Further local consultation -
-
- Investigate and implement the most appropriate management solutions for preserving the historical, cultural and ecological aspects across all the Nettlebed and District Commons.
- Consult with local residents and users of Kingwood Common regarding the long term sustainable management of the common; particularly focusing on the management of open glades.
- Source appropriate funding and resources to carry out management works.
- Encourage increased usage of the commons
Detailed information about common land and the Nettlebed and District Commons can be found in the ‘About Nettlebed Commons’ section. A brief introduction can be found below.
1. What are the Nettlebed and District commons?
There are eight separate commons (Nettlebed Common, Lower Common Wood, Oxlands Bottom, Highmoor Common Wood, Highmoor Common, Witheridge Hill Common, Peppard Common and Kingwood Common) covering a total area of 227 hectares (560 acres).
2. Who owns the commons?
There are three separate landowners. The vast majority is owned by the Nettlebed Estate, whilst ownership of Witheridge Hill Common is split between two individuals.
3. What are commoners’ rights?
Commoners’ rights vary according to the individual property they are allocated to, but include rights to graze, collect wood for fire and bracken for animal bedding.
4. Who has commoners’ rights?
Certain properties around the Nettlebed and District commons have registered commoners’ rights. These rights were registered under the 1965 Commons Registration Act.
5. What is special about the commons?
Each of the commons represents an important part of local history, for example clay extraction for the brick industry in Nettlebed took place on common land. These clay pits have now formed a fantastic network of woodland ponds. They are also havens for wildlife and contain rare species including the hazel dormouse, great crested newt and white admiral butterfly.
One of the aims of the Commons Project is to protect and expand the existing areas of heathland across the Nettlebed and District Commons. These heathland areas are located on Nettlebed, Peppard and Kingwood Commons. Heathland is a very rare habitat in Oxfordshire and it is therefore very important that the bits we have left are protected.
There are a number of options that we can use to protect and expand the heathland areas. In order to find the right option, or combination of options, we want to hear the comments of local residents and other users of the Commons. Please look at the leaflet and background document for more information about these options (see links above).
We have an online discussion forum where you can post your comments, or you can contact the Project Officer directly who is based at Warburg Nature Reserve.
Please participate in the next stage of the consultation by attending one of the drop in events. :
Location -
Peppard Memorial Hall, Gallowstree Road, Peppard
Dates and times -
The recent round of drop in sessions has now been completed -
More to be announced on this page in the New Year.
These drop in sessions aim to inform local residents and users of the common about the possible future options for sustainable management of Kingwood Common. There will be information boards and maps, and a chance to comment openly or anonymously. There will be people available to talk about any comments/concerns you may have. Please come along for as long or short as you like.
Tea/coffee and cake will also be available free of charge !!
You can now “Have Your Say” -
Please see details of drop in events above, call Jenni on 01491 642001
or email jennihignett@bbowt.org.uk
After a long and concerted effort the Steering Group has succeeded in securing sufficient money to permit the appointment of a Project Officer for 2 years. This will finally allow the project to commence and will include consultations, presentations and the preparation of a Management Plan for the next 10 years. Also consideration of any impact on the proposals with regard to the Nettlebed and District Commons (preservation) Act 1906, and the preparation of a case for grazing to DEFRA.
We are very pleased that Jenni Hignett has been appointed to the post and commenced on 10th March 2008.
Jenni says :
I am delighted to introduce myself as the Project Officer for the Nettlebed and District Commons Project. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Conservators and other members of the Steering Group for appointing me and giving me such a warm welcome. I have been involved in nature conservation for the last three and a half years, which included a contract with BBOWT at Warburg Nature Reserve so I am already fairly familiar with the local area.
Page last updated October 2008