Elstead Group of Commons explained

Elstead Group of Commons
Type:Nature reserve
Grid Ref Uk:SU926423
Location:, Surrey
Area:180ha
Manager:Surrey Wildlife Trust

Elstead Group of Commons is a 180abbr=offNaNabbr=off nature reserve east of Elstead in Surrey. It is composed of Royal, Elstead and Ockley Commons, which are owned by the Ministry of Defence and managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, and Bagmoor Common, which is owned and managed by the Trust.[1] The site is part of Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons Special Protection Area[2] and Site of Special Scientific Interest.[3]

This site has heath, woodland and dry acid grassland, with scrub controlled by a herd of Belted Galloway cattle. It is important for saproxylic (dead wood eating) invertebrates, such as stag beetles. There are several ponds with a population of around a thousand toads.[1]

There is public access but the site is an active military training area.[1]

References

51.172°N -0.677°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Elstead Group of Commons . Surrey Wildlife Trust . 30 November 2018.
  2. Web site: Designated Sites View: Thursley, Hankley & Frensham Commons . Special Protection Areas . Natural England. 28 October 2018.
  3. Web site: Designated Sites View: Thursley, Hankley & Frensham Commons . Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. 13 November 2018.