Unfortunately, some of the recently constructed dead hedges and hurdles, that our amazing Task Force have spent hours building, are being removed, dismantled or destroyed.  Please do not do this. Here’s why… 

With a marked increase in walking, cycling, dog walking and riding in recent years, particularly since Covid lockdowns, more and more unofficial paths have been created across Limpsfield Common and High Chart, and our beautiful common has become very fragmented, greatly affecting the natural habitat for many species of wildlife. 

The installation of dead hedging / hurdles is a simple, ecological and effective way to try to reclaim some of these areas for wildlife, and ensure walkers, cyclists and riders stick to the designated footpaths and bridleways.  

By closing a number of unofficial paths and reinstating these areas, we hope to bring back more rare animals like dormice, firecrests and nightingales. Our work is to preserve the common for present and future users, and adapting the use of the common now will impact upon walks in the future, allowing for better sightings and a greater cacophony of birdsong etc.

It is really important for our local biodiversity, so please respect our hard work and leave the barriers in place. They are important and there for a reason. 

To help the wildlife, we would ask you to please stick to the way-marked public footpaths and bridleways and keep your dogs under control and in sight at all times, to help preserve safe spaces for local deer (particularly when they have fawns), ground nesting birds and smaller woodland creatures.  

Thank you for your understanding.

#limpsfield #Surrey #nationaltrust #limpsfieldcommon #surreyhills