It’s been a very busy summer on Limpsfield Common. The emergence of heather on the Chart and Moorhouse Bank has signalled positive habitat restoration. Volunteer efforts have aided bracken management and waymarking improvements. However, challenges such as fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour at local car parks remain an issue. The National Trust continues to engage the community through Ranger walks and media outreach.

Here’s a full report from our Ranger, Conor McNeil.

The heather is back!

Amongst our heathlands, patches of heather have made a reassuring emergence, beginning to create stability and promise for these special habitats. Areas such as the Chart Green, Moorhouse Bank, Happy Valley and even West Heath have all seen a strong colonisation of pioneer specimens on or around past scrapes. 

It is hugely encouraging to see this expansion, highlighting the potential of restoring these areas back to the thriving heaths they once were. The majority of heathland pockets have received their 3 summer cuts of bracken, a relentless job that was eased by volunteer days with East Surrey College and British Gas, as well as of course, the Task Force and Saturday volunteer group. 

Waymarking

The Task Force, in partnership with the Friends of Limpsfield Common, continue to review and replace various waymark posts amongst the network of footpaths, including Moorhouse, Scearn Bank and West Heath. This is an ongoing project with some areas still a work in progress with minor works required.

Importance of dead hedges and hurdles

We are continuing our work with dead heading to block off some trails to prevent further fragmentation of the Common. A successful survey of protected species has emphasised the importance undisturbed areas and their preservation and we are committed to making sure we preserve the habitat of the native species. 

Unfortunately, some of the hurdles used to block up these paths are being dismantled. Some of this will be by individuals not wanting to change their usual route, and some will likely be the youth letting off steam. However, please help us spread the word that it’s really important that they are left in situ.

As more dead hedge and hurdles are erected, we hope the structures will become a familiar feature over The Chart. We hope that more succinct and greater numbers of signage, as well as informative media outreach should help to limit further opposition. 

Ranger walks & podcast

My first set of Ranger Walks this summer were a small success. From young families to long term locals and even those new to the area, participation wasn’t substantial, but certainly varied. I will look to expand these walks in the coming years with greater outreach and depth as I develop within this role. 

In July, I was given the opportunity to record a National Trust podcast on Limpsfield Common. The podcast team and I took a walk around the All Access Trail in High Chart, discussing woodland management, history throughout the ages on the ancient common and the discrete remnants of which that are still scattered around The Chart.

Increase in fly-tipping

On a less positive note, we have unfortunately seen an increase of fly-tipping on Limpsfield Common these past months. A noticeable amount of which has been garden waste left on the woodland’s edge, often consisting of non-native cuttings and foreign soil that can detrimentally impact the ecological composition of the local habitat. 

If you see any fly-tipping on public footpaths or bridleways, or on roads or roadside please report it to Tandridge District Council / Surrey County Council.  You can also let us know if it’s on NT land.  

Anti-social Behaviour at Moorhouse and Scearn Bank Car Parks

Although Moorhouse Bank has been getting noticeably quieter in daylight hours, I have recently had a few concerning interactions at the Scearn Bank car park. 

We have been in communication with the local police who have designated an officer to the issue and committed to more regular patrols of both car parks, so that I can stay safe when working alone and focus further on the nature recovery aspect of my role. 

This is very disappointing and concerning for myself, the task force and other volunteers and for the public, particularly lone walkers or families with young children. 

We hope the police patrols will help to improve the situation.

Thank you for all your help this year and see you soon!

Conor McNeil, NT Ranger for Limpsfield Common