management of succession and the control of 

nutrient levels from atmospheric pollution require on-going intensive 

management. Current levels of funding allow for a single ten-year cycle of 

scrub control on those areas covered by the Countryside Stewardship 

scheme, other management is carried out in an ad-hoc manner as funding 

becomes available. Securing higher levels of funding may be necessary to 

reach and sustain favourable condition across all of the mire communities on 

the site. 

The possible effects of climate change may seriously impact on the condition 

of the site and effect Surrey Wildlife Trust ability to deliver favourable 

condition. Associated periods of drought are a threat to mire communities and 

their associated species. Longer growing seasons and wetter winters could 

limit the time available to achieve many conservation objects 

Housing and other developments in the area could increase visitor use and 

pressure on the site – especially any increase in dog walking, as water voles 

are vulnerable to disturbance and predation by uncontrolled dogs. Housing 

developments within 1000 metres of the site could make water voles, sand 

lizards and perhaps other species vulnerable to predation from domestic cats. 

Introductions of invasive species, including plants such as Crassula helmsii 

are a potentially serious threat to mire communities and should any such 

species become established there would be serious implications both in terms 

of achieving favourable condition and resources. The water vole colonies in 

the mire systems north of the M3 could be lost if American mink colonised 

these areas. 

Limitations on the use of the full range of heathland management techniques 

(cutting, burning, grazing and turf stripping) may mean that it will not be 

possible to establish favourable condition. This could have consequences for 

54

securing additional funding for site management and could place further 

pressures on site managers. Management of Chobham Common to achieve 

favourable condition, under the provisions of the Countryside and Rights of 

Way Act 2000, must be a central issue for discussion with all the stakeholders 

who have an interest in the area. 

Objective 3 

Subject to events beyond the managers’ control to maintain the extent 

and diversity of existing areas of MG5 grassland, including the colony of 

Dianthus armeria, and to restore MG5 grassland in Chobham Place 

Fields. 


23 and 24. 


Feature 23: MG5 Cynosurus cristatus – Centaurea nigra grassland 

Note this feature will not be part of assessments of SSSI condition 


Target: MG5 present on those areas identified in Map 7. 

Attribute: Sward height 

Target: 2 – 50 cm 

Attribute: Sward composition 

Target: At least two forbs from Box J present. 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Bracken 

Target: Not present 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Scrub, European gorse, and bramble 

Target: < 10% 

Feature 24: Dianthus armeria 

Attribute: Extent of colony 

Target: Maintain extent and condition of existing colony 

Attribute: Extent of suitable habitat – metres squared 

Target: No more than 5% loss in overall coverage of the population 

No more than 10% loss of suitable habitat 

Box J 

55

DESIRABLE FORBS MG5 GRASSLAND 

Agrimony, wood anemone, black knapweed, lady’s bedstraw, rough hawkbit, 

lesser hawkbit, goat’s-beard, common bird’s-foot’s-trefoil, burnet saxifrage, 

perforated St-John’s wort, bitter vetch, grass vetchling, heath milkwort, 

tormentil, saw-wort, devil’s bit scabious, common centaury, yellow rattle, 

lady’s smock, wild parsnip, teasel, bee orchid, yellow -wort, common spotted 

orchid, eyebright spp. 

Objective method 

Grasslands were traditionally managed by mowing and the removal of cut 

material, or by grazing. 

Firebreaks should receive a single flail cut in September and a cut in June 

where monitoring has shown bracken or rank growth to be present. 

Site managers should liaise with Surrey County Council to ensure the mowing 

of areas of grassland on the highway verge is carried out at a time and in a 

manner that is in keeping with conservation objectives, and that other works 

are carried out in such a way as to minimise damage to grassland 

communities. 

The more extensive areas of grassland at Little Heath, Burrowhill, The Steep, 

Brick Hill Parade Ground and Roundabout picnic area should receive a flail 

cut in September and in June – with the extensive area of yellow rattle, 

Rhinanthus serotinus, at Burrowhill green and small irregular areas of grass 

elsewhere being excluded from the June cut. Where resources allow a flail 

collector or forage harvester should be used for mowing these areas and the 

arisings removed from site. 

Chobham Place Fields are to be restored to MG5 grassland by taking regular 

hay cuts and forage cuts and removing cut material in order to remove 

nutrients from the site. Once the improved grassland shows signs of 

increasing diversity, to scatter cut material including seed heads taken from 

areas of MG5 grassland elsewhere on the Common and introduce yellow 

rattle (a grass parasite) from Burrowhill onto the fields. Thereafter to carry out 

forage cuts in June and September each year and remove cut material. 

To re-establish goat grazing between the DERA perimeter fences east of 

Burma Road with the goats being excluded from the southern end of the site 

between early April and late September. Until grazing is re-established in this 

area to carry out an annual cut with flail collector between mid September and 

late March and remove all cut material. 




56

Check condition of MG5 areas and firebreaks ahead of June and September 

cuts. 

Monitor condition of Chobham Place Fields and effectiveness of restoration 

works. 

Liaise with Plantlife regarding the monitoring of Dianthus armeria colony. 

Management constraints 

Grassland communities are subject to succession from grassland to scrub and 

woodland and need to be managed by mowing or grazing if succession is to 

be arrested. All the necessary works required to manage those areas under 

direct Surrey Wildlife Trusts control can be carried out with existing funding 

and resources. 

Nutrient enrichment caused by dog fouling and atmospheric pollution may limit 

the bio-diversity of some areas of grassland. 

Road verges are outside of the control of Surrey Wildlife Trust and are 

vulnerable to inappropriate management, dumping of materials and damage 

by Highways contractors, utilities and others. 

Surrey Wildlife Trust does not have tenure of or a formal management 

agreement of the SSSI to the east of Burma Road 

Objective 4 

To maintain strips of open structured W10 Quercus rober- Pteridium 

aquilinum- Rubus fruticosus woodland on the margins of the SSSI as 

identified on the baseline map and those areas outside of the SSSI 

identified as woodland, and to manage areas of W4 Betula pendula- 

Molinia caerulea woodland at the edges of the W10 woodland and in 

discreet blocks elsewhere. 


25 - 30. 


Feature 25: Semi-natural broad-leaved woodland 


Target: W10 and W4 present on those areas identified in Map 7. 

Attribute: Naturalness 

57

Target: < 80% of all broadleaved and mixed woodland of an NVC type. 

Attribute: Woodland structure 

Target: Mature and over mature trees present 

Attribute: Woodland structure 

Target: Glades and rides (including roads edges) present. 

Attribute: Dead wood and wood decay invertebrate assemblage 

Target: On ground, and where safe, standing and attached deadwood 

present. 

Presence of veteran and mature trees – with diverse age structure 

Attribute: Woodland composition 

Target: < 95% of tree and shrub layers composed of native species, > 10% 

native scrub 

Attribute: Ground flora 

Target: At least two species from Box K present in W10, > 10% flowering 

sward 

Feature 26: Bat species 


Target: At least five species present 

Attribute: Pipistrellus pipistrellus 

Target: Present 

Feature 27: Badger 



Feature 28: Invertebrate assemblage of old growth open canopy woodland 


Target: Maintain sufficient habitat of suitable structural diversity to support 

current assemblage 

Feature 29: Formica rufa 



Feature 30: BAP/BTO Red List birds of woodland edge and scrub 


Target: Maintain sufficient suitable habitat to support current assemblage 

58

Box K 

DESIRABLE GROUND FLORA SPECIES W10 WOODLAND 

Bluebell, wood anemone, foxglove, broad-leaved helleborine, honeysuckle, 

lesser stitchwort, wood sorrel, ramsons, lesser celandine, Dryopteris spp. 


To systematically remove invasive introduced species including 

Rhododendron ponticum, sweet chestnut, sycamore, laurel, exotic oaks and 

bamboo from W10 and W4 woodlands and where necessary create glades 

and rides in those areas. 

Maintain areas of W4 by coppicing birch to arrest succession and create good 

age structure. 

Should resources allow to thin non-native tree species in the Barrow Woods 

(Compartment 21) and under-plant with native trees and shrubs. 

To retain fallen and standing dead wood and over-mature trees where public 

safety considerations allow. 

To erect bat boxes and bird boxes for owls, birds of prey, redstart, spotted 

flycatcher and mandarin duck in woodland areas that lack suitable nest holes. 




Monitoring of condition of woodlands based on the listed attributes to occur 

annually. 

Regular checks for dangerous trees near roads, power lines and access 

routes. 

Badgers, bats, feature birds and Formica rufa to be recorded annually. 

There will be no direct monitoring of the outstanding invertebrate 

assemblage of old growth open canopy woodland by Surrey Wildlife 

Trust; as the monitoring of the relevant habitats is deemed sufficient 

however any records of any nationally rare, RDB, nationally scarce 

notable A or nationally scarce species will be added to the site dossier. 


There is currently no funding available for the management of invasive 

introduced species, creation of glades and rides, and the management 

needed to create and maintain good structural diversity within the woodland 

communities, and any works are carried out in an ad hoc manner as ranger 

time allows. It may be necessary to secure funding in order to meet the 

woodland objectives. 

Woodland works may be subject to Forestry Authority approval 

59

It will not be possible to meet targets on standing and attached deadwood 

near roads, access routes, car parks, well used areas or power-lines because 

of health and safety considerations. 

There are concerns that climate change could have a detrimental effect on 

temperate deciduous woodlands and favour some invasive exotic species. 

Gracious Pond, Valley Wood and West Wood are subject to management 

agreements. 

Objective 5 

To maintain a sufficient range and diversity of permanent, semi 

permanent and ephemeral ponds across the site to support the current 

Wet mire assemblage including the nationally rare and scarce species 

and a good range of other open water species. 


31 - 33 


Feature 31: Open standing water 

Attribute: Number of ponds 

Target: > 32. 

Attribute: Diversity 

Target: Ensure range of size, maturity and type of ponds in each habitat. 

Attribute: Maturity 

Target: Ensure that mire ponds and areas of other ponds are allowed to 

undergo succession in order to enhance bio-diversity. 

Attribute: Negative indicators – Crassula helmsii, parrot feather 

Target: Crassula helmsii not present, parrot feather controlled. 

Feature 32: Nationally rare or scarce dragonflies 

Attribute: Downy emerald 

Target: Ensure there are sufficient well lit woodland ponds with leaf litte r and 

emergent vegetation to support this species 

Attribute: Brilliant emerald 

Target: Ensure there are sufficient well lit woodland ponds with leaf litter and 

emergent vegetation to support this species 

60

Attribute: Small red damselfly 

Target: Ensure there are sufficient sunlit Sphagnum fringed oligotrophic ponds 

with in the 30-50% floating vegetation cover mire systems to support 

this species 

Feature 33: Dragonfly assemblage 


Target: At least 22 species present 


Maintain those ponds with amenity value on the margins of the site and 

the ponds with wooded edges that support brilliant emerald and downy 

emerald. 

Allow ponds in the mire systems to go through a process of succession, 

while mechanically creating new ponds to replace them, in order to 

maximise bio-diversity. 

Mechanically remove parrot feather where it occurs. 

If Crassula helmsii is found in any pond, to drain it, spray the Crassula 

with Glyphosate and then cover the pond for at least two years. 

To restore the ponds at Burrowhill Green and the Steep once it is 

established Crassula helmsii been eliminated from them. 




To keep a record of the number of ponds and their character. 

To record each of the nationally rare or scarce dragonflies species each year. 

To keep a record of which dragonfly species occur in each pond or group of 

ponds. 

To check for the presence of Crassula helmsii, parrots feather and other 

invasive exotic species at least three times each year. 


Ponds are subject to silting and succession and there is no ongoing natural 

process that replaces ponds lost to these processes; it is therefore necessary 

to mechanically create new ponds or maintain existing ponds in order to meet 

the open water conservation objectives. At present there is no direct funding 

for pond creation and maintenance and thes e works are carried out in an adhoc 

manner as funding becomes available. It will be necessary to secure 

additional funding if the open water objectives are to be met. 

61

Introduced invasive species, including Crassula helmsii, are a potentially 

serious threat to open water communities and should any such species 

become established there would be serious implications both in terms of 

achieving favourable condition and resources. 

Open water communities are vulnerable to the effects of drought and may be 

affected by climate change. 

Open water communities may be adversely affected by acidification caused 

by atmospheric pollution and by other pollutants entering water systems. 

Dogs entering ponds can cause damage to banks and structure, disturb 

wildlife and may cause contamination if they have been treated for ecto - 

parasites. 

2.4.2. Landscape and cultural objectives 

Objective 6 

To maintain an attractive open heathland landscape with wooded 

margins in keeping with the attributes of the Thames Basin Heaths 

Character Area and to restore the Chobham Clump as a historic 

landscape feature at the heart of the site. 


34 - 36 


Feature 34: Open heathland landscape 

Attribute: Character 

Target: To maintain an attractive open heathland landscape with scattered 

trees and scrub. 

Attribute: Views. 

Target: To maintain open views across the Common from Staple Hill, Jubilee 

Mount and Roundabout Car Parks. 

Attribute: Roadside views 

Target: To encourage Surrey County Council Highways to open up and 

maintain extensive “windows” in the roadside vegetation on Staple Hill 

and Chertsey Roads at create views across the Common. 

Feature 35: Broadleaved, mixed and conifer woodlands. 

Attribute: Wooded margins 

62

Target: To maintain attractive areas of open structured woodland on the 

margins of the Common 

Feature 36: The Clump 

Attribute: A clump of Scots pines at the highest point of Staple Hill 

Target: To make this a prominent feature of the site. 


The open heathland landscape and wooded margins are in keeping with 

the conservation objectives for the site – care should be taken during 

conservation management to ensure the site is left in a visually pleasing 

condition. 

Views from car parks will need to be maintained by regular management 

of surrounding vegetation and SCC should be encouraged to side-arm 

flail existing roadside “window” and create new “windows” during the 

winter months. 

Scrub and most trees will be removed from around the Clump to make it 

more prominent. Careful silvicultural management will need to be 

carried out within the Clump to reduce and then remove broadleaved 

species and sufficient thinning to ensure the Scots pines are able to 

grow on to maturity. 

Assessment of proposals: These proposals are not necessary for nature 

conservation management but are not likely to have a significant effect on the 

internationally important nature conservation features of the site 


Review fixed point photographs taken to monitor conservation 

management to ensure landscape objectives are met. 

Regularly check views from Staple Hill, Jubilee Mount and Roundabout Car 

Parks. 

Keep a photographic record of views from those car parks, from roadside 

windows and of the Clump. 


The constraints affecting landscape management are outlined in the 

conservation objectives in this plan. 

The management of roadside vegetation within the highway verge is th e 

responsibility of Surrey County Council Highways department. 

Objective 7 

63

To protect and maintain the historic and archaeological features on the 

site. 


37 - 40 


Feature 37: Bronze Age Barrow 

Attribute: Fabric condition 

Target: To ensure feature is not damaged by inappropriate management, 

recreational activities or burrowing rabbits. 

Attribute: Scrub cover. 

Target: To ensure the feature is kept free of trees, scrub, bramble and 

bracken. 

Feature 38: The Beegarden. 






bracken. 

Feature 39: The Rectangular Beegarden 






bracken. 

Feature 40: The Victoria Monument 


Target: To ensure feature is in good condition and that the surrounding 

earthworks are not damaged by inappropriate management, 



Target: To ensure the surrounding earthwork is kept free of trees, scrub, 

bramble and Bracken and that the feature is clearly visible from 

Chobham Road. 

64


To manually remove and treat trees scrub and bramble on each feature, 

and to manually swipe bracken or treat it with Asulam. 

To flail cut gorse and birch regeneration along Chobham Road to ensure 

the Monument remains visible from the road. 

To use interpretation, policing and barriers when necessary to prevent 

inappropriate recreational activities such as horse riding and cycling on 

these features. 

To control rabbits that burrow into these features by using ferreting. 

Prior to any major works being undertaken on the Common nonscheduled 

archaeological features as listed in An Archaeological and 

Historical Survey of Chobham Common proposed Area of Historic 

Landscape Value should be identified to ensure they are not damaged. 


conservation management but are not likely to have a significant effect on the 



Carry out a visual check of each feature at least once a month for signs 

of damage and for vegetation growth. 

Management Constraints 

Archaeological features may be damaged by scrub invasion, inappropriate 

recreational activities and burrowing animals. 

Objective 8 

To consider sustainability when managing Chobham Common and to 

permit economic activity which benefits Surrey Wildlife Trust as long as 

it is does not affect the conservation objectives for Chobham Common, 

any other feature or the rights of common users. 


41 

Attributes to the feature 

Feature 41: Economic use 

65

Attribute: Sustainability 

Target: When possible to sell, exchange or utilise materials such as timber, 

woodchip, heather and turf generated during site management. 

Attribute: Filming and other commercial activities 

Target: To generate income from filming and other commercial activities as 

long as it does not effect the conservation objectives for Chobham Common, 

any other feature or the rights of common users. These activities may be 

subject to Natural England consent and will not be allowed to take place 

outside of car parks or off of tracks during the bird nesting season (mid- 

February to late September) 


conservation management but will have no significant effect on the 


66

Objective 9 

To liaise with stakeholders and local communities in order to promote 

understanding, and to encourage community involvement in site 

management. 


42 

Attributes to the feature 

Feature 42: Community involvement 

Attribute: Liaison group 

Target: To liaise with local communities and stakeholder groups through the 

Chobham Common Liaison Group. 

Attribute: Informal liaison 

Target: To carry out visitor surveys in order to monitor visitor attitudes to the 

Common and it’s management, and to produce on-site interpretive material to 

explain management 

Attribute: Volunteer events 

Target: To hold regular volunteer events to engage a wide range of 

stakeholders in the practical management of the site. 

Attribute: Volunteer rangers 

Target: To investigate the creation of a volunteer ranger group on Chobham 

Common. 

Attribute: Public dialogue over future management 

Target: Construct a plan to engage the local community and all stakeholders 

in developing and implementing management strategies which would achieve 

favourable condition whilst also facilitating public access and enjoyment of the 

site. 

Assessment of proposals: Good public liaison and public support are 

necessary if conservation objectives are to be achieve d 


The public dialogue process over future management will be subject to 

funding. 

Objective 10 

To interpret Chobham Common, it’s history, natural history and 

management. To foster an awareness of the importance of lowland 

67

heath and nature conservation in general, and a willingness to 

participate in the protection of the natural environment. 


43 - 45 


Feature 43: Education 

Attribute: Teachers packs 

Target: To work with educators to create Chobham Common teachers packs 

and codes of conduct suitable for primary, middle and secondary 

schools. 

Attribute: Student packs 

Target: To work with educators to create Chobham Common student packs 

and codes of conduct suitable “A” level, college and university 

students. 

Attribute: School and university talks 

Target: To give talks and walks to school, college and university groups as 

requested if ranger time permits. 

Attribute: School and youth events 

Target: To hold events such as “purge the pine” in order to get schools and 

youth groups actively involved in conservation. 

Attribute: Chobham Common DVD 

Target: To use the existing Chobham Common power point presentation to 

create a Chobham Common interpretive DVD with commentary for 

use by schools, colleges, universities and others. 

Attribute: Roundabout interpretive area 

Target: To create new interpretive panels, reinstate the habitat beds and 

maintain the easy access trail. 

Attribute: Self guided trails and site leaflet 

Target: To maintain all three self-guided trails and distribute the Chobham 

Common site leaflet. 

Attribute: Information boards 

Target: To maintain the information boards in each car park, and to update the 

rangers reports on those boards and other main access points every three 

months. 

Attribute: Interpret management 

Target: To have on-site interpretation before and during all major 

management works. 

68

Attribute: Walks and events 

Target: To hold at least ten public walks and events on site each year. 

Attribute: On line interpretation 

Target: To ensure that Chobham Common is interpreted on line and that any 

misinformation or inappropriate material posted about the site is 

responded to or removed 

Feature 44: Research 

Attribute: Research request 

Target: To permit research work on Chobham Common as long as it has SSSI 

consent and does not compromise conservation objectives, any site 

features or the rights Common users. 

Attribute: Research wish list 

Target: To keep and up date a lists of projects suitable for students and 

researchers that will increase understanding of the Common and it’s 

ecology and the likely effects of any management. 

Attribute: Monitoring projects 

Target: To keep and update lists of simple monitoring projects suitable for 

schools, colleges and volunteers. 

Feature 45: Demonstration 

Attribute: Demonstration events 

Target: Hold demonstration events on request. 


conservation management but their impact on the SSSI or international 

features of the site will be assessed on a case by case basis. 


Check the condition of information boards as part of the daily car park 

inspection. 

Check the condition and way marking of self-guided trails each month. 

Check the Roundabout Car Park interpretive trail and habitat beds each 

month. 

Management constraints: Funding and Ranger time 

Those targets that are subject to funding or consent are identified as 

such in the action plan 

69

Objective 11 

To allow public access and enjoyment of Chobham Common and a 

range of informal recreational activities while ensuring these activities 

do not adversely effect the high nature conservation value of the site, 

nature conservation objectives, any other features or the rights of other 

Common users. 


46 


Feature 46: Public access 

Attribute: Car park security 

Target: Ensure all height barriers are in a safe and useable condition, that car 

parks are secure so that unauthorised vehicles cannot gain access. 

Attribute: Car park safety 

Target: Ensure that car parks are in a safe condition, including car park 

surfaces and car park entrance site lines 

Attribute: Car park security – visibility 

Target: Ensure all car parks are clearly visible from the road in order to reduce 

car crime and other inappropriate activities. 

Attribute: Car park appearance 

Target: Ensure all car parks are in a clean and presentable condition. 

Attribute: Roundabout Car Park – overspill area 

Target: Improve the safety and appearance of the overspill area in 

Roundabout Car Park 

Attribute: Roundabout Car Park – picnic area 

Target: To maintain the picnic area in good condition and regularly chec k the 

condition of the site furniture. 

Attribute: Roundabout Car Park – disabled spaces 

Target: Ensure disabled spaces are clearly defined 

Attribute: Non-vehicular access to site 

Target: Work with local authorities and others to improve pedestrian access to 

the site from Chobham, Sunningdale and Windlesham. 

70

Attribute: General access 

Target: Maintain the network of high quality all weather tracks to provide 

access for walkers, other users and fire fighting vehicles 

Attribute: Pedestrian access - Chobham 

Target: Improve the main access routes in the southwest corner of the site in 

order to channel walkers and dog walkers from Chobham onto a 

circular route away from ecologically sensitive areas. 

Attribute: Pedestrian access – Chobham Place Fields 

Target: Remove fencing and create pedestrian access points and a horse ride 

as agreed. 

Attribute: Public rights of way 

Target: Ensure all rights of way are kept open 

Attribute: Public rights of way 

Target: Monitor the condition of rights of way and liaise with Surrey County 

Council Rights of Way section when surface repairs are needed 

Attribute: Way marking 

Target: Regularly check all rights of way, agreed horse routes and self guided 

trails are properly way-marked 

Attribute: Agreed horse rides 

Target: Ensure these routes are in a safe and useable condition. 

Attribute: Horse ride Chobham Place Fields 

Target: Create an agreed horse ride linking Bridleway 87 with Bridleway 81 

across Chobham Place Fields (Compartment 23) 

Attribute: Horse riding - safety 

Target: To ensure horse riders behave in a safe manner and that horse jumps 

are not set up on the site. 

Attribute: Easy access 

Target: To maintain the easy access trail around Roundabout Car Park 


Target: To create a new easy access trail from Roundabout Car Park 


Target: To strategically place benches so that people with limit ed mobility can 

stop and rest on the main walking routes. 

Attribute: Road crossings 

Target: To regularly check site lines where access routes cross roads and 

inform the Highway Authority when site lines are poor. 

71

Attribute: Dog fouling 

Target: To erect dog bins at Roundabout Car Park and investigate extending 

the provisions of the Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996 to cover the whole 

of Chobham Common NNR. 

Attribute: Dog walking 

Target: By means of education, interpretation and by-law enforcement 

ensuring dogs are kept under proper control while on Chobham 

Common NNR so as to minimise disturbance to wildlife and nuisance 

to other users. 

Attribute: Dog walking 

Target: Working with local authorities, Natural England, developers and others 

to investigate the provision of alternative dog walking sites in the 

area. 

Attribute: Fishing 

Target: To liaise closely with the lessees of Fishpool to ensure that any 

management they undertake is in keeping with conservation and 

other objectives, and to ensure the area is kept free of litter, fishing 

tackle, bait and foodstuffs by the lessees during the fishing season. 

Attribute: Model aircraft flying 

Target: To ensure this activity only takes place in designated areas, and is 

carried out in a safe manner with no excessive noise nuisance. 

Attribute: Cycling 

Target: To ensure that cycling is restricted to public bridleways and that no 

cycle jumps are set up on the site. 

Attribute: Cycling 

Target: To liaise with local authorities and developers to encourage the 

provision of alternative off-road cycling facilities in the area. 

Attribute: Model rockets and fireworks 

Target: To strictly enforce the ban on the use of model rockets and fireworks 

on the Common 

Attribute: Fungi collecting 

Target: Through education and enforcement to limit the collection of f ungi to 

one kilo per a visitor per visit, to monitor the effectiveness of this 

policy and alter it accordingly 

Attribute: Other recreational activities 

Target: To consider request for organised events and other recreational 

activities and only giving consent when those activities do not 

72

adversely effect the high nature conservation value of the site, nature 

conservation objectives, any other features or the rights of other 

Common users. 


Rangers will ensure car parks are presentable, carry out minor repairs 

and maintain site lines. Surfacing works in car parks are to be carried 

out by contractors or the Countryside Team as necessary using 

appropriate materials. 

Improvements to Roundabout Car Park will include redefining and 

improving the appearance of the overspill area, improving the visibility 

of the disabled parking spaces, re-instating the areas of habitat beds 

where there is rank vegetation and the provision of dog bins. 

Where possible major access routes should be maintained in a 

condition that allows them to be mown rather than hand cut. Over 

hanging branches should be cut back to allow vehicular access for 

management and for fire fighters. 

Maintaining the surface of rights of way is the responsibility of Surrey 

County Council, while surface repairs to agreed horse rides, fire tracks 

and other routes are the responsibility of SWT. Where ever possible 

erosion control and step repairs should take place in July or August to 

prevent disturbance to bare ground species. 

Surface repairs should be made using hoggin or Fittleworth stone, with 

Fittleworth stone or clean brick rubble as hard-core material. 

Works in Chobham Place Fields will be undertaken once SCC receives the 

exchange certificate for this area and the supplementary lease certificate is 

agreed between SCC and SWT. The works will be funded as part of the 

exchange. 

Assessment of proposals: Successfully managing public access is necessary 

for the nature conservation of the site. 

Monitoring methods 

Rangers will check the cleanliness, security, entrance site lines and 

general condition of car parks, and general site security, and for 

dumping, vandalism and burnt out vehicles each day. 

Rangers will check the condition of car park furniture once a month. 

Rangers will check the site lines on road crossings once a month. 

73

Each right of way and main access route shall be checked each quarter 

to ensure it is clear, safe, the surface is in good repair, it is properly way 

marked and clean and that barriers stumps, and benches on it’s route 

are in good condition. 

Rangers should informally monitor the behaviour of dogs and their 

owners, horse riders, model fliers and others, while carrying out their 

normal duties. 

The behaviour of dog walkers and their owners be monitored and 

recorded during the bird-nesting season. 

Fungi collection should be monitored during the autumn months. 

The condition of Fishpool should be checked once a month and 

Chobham and District Anglers contacted if there is a problem. 




Heavy rain events may damage track and car park surfaces and 

additional funding may be required for repairs. 

Appendix 6 - Proposed works Chobham Place Fields – program of works 

2.4.3 Estate asset objectives 

Objective 12 

To comply with and meet all legal and contractual obligations relating to 

the management of Chobham Common. 


47 - 74 


Features 47 - 59: Obligations relating to land tenure and access 

Attribute: Leasehold of Surrey County Council land and terms of Partnership 

Agreement and Service Delivery Specification. 

Target: To meet the agreed standards and provide the agreed services. 

Attribute: Management agreement Broomhall, West Wood and Valley Wood. 

Target: To negotiate a long-term management agreement that allows SWT to 

74

deliver favourable condition and maximise biodiversity condition on 

these sites. 

Attribute: Management agreement Gracious Pond 

Target: Implementation. 

Attribute: Management agreement for land east of Burma Road 

Target: To negotiate a long-term management agreement that allows SWT to 

deliver favourable condition for this part of the SSSI. 

Attribute: Deed of Access under Law of Property Act 1925. 

Target: To review the status of this revocable deed should the consequences 

of it’s provisions become a serious threat to any biological or 

archaeological features. 

Attribute: Fishing license 

Target: Lease expiry 

Attribute: Wayleaves and easements 

Target: To liaise with utility companies, neighbours and others who have 

Wayleaves and/or easements across Chobham Common 

Attribute: Commoners Rights 

Target: To liaise with commoners regarding their rights and any issues that 

may effect those rights. 

Attribute: Consultation with Chobham Common Liaison Group 

Target: To meet with CCLG at least 2 times a year and to keep members of 

the group informed on issues pertaining to the management of 

Chobham Common. 

Features 60–69: Obligations and agreements pertaining to the conservation of 

Chobham Common and protection of wildlife, and of historic 

and archaeological features. 

Attribute: Obligations and agreements 

Target: Compliance 

Attribute: Funding 

Target: To seek to enhance funding for conservation management and to 

obtain funding for future projects 

Features 70 and 71: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the 

Occupiers Liability Act 1957 

Attribute: Risk assessments 

Target: To maintain and update site and task risk assessments 

Attribute: Dangerous trees 

75

Target: Carry out tree inspections 

Features 72 –74: Other obligations 

Attribute: Disability Discrimination Act 1995 

Target: To make provision for disabled visitors 

Attribute: Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996 

Target: To extend its provision at Chobham Common and ensure it is 

enforced 

Attribute: Surrey County Council By-laws 

Target: Copies displayed on back of all notice boards and held in rangers’ 

vehicles 


The works needed to meet the terms of the leasehold of Surrey County 

Council land and the Partnership Agreement and Service Delivery 

Specification are covered elsewhere in this plan. 

There is a need to negotiate a long-term agreement management agreement 

for Broomhall Heath, West Wood and Valley Wood. 

Works agreed for Gracious Pond are covered elsewhere in this plan. 

The negotiation and implementation of a management agreement, 

freehold or leasehold on the land to the east of Burma Road 

(Compartment 26) should be a high priority to place this part of the SSSI 

into favourable condition. 

The fishing licence expires in September 2011 and the terms of the lease 

should be reviewed at that time. 

To liaise with utility companies, neighbours and others with way-leaves and 

easements on the Common in order protect the features on Chobham 

Common, the fabric of the estate, and the rights and safety of Common users. 

To agree programs of line clearance and maintenance with utility com panies 

that minimise the impact of such works on the nature conservation and other 

interest on Chobham Common. 

At present neither commoner exercise their rights on Chobham Common, 

however regular contact should be maintained with the commoners with 

regard to any proposals that could potentially affect the future exercise of their 

rights. 

To continue to hold regular meetings of the Chobham Common Liaison Group 

(currently two formal indoor meetings and one site visit each year). 

To review the membership of the Chobham Common Liaison Group to ensure 

it is representative of all stakeholder groups and remains so. 

Subject to funding, to employ a professional, third party facilitator to manage a 

dialogue to discuss the future management of the Common. 

Objective methods pertaining to meeting obligations and agreements relating 

to the conservation management of Chobham Common are covered within 

the conservation objectives section of this plan. 

76

At present the main source of funding for conservation projects is Country side 

Stewardship LH2. HLF or SITA funding would greatly enhance SWT’s ability 

to reach favourable condition across the site, and should therefore be sought. 

Other sources of funding for specific projects should be explored. 

The site risk assessment will be rewritten as part of this plan and should be 

reviewed on an annual basis and following any serious or potentially serious 

accidents or health and safety related incidents. 

The Countryside Team manager will produce task risk assessments at the 

beginning of each Countryside Team work program. 

Contractors, utility companies and others undertaking works on the Common 

will be required to supply a task risk assessment before commencing any 

works. 

Dangerous trees that are discovered by staff or reported by member s of the 

public will be assessed immediately. 

Meeting the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Dog 

Fouling of Land Act 1996 are covered in the cultural objective part of this plan. 

Spare encapsulated copies of the By-laws will be kept at the ranger’s station 

so that missing copies can quickly be replaced on notice boards and a copy 

will be carried in each ranger vehicle to show to members of the public when 

necessary. 

Assessment of proposals: These proposals are not necessary for na ture 




The monitoring of works needed to meet obligations relating to land tenure 

and access is largely covered elsewhere in this plan. 

The monitoring of works needed to meet obligations and agreements relating 

to the conservation of Chobham Common are covered elsewhere in this plan. 

Natural England carries out site condition assessments on each SSSI unit 

once every six years. 

The Surrey Wildlife Trust Tree Inspector checks trees in Tree Inspection Zone 

1 annually and Zone 2 every second year (Map 11). 

Rangers will check Zones 1 and 2 after gales. 

The presence of bylaws on the back of notice boards will be checked each 

month. 

Objective 13 

To maintain the Ranger’s Station, vehicles, tools and equipment used on 

Chobham Common 


75 - 77 


77

Feature 75: Rangers Station 

Attribute: General condition 

Target: Maintain in good condition 

Feature 76: Vehicles. 

Attribute: General condition and road worthiness 

Target: Maintain in a safe road worthy condition 

Feature 77: Tools and equipment 

Attribute: Condition of tools and equipment 

Target: Maintain all tools and equipment in a safe usable condition 

Objective methods and monitoring 

Day to day security and cleanliness of the Rangers Station is the responsibility 

of the rangers using the station. 

Maintenance is the responsibility of the designated prem ises officer who will 

check the Station each month. 

The checks on the vehicle return sheets will be carried out three times a week 

and when there is a change of driver. 

Trailers will be checked before use by users. 

Tools will be stored in the Ranger Station, the day to day safety and condition 

of hand and power tools is the responsibility of users – the tool inventory and 

the condition of hand and power tools will be checked each month by the 

designated tool officer. 

Small items of lifting equipment will be checked every 6 months and larger 

items annually as arranged by the Countryside Team Manager. 

Electrical equipment will be checked every six months as arranged by the 

Head of Facilities and Administration Services. 

Fire extinguishers will be checked annually as arranged by the Head of 

Facilities and Administration Services. 

Fire aid kits – for the vehicles, Ranger Station and walk leaders, will be 

checked and kept up to date annually by the designated tool officer. 

The Fire Fogging System will be checked by the driver of the vehicle it is 

attached to as per the manufacturers recommendations during the summer 

months and prior to storage in the Ranger Station in the winter months. 




78

Map 11 – Tree inspection areas. 

Objective 14 

To ensure the security and integrity of Chobham Common 


78 - 79 


Feature 78: Site security 

Attribute: General condition 

Target: Unauthorised access onto the site is prevented 

Attribute: Burrowhill Green 

Target: Prevent vehicular access onto Green. 

Feature 79: Encroachments and incursions 

Attribute: Encroachments 

Target: Report to SCC 

Attribute: Incursions 

Target: Report to SCC and liaise with enforcement officers and police. 

Objective methods and monitoring 

Barriers, gates, height restrictors, locks, ditches, stumps will be checked 

visually each day and appropriate action taken if site security is compromised. 

It is the responsibility of Surrey County Council to deal with encroachments on 

their land at Chobham Common and any new encroachments should be 

reported to the SCC Countryside Contracts Manager. 

It is the responsibility of Surrey County Council to deal with traveller incursions 

on their land at Chobham Common and when travellers set up on Chobham 

Common the situation should be assessed by rangers and then reported to 

the SCC Enforcement Officer, SCC Countryside Contracts Manager and the 

police. 




Objective 15 

To help to prevent uncontrolled fires on Chobham Common and to 

minimise scale and impact of any fires that occur. 

79


80 


Feature 80: Fire plan 

Attribute: Fire cover 

Target: Ensure a suitably equipped and trained ranger or volunteer is on site 

and regularly checks for signs of fire during periods of high fire risk 

Attribute: Fire fogging system 

Target: Available and ready for use during periods of high fire risk. 

Attribute: Bowser 

Target: Filled ready for use at ranger station during periods of high fire risk 

Attribute: Beaters 

Target: Ready for use on vehicles during periods of high fire risk 

Attribute: Fire tracks 

Target: Maintain track surfaces in usable condition. 

Attribute: Fire tracks 

Target: Unobstructed, free of overhanging vegetation 

Attribute: Fire tracks – south of Clearmount 

Target: Trees cleared back ten metres from edges of fire track 

Attribute: Fire track network 

Target: Upgrade Bridleway 87 to fire track standard 


Target: Create new fire track in Compartment 11B as shown in Fire Plan (Map 

9) 


Target: Upgrade Langshot to Lone Pine route, as shown i n Fire Plan (Map 9) 

to firetrack standard. 


Target: Upgrade horse ride to the west and northwest of Gracious Pond, as 

shown on Fire Plan (Map 9) to fire track standard 


Target: Make Monks Walk and Old Slade accessible to fire appliances as 

shown on Fire Plan (Map 9). 

80

Attribute: Firebreaks 

Target: Maintain network as shown in Fire Plan (Map 9). 

Attribute: Fire access points 

Target: Ensure all fire gates are unobstructed and in a usable condition. 

Attribute: Fire access points 

Target: Ensure keep clear signs are maintained on each fire gate. 

Attribute: Liaison with Fire Service 

Target: Ensure local fire station have keys to Chobham Common 


Target: Ensure local fire crews have good knowledge and understanding of 

Chobham Common and it’s Fire Plan 


Target: Ensure that a regularly updated version of the Chobham Common Fire 

Plan is carried by local fire appliances and on Surrey Fire Service 

mobile data system. 

Attribute: Liaison with Emergency Services 

Target: Liaise with Surrey Police and the Ambulance Service regarding 

emergency procedures. 


During periods of high fire risk a ranger or suitably trained volunteer should be 

on site and regularly check for signs of fire, with a mobile phone and four 

wheel drive equipped with fire fogging system between 11am and 7pm. A 

four-wheel drive with a bowser and beaters should be on stand -by at the 

Ranger’s Station and a second ranger on call. 

Main fire tracks should be maintained in a condition suitable for use by fire 

appliances. Track repairs should be carried out using hoggin as a surfacing 

material and Fittleworth stone, brick off cuts or brick rejects as hard-core. 

Rangers will carry out minor drainage works as necessary. 

Rangers will cut back any overhanging vegetation on fire tracks and ensure 

there is always sufficient clearance for fire appliances. 

Plan improvements to the fire track network are subject to funding and should 

be costed in summer 2007 prior to funding being sort. 

All firebreaks will be flail cut each year between mid-September and mid- 

February with a second cut in June if necessary. 

81

Rangers will maintain fire access points, ensure they do not become 

overgrown, maintain site lines and replace “Emergency Access – Keep Clear” 

signs as necessary. 

The site ranger will liaise with Surrey Fire Service at a local level through the 

Chobham Station Officer and Fire Safety Officer, and ensure that Chobham, 

Woking, Chertsey and Camberley fire stations have keys for and plans of 

Chobham Common, and that the electronic fire map on the Surrey Fire 

Service mobile data system is up to date. 

The site ranger will liaise with Chobham police officer with regard to 

emergency procedures. 




Rangers will check the condition of fire track surfaces annually in 

February/March and after severe rainstorms. Drainage will be checked 

on a monthly basis between February and October. Fire-track side 

vegetation will be checked in February, June and September. Firebreaks 

will be checked in June and September. Fire access points will be 

checked for condition, accessibility and site lines once a month. 

Emergency Access signs will be checked daily as part of site security 

checks. 




Heavy rain events may severely damage tracks and which may require 

additional funding for repairs. 

82

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Ash, Pirbright and Chobham. English Nature. 

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Books 

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the European Interest on the SSSI. Natural England. 

88

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University of London. 

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Environmental 

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Objective Code Task Month/ 

season 

CHOBHAM COMMON SSSI CONSENT YEAR 2008-09 

Additional information Location Action 

taken 

Workforce Funding Anticipated 

man days 

Actual 

man 

days 

Anticipated 

costs 

Actual 

costs 

Completed Notes 

3 MH12 Amenity VI Flail cut to 75mm 22a T Burrowhill 

mowing 

Green 

3 MH12 Amenity VI Flail cut to 75mm 22c T Little 

mowing 

heath 

3 MH12 Amenity VI Flail cut to 75mm 24d T Brickhill 

mowing 

parade 

ground 

3 MH12 Amenity VI Flail cut to 75mm Roundabout 

T 

mowing 

CP 

3 MH12 Amenity IX Flail cut to 75mm 22a T Burrowhill 

mowing 

Green 

3 MH12 Amenity IX Flail cut to 75mm 22c T Little 

mowing 

heath 

3 MH12 Amenity IX Flail cut to 75mm 24d T Brickhill 

mowing 

parade 

ground 

3 MH12 Amenity IX Flail cut to 75mm Roundabout 

T 

mowing 

CP 

4 RH12 Check trees S Zone 1 TI 

5 RF23 Check ponds 

for exotics 

IV All ponds R 1 


for exotics 

VI All ponds R 1 


for exotics 

VIII All ponds R 1 

9 ML50 Formal liaison IV CCLG meeting R/Ad 2 

9 AI50 Volunteer events S R 5 x5 

1 - 7 MH42 Spray re-growth S Includes SAMs All Cp’s T 

1 MH36 Spray bracken VI Includes SAMs All Cp’s T 

4 MH31 Control Crassula S Spray if required All ponds T 

11, 15 AR01 Upgrade tracks S Use of hoggin, clean brick 

T + C 

as required 

or fittleworth stone 

92


season 

11 ME40 Car park 

repairs 

11 ME40 Rights of 

Way/ HR 


Way/ HR 


Way/HR 


Way/HR 


Way/HR 


Way/HR 


Way,/HR 


Way/HR 


Way/HR 


Way/HR 


Way/ HR 


Way/ HR 


Way/HR 


Way/HR 


Way/HR 

Additional information Location Action 

taken 


man days 

Actual 

man 

days 

Anticipated 

costs 

Actual 

costs 


S Maintain car park surface 

as required 

T 

IV Check/clear/waymark 16 - 20 R 1 Nth of M3 

IV Check/clear/waymark 15 R 1 Brickhill/Rushy 

bottom 

IV Check/clear/waymark 24 R 1 Valley End 

IV Check/clear/waymark 13 R 1 Chickabiddy 

IV Check/clear/waymark 22 R 1 Burrowhill/ 

Little Heath 

IV Check/clear/waymark 1 R 1 Fishpool 

IV Check/clear/waymark 3, 21 R 1 Monks Walk 

Barrow Woods 

IV Check/clear/waymark 5, 10 R 2 Willy’s Leap 

Butts Hill 

IV Check/clear/waymark 11. 12 R 1 Clearmount 

Metco 

IV Check/clear/waymark 6, 7, 8, 9 R 1 Albury Bottom, Tank 

Hill, Staple Hill 

VII Check/clear/waymark 16 - 20 R 2 Nth of M3 

VII Check/clear/waymark 15 R 2 Brickhill/Rushy 

bottom 

VII Check/clear/waymark 24 R 2 Valley End 

VII Check/clear/waymark 13 R 2 Chickabiddy 

VII Check/clear/waymark 22 R 2 Burrowhill/ 

Little Heath 

93


season 

Additional 

information 

Location Action 

taken 


man days 

Actual 

man 

days 

Anticipated 

costs 

Actual 

costs 


11 ME40 Rights of Way/HR VII Check/clear/waymark 1 R 2 Fishpool 

11 ME40 Rights of Way,/HR VII Check/clear/waymark 3, 21 R 2 Monks Walk 

Barrow Woods 

11 ME40 Rights of Way/HR VII Check/clear/waymark 5, 10 R 5 Willy’s Leap 

Butts Hill 

11 ME40 Rights of Way/HR VII Check/clear/waymark 11. 12 R 2 Clearmount 

Metco 

11 ME40 Rights of Way/HR VII Check/clear/waymark 6, 7, 8, 9 R 2 Albury Bottom, 

Tank Hill, Staple 

Hill 

15 MH40 Mow firebreaks VI Rotary flail to 

100mm 

Staple Hill T 


100mm 

M3 T 


100mm 

BW 81 T 


100mm 

ESSO pipe T 


100mm 

Clump T 


100mm 

Jubilee CP T 

15 MH40 Mow firebreaks IX Rotary flail to 

100mm 

Staple Hill T 


100mm 

M3 T 


100mm 

BW 81 T 


100mm 

Esso pipe T 


100mm 

Clump T 


100mm 

Jubilee T 

1 - 7 MH31 Scrub control X - II All Cp’s as 

required 

T + C 

1, 2, 6 MH32 Heather cutting X - XI All Cp’s as 

R + C 

required 

1, 2, 6, 8 MH39 Turf-cutting X - XI All Cp’s as 

required 

94

2, 5 MH61 Create 

W Bogs + 

T / C 

scrapes/ponds 

mires 

1, 6 MH39 Transplant turves W 15 C 

1, 4, 6 MH31 Coppicing W 15 C 

1, MH39 Scrapes S Bare ground creation All Cp’s T 

1 RA12 Monitor SPA/heath 

assemblage birds 

S All Cp’s R + V 

1 - 5 RB00 Vegetation 

Monitoring 

S All Cp’s R + V 

1 - 5 RA82 Invertebrate survey S 4 C 

N.B. All works under the CSS are already consented by NE. 

95

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

Byelaws 

Appendices 

111

CHOBHAM COMMON SITE RISK ASSESSMENT 

CONTACT DETAILS 

RANGER: ANDY WRAGG 

TELEPHONE: 01276 858013 (OFFICE), 07968 832502 (MOBILE) 

DAYS OFF: Tuesday/Wednesdays 

COVER (DAYS OFF, LEAVE, ILLNESS): STEVEN FRY 

TELEPHONE: 01276 858013 (OFFICE), 07968 832512 (MOBILE) 

CHOBHAM COMMON IS A SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST, A NATIONAL 

NATURE RESERVE, A POTENTIAL EUROPEAN SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA AND 

A CANDIDATE EUROPEAN SPECIAL AREA FOR CONSERVATION, AND THERE 

ARE THREE SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENTS, ALL WORKS MUST BE 

DISCUSSED WITH THE SITE RANGER WELL IN ADVANCE, AS IT MAY BE 

NECESSARY TO GAIN LEGAL CONSENTS FROM NATURAL ENGLAND/ENGLISH 

HERITAGE BEFORE WORK CAN COMMENCE. THE COMMON IS AN OPEN SPACE - 

EXPECT TO MEET WALKERS, HORSE RIDERS, CYCLIST AND DOGS. 

SITE DETAILS 

NEAREST TELEPHONES: BURROWHILL GREEN 01276 858912 

SUNNINGDALE 01344 20239 

NEAREST A&E HOSPITAL: ST. PETERS HOSPITAL 

GUILDFORD ROAD 

CHERTSEY 01932 872000 

THE MOST DIRECT ROUTES TO HOSPITAL ARE LONGCROSS ROAD THEN TURN 

RIGHT AT ROUNDABOUT AT END OF ROAD, OR TAKE STONEHILL ROAD IN 

DIRECTION OF CHERTSEY AND AT END OF ROAD TURN RIGHT ONTO 

LONGCROSS ROAD. 

GROUND CONDITIONS: 

THERE ARE STEEP SCARPS ON STAPLE HILL, TANK HILL, OYSTERSHELL HILL, 

SHIP HILL, BURNT HILL, AND ON EITHER SIDE OF THE M3. 

THE ACCESS TRACK NETWORK IS SHOWN ON THE PLAN ATTACHED; THERE IS 

A TEN MPH SPEED LIMIT. 

CAUTION MUST BE TAKEN WHEN CROSSING, OR TURNING OFF OF OR ON TO 

LOCAL ROADS AS TRAFFIC LEVELS AND VEHICLE SPEEDS ARE HIGH IN THE 

AREA. 

ACCESS TRACKS MAY BECOME WATERLOGGED AFTER RAIN AND 

UNSUITABLE FOR VEHICULAR USE (CHECK WITH RANGER FIRST). 

VEHICULAR TRACKS AND ACCESS POINTS ARE RESTRICTED TO 3 METRES 

WIDTH; CAR PARK ENTRANCES HAVE HEIGHT RESTRICTOR BARRIERS. 

VEHICLES MUST NOT GO OFF TRACK WITHOUT PERMISSION. 

THERE ARE EXTENSIVE AREAS OF DEEP HEATHER AND GRASS TUSSOCKS 

WHICH CAN HIDE SUCH HAZARDS AS OLD STUMPS, DEEP RUTS, HOLES AND 

OLD SLIT TRENCHES - THE GROUND NEEDS TO BE CAREFULLY CHECKED 

PRIOR TO COMMENCING ANY WORK. 

WOODED AREAS NEED TO BE CHECKED FOR TREE HAZARDS PRIOR TO WORK. 

MANY OF THE LOW LAYING AREAS ARE BOGGY OFTEN WITH DENSE GRASS 

112

TUSSOCKS MAKING FOOTING DIFFICULT SECTIONS OF LONG ARM, LITTLE 

ARM AND LANGSHOT BOGS ARE DEEP 

THERE ARE SOME THIRTY PONDS ON THE COMMON THE DEEPEST BEING 

ROUGHLY FOUR FEET. 

OTHER HAZARDS: 

THE NATURE OF THE VEGETATION MEANS THAT DURING PERIODS OF DRY 

WEATHER THERE IS A HIGH FIRE RISK. DO NOT BURN MATERIALS OR USE 

EQUIPMENT THAT IS LIKELY TO START FIRES AT ANY TIME UNLESS CONSENT 

HAS BEEN GIVEN BY RANGER. AVOID AREAS OF SCRUB AND GORSE DURING 

FIRES. 

ELECTRITY FROM OVERHEAD LINES CAN ARCH THROUGH SMOKE – FIRE 

FIGHTERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE WARNED OF THIS 

DANGER DURING FIRES. 

THE ADDER VIPERA BERIS, IS PRESENT ON THE SITE, MEDICAL ADVICE SHOULD 

BE SOUGHT IF BITTEN. 

EXPOSURE TO THE SAP OF CUT OR BRUISED WILD PARSNIP, A YELLOW 

FLOWERED UMBELLIFER, MAY CAUSE SEVERE BLISTERING DURING BRIGHT 

SUNLIGHT. 

DOG FOULING IS COMMON ON AND AROUND CAR PARKS AND ELSEWHERE 

AND POSES A POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK ESPECIALLY WHEN USING STRIMMERS 

AND SIMILAR EQUIPMENT. 

DUMPING OCCURS REGULARLY ON THE MARGINS OF THE SITE AND MAY 

INCLUDE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. OCCASIONAL BURNT OUT VEHICLES ALSO 

POSE A SERIOUS HEALTH RISK. 

ALTHOUGH NOT SEEN RECENTLY BROWN RATS HAVE OCCURRED AT 

FISHPOOL AND WHERE DOMESTIC AND GARDEN WASTE HAVE BEEN DUMPED 

- BE AWARE OF THE RISKS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS. 

MODEL AIRCRAFT FLYING TAKES PLACE AT TANK HILL AND ALBURY 

BOTTOM AND NEAR THE MONUMENT. 

FISHPOOL IS USED FOR ANGLING. 

UTILITIES: MAJOR UTILITIES CROSSING THE COMMON ARE INDICATED ON THE 

ATTACHED PLAN AND CONTACT NUMBERS ARE AS FOLLOWS. 

HIGH PRESSURE OIL PIPELINE: - 0845 0701245 EMERGENCY 01189 712021 

SOUTHERN ELECTRICITY: 0845 7444 555 EMERGENCY 0845 7708090 (POWER 

LINES) 

NATIONAL GRID 0800 7312961 EMERGENCY: 0800 404090 (PYLON LINES) 

ESSO EMERGENCY: 0800 136812 (ESSO PIPELINES) 

NATIONAL GRID GAS PIPELINES: EMERGENCY 0800 111 999 

THERE ARE NUMEROUS MINOR UTILITIES RUNNING PARALLEL WITH 

THE ROADS THAT CROSS THE COMMON AND SERVING NEARBY 

PROPERTIES. PRIOR TO WORKING NEAR ROADS OR PROPERTIES CHECKS 

SHOULD MADE WITH – 

GAS – 0800 731 2961 

SOUTHERN ELECTRICITY - 01256 337294 

BRITISH TELECOM - 0800 9173993 

THREE VALLEYS WATER - 

113

TIPPER LORRIES AND TIPPING TRAILERS SHOULD NOT OPERATE WITHIN 

9METRES OF POWER LINES OR 15 METRES OF PYLON LINES. 

NO TREE FELLING SHOULD TAKE PLACE WITHIN TWO TREE LENGTHS OF 

OVERHEAD LINES. 

FRONT LOADERS CARRYING TREES SHOULD NOT OPERATE WITHIN ONE TREE 

LENGTH PLUS 3 METRES OF POWER LINES OR ONE TREE LENGTH PLUS 5 

METRES OF PYLON LINES. 

AERIAL TREE WORK SHOULD NOT TAKE PLACE WITHIN A DISTANCE OF 15 

METRES PLUS THE LENGTH OF THE LONGEST TIMBER BEING DROPPED OF 

OVERHEAD LINES. 

FIRES SHOULD NOT BE LIT NEAR OBERHEAD LINES. 

NEIGHBOURING HAZARDS: 

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL (01276 453564 EMERGENCIES 0870 1266060) IS 

RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE ADJOINING ROADS AND HIGHWAY VERGES, WITH 

THE EXCEPTION OF THE SECTION OF THE B383 CHOBHAM RD NORTH OF THE 

COUNTY BOUNDARY SIGN WHICH IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF WINDSOR AND 

MAIDENHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL (01628 683800 EMERGENCIES). 

MAINTENANCE OF THE M3 FENCE LINES IS THE- RESPONSIBILITY OF 

THE HIGHWAY AGENCY (08457 504030) AND IF IT IS DAMAGED OUT OF 

OFFICE HOURS THE POLICE SHOULD BE CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY. 

MAINTENANCE OF THE RAILWAY LINE FENCE 

WHICH FORMS THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE COMMON IS THE 

RESPONSIBILITY OF NETWORK RAIL (08457 114141) THERE IS AN 

ELECTRICITY SUB STATION AS MARKED ON THE PLAN AT BURROWHILL 

- EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER 0800 210999 

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115

116

117

118

119

120

Members of Chobham Common Liaison Group 

Organisation 

Natural England 

Chobham Society 

RSPB 

Ramblers' Association 

Chobham Parish Council 

Chobham Common Model Flyers Association 

Surrey County Council 

Surrey County Council (Foxhills & Virginia Water) 

Chobham Common Riders' Association 

Surrey Heathland Project 

Windlesham Parish Council 

Hon Sec, Chobham Common Preservation Committee 

Runnymede Borough Council 

Surrey Heath Borough Council 

Surrey Heath Borough Council 

Virginia Water Community Association 

Surrey County Council 

Surrey Wildlife Trust 

Surrey Wildlife Trust 

121

CHOBHAM COMMON NNR - Surrey Wildlife Trust

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