Local Nature Reserve
Commons Working Party
Introduction
The Southrepps Common Local Nature Reserve comprises 12.4 hectares of woodland, reeds, grass and rare wild flowers, in Lower Southrepps village. The diverse habitats support an exceptional range of species and carry "Site of Special Scientific Interest" and "Special Area of Conservation" status. An impressive 800 metre boardwalk is loved by adults and children alike, and provides wheelchair access to the most important parts of the site.
The Common in village life
Fox's Beck and the whole Upper Bure valley were once lined with fen vegetation. Livestock could be grazed and all the natural resources exploited, such as reed for thatch, alder and hazel for tool handles, twigs for brooms, willow for screens, and much more. Older Southrepps residents remember using The Common in various ways until quite recently. Common rights were attached to certain properties in the village and other rights of common included turbary (peat cutting), estovers (firewood and bedding for livestock) and piscary (fishing).
Plants
There are more than160 plant species on the site, some of which are particularly uncommon, including Grass of Parnassus, Bog Pimpernel and Flea Sedge. Common cotton grass makes a very noticeable show in the central part with swathes of the white, fluffy seed heads which give it its name. Fragrant Orchid and Marsh Helleborine can be seen close to the edges of the boardwalk, whilst open reed beds thrive on the Eastern part towards Mill Common. By contrast, you will have to look closely in damp places for the elusive Bogbean or Marsh Marigold; or, indeed, some of the smaller orchid species which are also present.
Birds
Nesting birds include Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler. Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Barn Owl and Tawny Owl inhabit the woody areas.
Water-life
Fox's Beck is a shallow, free-flowing stream that supports several species of snail, caddis fly and dragonfly, with water-voles living along the banks.
Common Darter
Insects
A number of rare species of fly that are characteristic of undisturbed wetlands have been found, including two whose larvae are parasitic on snails. You will have to stay after dark to find any of the ninety-eight species of moth or enjoy the magical light-show of the glow-worms.
What is a "Site of Special Scientific Interest"?
There are over 4,000 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in England and they are the government's way of legally protecting our country's very best wildlife and geological areas. Southrepps Commons Trust is working closely with English Nature and Norfolk County Council to manage The Common according to a programme which is carefully and expertly tailored to the needs of conservation.
Why is Southrepps Common a "SSSI"?
Of the several commons that together make up "Southrepps Common Local Nature Reserve", only the part between Warren Road and Bradfield Road is a "SSSI". This is because few other river valley fens have survived in Norfolk and the site supports fenland plant communities which are very rare outside East Anglia. It has also been given special protection under the European Union's Habitats Directive as a "Special Area of Conservation". SAC's are areas which provide increased protection to wild animals, plants and habitats and are part of global efforts to conserve the world's biodiversity.
Southrepps Commons Trust
Without "Southrepps Commons Trust", the wonderful mixture of habitats, plants and accessibility that comprises Southrepps Commons would not exist. The Trust bears the whole responsibility for looking after all the Southrepps Common Local Nature Reserve, including the Site of Special Scientific Interest, and all the work is voluntary.
Each year an area of grass and reed is cut and removed to stop the "SSSI" becoming a dense scrub of thorn, alder and willow. The boardwalk is maintained to a safe standard. Other activities include:
- cutting back and removing willow, blackthorn and alder trees ;
- keeping footpaths free from overgrowth ;
- displaying information signs and notices ;
- raking out ditches and clearing Fox's Beck ;
- controlling weed and non-native invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam.
How to get there
The Common is in Lower Southrepps, off A149 between North Walsham and Cromer. There are two small, unmade car parks (OS Ref. TG 261/351) but parking is mainly at the side of a country lane.
- Gunton Station is adjacent, on "One Rail's" picturesque Bittern Line.
- Norfolk Coastal Cycleway, route 30, Cromer to Gt. Yarmouth, passes through.
- The Paston Way long distance path crosses School Common. Numerous other footpaths and the Quiet Lanes network, link Southrepps with other villages in North Norfolk.
Facilities
"Suffield Arms" public house adjacent to Gunton Station.
"Vernon Arms" public house and two shops, including Post Office, in Upper Southrepps, approximately 1mile.
To become involved
Help and advice are always welcome.
You can join one of our volunteer groups on a strictly as-and-when-it-suits-you basis.
Membership of The Trust is free.
Contact
For further information or to join please write to:
"SCT", 6 Pit Street, Southrepps, NR11 8UX
or via website : http://www.southreppscommon.org.uk/
Click on the web address above to link directly to the Commons Website
Acknowledgement
The photographs on this site are courtesy of Graham Cresswell, Norfolk County Council