Yes lots actually and it is very complicated to get this right and have the money and resources to do
something about some of the issues that are currently breaking long established laws – like encroachments. There are also a number of more recent laws that we have to work to such as the Habitats & Birds Directives (1994), Countryside & Rights of Way Act (CRoW 2000), Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act (NERC Act 2006).
We already do the following to get the message out about how we are caring for the common:
- Monthly walks / talks (first Tuesday of each month plus specials – see events leaflet)
- Conservation task groups
- Winter conservation programme produced and special pre-walk undertaken
- Information on the website
- Information in the Hawthorns
- Staff meet users on site and discuss the works
However, to improve our communications further we are planning…
- Regular news update via email on “what’s new on the Common”
- On site temporary signage to explain any transformational conservation work
- Improved information sharing within the teams caring for the common with regular team walkabouts
- Producing a ‘Caring for Common film’ showing the common through the seasons to be displayed at the Hawthorns, at various talks with groups and if possible over the website
- Find new ways to encourage users to accurately report problems, issues and sitings
Yes – if we didn’t actively manage the number of trees, the wooded areas would encroach further onto the other recreation and habitat rich areas and then we would need to take more drastic measures later to recover the position. If we leave some sensitive areas to be encroached by woodland we could be in breach of the SSSI status. Woodlands are more accessible and support more wildlife if there are sunny glades amongst the trees. Natural England would expect more of these to be created on the common as part of the long term woodland management plan. Also many of our wooded areas are the same age, if we do not create multi-aged woodland it will all die at the same time = not a sustainable woodland
We actively manage all of the Common but 10 areas were identified as requiring special measures to prevent rapid loss of wildlife. These are the conservation areas where most of our winter conservation work takes place - there is information on these areas on the winter conservation programme on the website or hand out available. The 10 sites represent less than 25% of the total area of the Common and most of the Common is managed with minimal intervention or with routine maintenance by the dedicated team based on the common.
Just that bit above the lake up to the signed green path and pointout paths (less than 1% of the common.)
There are four main reasons:
1. We use them to prevent illegal access on to and around the common by unauthorised vehicles
2. They provide valuable shelter and food for wildlife
3. Sometimes removing from an area may cause more damage to the area
4. Sometimes we use fallen or felled timber to protect sensitive areas so that these can be enjoyed by all
You are already doing this in the one sense by taking an active interest in how the common is managed and maintained. Let us know whenever you spot something unusual be it an unusual animal or inappropriate human activity.
If you want to get more involved you could come along to any of the monthly walks / talks (see events leaflet for details) or get actively involved in one of the conservation task groups. You can sign up to caring for the Common and provide your contact details so we can update you more easily on what’s new on the common.
By continuing to use the Common in a responsible way (not dropping litter and report reporting any problems you spot to the team) and encouraging others to do the same you are helping the common maintenance team target their resources in the most effective way.
Why not join the various Friends Groups?
Finally, by promoting events like Springwatch that are held on The Common you might be introducing future Friends of The Southampton Common.
It is a nationally scarce habitat that the Council is required to protect and enhance.
It is the only bit in Southampton and there are plants and animals that cannot live anywhere else.
- Making space for the wet heathland and all the animals it supports.
- Removing shade that leads to erosion and silt in the lake.
- Reducing leaf fall into the lake that causes silt.
- Reducing the water being soaked up by the trees from the wet heathland so that it can percolate into the lake in dry seasons.
The tree cover of the area increased dramatically after fires in 1976 /1977 so these were taken back out. At 30 years old there were immature trees. There were a few older trees – these have been pollarded to see whether we can retain them as achieved with other older trees on the common.
Southampton City Council
