Elstead Group of Commons
| Elstead Group of Commons | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Type | Nature reserve |
| Location | , Surrey |
| OS grid | SU926423 |
| Area | 180 hectares (440 acres) |
| Managed by | Surrey Wildlife Trust |
Elstead Group of Commons is a 180-hectare (440-acre) 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[edit]
- ^ a b c "Elstead Group of Commons". Surrey Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
- ^ "Designated Sites View: Thursley, Hankley & Frensham Commons". Special Protection Areas. Natural England. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ "Designated Sites View: Thursley, Hankley & Frensham Commons". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
51°10′19″N 0°40′37″W / 51.172°N 0.677°W
