This group was started in the latter half of 2005 by some residents and users of Arford common, with two aims:
The wildlife includes some rare and endangered animals, such as the dormouse. The vision for the future is, by creation of a glade system, one of quiet pools of light within the woods, which will allow butterflies and insects to thrive, and provide the walker with vistas through the trees, rather than too many close up views of prickly scrub foliage. Much of the common was, not all that many years ago, heathland (open to the sun and featuring heather) and some areas will be managed so as to bring this back.
The main action to achieve all this is clearance of scrub, chiefly holly saplings and brambles, which grow rapidly and perniciously from both seeds and sucker roots. The friends meet in working parties on particular weekends in the months from October through to February, to avoid the growing season and so not to disturb wildlife. The dates are published on the web page (www.headley-village.com/arfordcommon) and on notices posted near footpaths at selected places on Arford Common
We have been fortunate enough to have had available to us, during planning, the knowledge and experience both of Arford’s resident arboriculturist, and of a sometime National Trust expert on commons, whose knowledge and advice have been welcome. We are grateful to them and also Headley Parish Council, which has given the necessary permits and some financial support for the work
If you would like to help, come along to a working party: bring gardening gloves if you have them, also loppers or a pruning saw or bow saw. For more information, the person to contact at present (2008) is Dave Skinner, designated the Warden of Arford Common, on 01428 712845. Alternatively contact the clerk to Headley Parish Council.
Please note: specific permission is required before any work is undertaken on Arford Common. Please do not do any work there that has not been agreed with the Friends and the Parish Council!
Ian P Hudson (iph@iph.me.uk)