Brill Common News & Notices
December 2024
If you’re walking on North Hills in January, you may see a digger pulling up tree roots. We’re doing this to prevent the spread of sycamore (an invasive and deep rooted tree) in order to protect the chalk grassland, one of the main habitats that make up Brill Common and one of the reasons the common has been designated a Local Wildlife Site. “Lowland calcareous grassland” is a rare and disappearing habitat; a “habitat of principal importance” according to Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act. Good quality chalk grassland is potentially the most botanically diverse habitat in the UK, with up to 50 plant species found in a very small area. Sadly, about 80% of species-rich chalk grassland has been lost to agricultural improvement since the Second World War, and Brill Common remains one of the few such areas left in the area. If we allow the sycamores to grow, wildflowers will be crowded out and this habitat will be lost for ever .
The goats have been moved to enable grazing in a different area. They will be getting a new temporary winter shelter; North Hill is quite exposed and the goats are not getting any younger. The shelter will be in situ just until March. Goats graze in a different way to cattle - they love brambles! - so they are a vital part of the conservation grazing regime which enables and supports the rich variety of habitats we are so lucky to have.
You may also notice sporadic bird ringing on North Hills in the coming months. We are recording which birds are attracted to this unique habitat. Please keep your dog on a lead if asked to do so.