The Coleshill Common (Coleshill's best kept secret)

Strangers to the village often ask where they can find the Common, it being well hidden from most sides.

The present Common covers an area of nearly eleven acres (5.3 h). Historically it was used by villagers to graze their animals, and to dig for clay and gravel. The evidence of these diggings is still visible in many places. Despite considerable research, the ownership of the Common remains unknown. The financial responsibility now rests with Chiltern District Council, who delegate its care to Coleshill Parish Council. They in turn have set up a Management Committee whose membership is drawn from the village. This Committee carries out work to maintain amenities, and encourage a diverse wildlife.

The Common consists of a central area of grassland surrounded by a belt of woodland and scrub. There are two small ponds, one of which is only seasonal, drained by a streamlet that flows a short way until it disappears into a sink hole.

The Management Committee had an interesting walk round the Common recently in the company of Rod d’Ayala, who has been advising the Parish Council about the Village Pond. His particular interest is in ponds, and he suggested that the present ones on the Common could be improved and extended to the benefit of wildlife.

A new home for the elusive Starfruit, that ‘hides’ in the Village Pond, could be created. As many will know, this small plant is one of Coleshill’s claims to fame – being found at only a handful of sites in England. The Committee will be looking at possible plans, but may need extra man-power from the village to undertake such work.

Common News
With the Autumn comes the time for thinking about maintenance work on the Common. The year’s plan was drawn up in the Summer, during our only Committee Meeting of the twelve months! How’s that for bureaucracy tamed?
If you use the Common for recreation or walking the dog, why not carry a pair of secateurs and cut back any bramble that blocks your path. It would help yourself and other people also. If fallen deadwood lies in the path, why not kick it to one side. The volunteers who work on the Common can only manage just the basic maintenance, so any simple help would be welcomed.

Common Conservation Work Party Dates
If anyone fancies some fresh air and exercise they would be welcome to join a work party on any of the dates below. Come along and try it, but check with me first in case a date has been altered.

Saturday 27th at 10.00am
October Thursday 16th at 10.00am
Wednesday 29th at 10.00am
November Saturday 8th at 10.00am
Thursday 20th at 10.00am
December Saturday 6th at 10.00am
Chris Wege (724152)

       Rough scrub, more than fifty years ago              Mature woods and grassland today

In 1992 a Management plan was drawn up by Ann Trotman, with the results of historical research added by the late John Chenevix-Trench. The objective of the Plan was set out as:
“To protect and conserve the unenclosed character and naturalness of the site for the benefit of the flora, fauna and other wildlife and for its quiet enjoyment by the public on foot.”

Work is carried out during the winter months, on a fortnightly basis, to keep paths clear and cut annual growth in places where particular flora is to be encouraged. The grassland is mowed once a year.

A project is undertaken each year to improve diversity, and prevent the grassland disappearing under trees. The coppicing of small trees, and the planting of new native saplings is often involved.        

 

                  Planting trees for the Millennium

Click here to contact the Common Management Committee.

Stump of oak tree felled by Jamie Dyer and expertly converted into a seat with his chain-saw

Mushroom Tree
August saw the Mushroom Tree restored to its former glory. Thanks to the expertise of Michael Connolley and his colleague, the lack of trimming over several years has been put right.
The Tree was first shaped by Albert Bates, who lived opposite in Thornbury Cottage. He used to cut the area of grass in front of the tree to form his own lawn, despite the hillocks and dips. This area was the best part of the Common for harebells in the late summer.
Albert and his wife Ada would take their chairs out on the grass on a summer’s day and watch the world go by. Mrs Bates also used the grass as a convenient place for spreading her sheets to dry. Originally two cottages, the property was owned by Sidney Ware’s father at one time. He can remember the old lady who lived in one of them, sitting at her door, and working with her lace pillow and bobbins. The cottages were sold for £75 each, and later Albert knocked them into one.