Whitmoor Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 166.0 hectares (410 acres) |
| Notification | 1993 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Whitmoor Common is a large and important natural area found on the northern edge of Guildford in Surrey, England. It covers about 166 hectares, which is roughly the size of 400 football fields! This special place is protected because it's home to many different kinds of plants and animals, some of which are quite rare.
Whitmoor Common is part of a bigger protected area called the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. It's also part of the Whitmoor and Rickford Commons Local Nature Reserve, which is managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust and owned by Surrey County Council. This means it's a place where nature is looked after, and people can visit and enjoy it.
What Makes Whitmoor Common Special?
Whitmoor Common has many different types of natural spaces, called habitats. You can find wide-open heathland, peaceful woodlands, green meadows, and even areas with still water and flowing streams. This mix of habitats makes it a perfect home for a variety of wildlife.
Amazing Animals
The heathland at Whitmoor Common is especially important because it's home to some very rare insects. For example, you might find a nationally scarce spider called Oxyopes heterophthalmus. There's also a special beetle known as Hyperaspis pseudopustulata. These creatures are not found in many other places, making Whitmoor Common a vital spot for their survival.
The common is also a significant place for birds. Many different bird species live and breed here, and some of their populations are considered nationally important. This means that a large number of these birds rely on Whitmoor Common for their homes.
Visiting the Common
Good news! Whitmoor Common is open to everyone. You can visit and explore its different habitats, enjoy nature, and maybe even spot some of its unique wildlife. It's a great place to learn about conservation and how we protect natural spaces.
A Look at Its Past
Like many natural areas, Whitmoor Common has faced challenges over the years. It has experienced several wildfires. For example, there were fires on August 12, 2020, April 22, 2019, and June 21, 2018. Wildfires can be very damaging to the plants and animals that live on the common, destroying their homes and food sources. Protecting the common from fires is an important part of looking after this special place.
