Elmbridge Countryside Team
VOLUNTEERS INSPIRED TO LOOK AFTER THE COMMONS
The historic woodlands, ponds, meadows and heathland that surround Claygate do not look aer themselves and pares of volunteers have been working to clear paths to let in light and encourage biodiversity.
Volunteer work on Claygate Common Local Nature Reserve, off Common Road, began with a wildlife walk around its 50 acres, led by Dave Page of Elmbridge Borough Council's Countryside Team last year. He pointed out to the 30 or so local people on the tour the wonderful variety of trees and wildlife and the improvement work that could be done by volunteers: holly and laurel, for example, make areas dark and overgrown. Over the past year volunteers have been fighting back.
To the west of Claygate, the 100 acres of Arbrook Common was formerly open heathland and is now natural secondary woodland. Over the past three years volunteers have been selectively coppicing the invasive holly and laurel to reveal the wonderful views across the fields and up towards Claygate.
The Elmbridge Countryside Team is responsible for maintaining these sites and habitats and is assisted every week by groups of volunteers, who can be seen out scrub cuttng on the heath, or clearing ponds, controlling invasive species in the woods, plus pulling up Himalayan Balsam and many other conservation tasks.
If you fancy doing your bit to help improve Claygate’s wonderful surroundings, please email Susy Dixon Jones at sdixon-jones@elmbridge.gov.uk. All training and tools will be supplied and all are welcome.
