Chorleywood Common
View a map of Chorleywood Common and the proposed fencing
Chorleywood Common Local Nature Reserve covers an area of 75 hectares. Initially it has been decided that reintroducing grazing to the entire Common would be unfeasible, so we have targeted approximately 12 hectares of the most diverse meadow habitats on the quieter side of the Common.
Chorleywood Common supports 3 type of meadow habitat. There is the wildflower rich chalk meadow with fine displays of pyramidal orchids in June, the longer neutral meadows and acid heath with remnant heather and heath grass. The Common also supports woodland, scrub and seven ponds, which help to make it a very important place for wildlife and a highly valued asset for local people.
There are currently two options for fencing. Option A involves one long line of fencing, the use of existing fencing around the Common boundary, and cattle grids. The benefit of this option is that the fence line could be hidden in most places along the tree line. This would maintain the open feel of the Common, and have a minimal visual impact. Installing cattle grids will help to reduce the speed of traffic along Dog Kennel Lane, and the Highways Agency may consider introducing a 20mph speed limit. Option B involves fencing a smaller compartment which will have more of a visual impact along Dog Kennel Lane. The grazing compartment would include the important chalk grassland known as Larks Meadow, but would exclude the valuable acidic grassland on the slopes adjacent to Dog Kennel Lane.
Access gates will be provided at all currently used paths as shown. If you think there should be more pedestrian gates or other access points, please let us know.
