A Summer Newsletter was not produced for Summer 2024. The reason is simply that not much of interest had happened on Whitmoor Common at the time.
However, we have now re-started the working parties on the common.
The work is mainly “scrub bashing” but this is essential – it is hard work, and is fun with some bonfires etc. It is much better than going to a gym as the work is outside in the fresh air and, yes, you may get a bit wet occasionally.
Sometimes the volunteers are said to be “gardeners” – I would love to see those commentators do their bit for the community, as it is very important work for the upkeep of common. For the walkers, with or without a dog, for the horse riders and for the people on bicycles. As Christmas approaches, where would you go for your post-Christmas walk? The other good location is Footpath 431 – see below in this Newsletter.
The scrub bashing and clearing has taken place on the Summer-Ride and the so called “Coffin Path”.
The Summer-Ride runs from the Jolly Farmer to Mount Pleasant. It acquired its name as the path was only accessible during the summer months. Some years ago, with some financing of the Whitmoor Common Association, the path was improved and ready to be enjoyed by everyone, all year around. However, the maintenance of Whitmoor Common falls frequently on volunteers, and for this work power tools are required which we should not be using.
Volunteers are difficult to come by, and the path was soon overgrown and impassable. This has now been cleared.
Likewise the “Coffin Path” which runs from Jordan Hill, across the stream to the Salt Box Road carpark. The path was, in theory, passable if you walked single file and sideways. Overgrown with scrubs and brambles. An Allen Scythe was hired for the job which was a few hours work for the group, with help from the Worplesdon and District Bridleways group – now known as Access4Equestrians.
On checking my notes, I find that this path was cleared as part of our working parties during 2014/2015 winter.The next job will be to open up another path onto Jordan Hill with, I hope, the help of Surrey Wildlife Trust. This will need a sizeable machine as one cannot get through the overhanging brambles. The volunteers will clear and burn the brash.
I mentioned in my last newsletter that the repairs to footpath 431 would be completed by the beginning of this year. Well miracles do happen occasionally! This patch of path runs from the back of Worplesdon St Mary Church across Maryland’s hay field to Whitmoor. This path is another “must” for Christmas walks.
Footpath 431
One of a set of photos showing the state of the path before repairs
Planning permission is sought – 24/P/00166 – Maryland’s. “Demolition of existing dwelling
(The Cottage) and erection of new dwelling with landscaping enhancements and associated works) This would encompass the “hay field”.
Footpath 431
After repairs – section leading to the gate to Maryland’s field.
These pictures show the state of the path onto Jordan Hill. They are not taken in the worst section which was virtually impassible
The top left shows the location – apologies for the lack of clarity
Report from Adam Bolton, Conservation Manager (West) – Surrey Wildlife Trust
It has been another successful year of work on Whitmoor Common. Last winter, important scrub clearance was done to help preserve the incredibly rare Window-winged Caddisfly (Hagenella clathrata).. This insect is only found on four sites in the whole of the south of the UK, and Whitmoor Common is one of its strongholds. The work included cutting down scrub in wet tussocky areas of the site to open up the area whilst leaving enough young birch which is essential to the Caddisfly’s life-cycle. It is hoped more of this work will be done this winter.
We are currently planning for further works on the common in 2025 and hope to continue our successful programme of scrub management to ensure the open heathland remains in good condition.
The summer of 2024 has brought with it one of the biggest, and most important, changes to our management at Whitmoor Common.
A major step forward in our conservation grazing of the site is the introduction of NoFence grazing technology. This technology uses GPS signals to contain the animals inside a virtual fence, reducing the need for wooden or electric fencing on site.
We know the concept of having no visible fence will be new for many people, but we fully believe it is the way forward and a better, safer, cheaper and more effective way of grazing our sites. Signs on site will allow people to scan a QR code to find the exact locations of the animals so they can avoid them if they wish. For those not familiar with QR codes, there is also a map with a ‘you are here’ location so people can move around the compartment if they wish.
It is better for visitors, much safer for the animals and allows for more targeted and flexible grazing.
The volunteers have been hard at work on the common doing various tasks including the usual scrub clearance and grazing checks. We’re relieved to have got to November with no major wildfire incidents happening on the common over the summer, but we continue to work closely with Surrey Fire and Rescue service to reduce the ongoing risk as much as possible.’
* * * *
I would like to remind members that the Surrey County Council are responsible for all the access related elements of the sites. This includes:
• Arranging and chairing the Community Forum meetings
• Dealing with encroachments and all illegal activity (motor biking/cycling/traveller incursions/flytipping, etc.)
• Tree safety, fallen trees across paths and other timber management
• Maintaining paths and visitor infrastructure such as car parks, rights of way, bridges, litterbins, memorial benches and all signage
• Access queries such as events, complaints and concerns
• Angling and other user groups
• Built property
To contact SCC on any of these matters please use these details: SCC Contact Centre on 0300 200 1003 or email:contact.centre@surreycc.gov.uk If you use the telephone contact patience is needed!
The Surrey Wildlife Trust are responsible for:
• Habitat conservation and management.
This particularly refers to the open (non-wooded) habitats across the estate.
It includes elements such as grazing, conservation mowing, habitat volunteer work parties and monitoring.
To contact SWT on the conservation work use 01483 910087 or emailcountryside@surreywt.org.uk
Some dates for your diaries
• AGM – Tuesday 15 July at 7.30 pm. Worplesdon Memorial Hall in the Halsey
Room. This AGM must be held as we hold funds on your behalf which need to be
accounted for. Also, I hope that Adam Bolton from SWT will be able to give a short presentation.
• BBQ/Summer Picnic – Just a little get-together. Date to be announced in due course.
• Please do not forget the Christmas Tree harvest on Sunday 1st December. The trees are an invasive species, they will NOT be garden centre quality and are guaranteed to DROP needles! Location is the area around Mount Pleasant.
Timing – 10am to 12 noon.
Thus:
Invasive species, TICK
Donation to St. Joseph’s school, PTA TICK
Family outing TICK (now 3 generations of families)
Lastly, No membership contribution is asked for in 2024. However, donations are always welcome.
With best wishes for the Christmas and the New Year.
Paul Rijbroek