A Registered Common found to the north of the Borough just south of Pirbright Village. The Common is closely associated with Pirbright Common. This SSSI is 11 hectares in size and is an area with free access and unspoilt natural beauty.

Access/furniture
Public footpaths and tracks dissect the site throughout and in general the area has unrestricted access. Some parking is available off Bullswater Common Road. Disabled and pushchair access along main tracks. Formal signage explaining habitats and management can be found at the main access points. No seating but plenty of dry places to picnic.

Habitat
Heathland; one of the most important and threatened habitats nationally, heath provides host to many rare and endangered species, the most commonly known and looked out for being the Nightjar. Mixed woodland can be found to the edges of the site, this is predominantly woodland by natural succession, as the heathland has been ungrazed for many years it has become colonised with birch, oak and Pussy willow. Much of the heath has Scots pine on it some of which was planted by the MoD for commercial gain and there are small stands of good quality timber.

Management
Management is carried out in partnership with the Surrey Heathland Project under a Service Level Agreement. The Group organise volunteer days, scrub bashing and guided walks. Footpaths are cut regularly, ditches maintained and reactive tree work is carried out by the Countryside Teams. There is a management plan for the site and a policy of increasing the area of the Common maintained as Heathland through scrub management and programmed tree harvesting.

Trees and Countryside Section
Parks and Countryside Services
Guildford Borough Council
Stoke Park Nursery
Nightingale Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 1ER

Tel: 01483 444771
Email: countryside@guildford.gov.uk