Chobham Common is one of the finest remaining examples of lowland heath in the country. It is a National Nature Reserve which has the highest European conservation designation. It is the best site in Britain for spiders, ladybirds, bees and dragonflies. There are frogs, toads, newts, adders, grass snakes and lizards. Over 115 species of birds have been recorded. Without management the heath would be lost to birch and pine trees.
Fires have altered the delicate ecology of this area so that grasses and bracken now dominate areas that were once open heath.Part of Long Arm Bog is now dominated by wet woodland. Heathland pools support a wide range of dragonflies and the pond is largely covered with bog bean. One may also see the rare silver-studded blue butterflies
Chobham Common is managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust, a registered charity, in partnership with Surrey County Council. The site covers 4000 hectares of land and includes land managed under access agreements with private landowners. It is the largest Wildlife Trust in England.
Website for the Trust is www.surreywildlifetrust.org
Email: info@surreywt.org.uk
Countryside Ranger 07968-832502.
