Spring has truly arrived on Limpsfield Common, and one of the highlights in recent weeks has been the return of frogs to Yalden Spring. The pond has been alive with activity – a wonderful reminder of how important this habitat is for local wildlife. Across the Common, flora and fauna are flourishing, and we’re eagerly awaiting the annual bluebell display at Ridlands Grove. It’s always a spectacular sight and a sure sign that spring is in full swing.

What we’ve been working on recently

West Heath
Our Task Force volunteers have been hard at work constructing dead hedges on West Heath, using material from thinning understory scrub and trees such as gorse and holly. This hedging helps protect recovering heathland from damage caused by “desire paths,” including those formed by mountain bikers, while also opening the habitat to benefit heathland species.

Work has included raking back old bracken, exposing bare ground, cutting encroaching trees and mature gorse and brush cutting scrub. We have also purchased heather and acid grassland seed mixes and are sowing these to encourage regeneration. Bracken control remains an ongoing task: to be effective it must be cut back three times a year for at least three years, so this area will need continued care.

Yalden Spring
At Yalden Spring, selective tree removal is under way to allow more light to reach the pond. With frog and toad populations returned, we have installed signage asking visitors to enjoy the wildlife without entering the pond or throwing sticks into the water.

Work will continue sensitively throughout the year, including removing silt and leaf build-up and preparing for contractor works to rebuild the footbridge and embankments to help maintain water levels.

Cherry Laurel Control
We are exploring effective ways to tackle cherry laurel, an invasive species that spreads rapidly and outcompetes native plants. Given the scale of the issue and the need for chemical treatment and removal from site, specialist contractors may be required.

Bike Pits
We are continuing to engage with the local community to address antisocial behaviour and unsafe jump building in the bike pit area. We are consulting pump track specialists and developing a monitoring approach to balance responsible enjoyment with environmental protection.

A few gentle reminders

• Unauthorised bike trails and all motorised bikes are prohibited; mountain bikes are permitted only on blue arrow–marked bridleways.
• Dog walkers should keep antisocial dogs on leads, prevent dogs entering Yalden Spring and ensure dogs are under proper control at all times, especially around livestock and wildlife.
• Please respect fenced areas and avoid trampling the bluebells at Ridlands Grove.

Thank you, and see you around the Common!