Lindow Common facts for kids
Lindow Common is a special natural area found on the western edge of Wilmslow, Cheshire, in the northwest of England. It is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a very important place for wildlife and is protected by law.
For hundreds of years, Lindow Common was an open area of heathland. Villagers used to let their cattle graze here. However, over the last century, many birch trees have grown, covering much of the Common.
In the middle of Lindow Common, you'll find the Black Lake. The name "Lindow" comes from the Welsh words llyn ddu, which mean "black lake." The name Lindow is also used for a historic part of Wilmslow and for the nearby Lindow Moss. Lindow Moss is mostly covered by an ancient peat bog. This is where a very old body, known as Lindow Man, was found in 1983. Lindow Man is now on display at the British Museum.
Contents
Protecting Lindow Common
Lindow Common is carefully looked after to keep it healthy. It used to be managed by Macclesfield Borough Council's Countryside and Ranger Service. Now, Cheshire East Council is in charge of its care.
Bringing Back the Heathland
Currently, people are working to remove some of the birch trees from Lindow Common. The goal is to help heather (Calluna vulgaris) grow back. This will slowly turn the area back into open heathland. Lindow Common is one of only two places in Cheshire that has areas of lowland wet heath, making it very unique.
A Look at the Past
Did you know that a racecourse once circled the edges of Lindow Common? The racecourse is no longer there today. However, the road that goes around the Common is still called Racecourse Road. This name reminds us of its racing history.
Lindow Common in Stories
Lindow Common, under its Welsh name Llyn-dhu, appears in a popular children's fantasy novel. It is featured in The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner.
