By community correspondent David King.

During the summer the ECoVols (the conservation volunteers from the Epsom Common Association) spent two hours each Tuesday evening removing bracken from parts of the Common. Although this might seem a gigantic and never ending task, they have found that removing the bracken year after year from just a few selected sites prevents it dominating those areas, allowing other low growing vegetation to flourish. A particularly good example is Horton Heath, where bracken removal is allowing Ling and other heathers to thrive, providing a good source of food for insects. This year, for the first time, summer grazing by cattle was extended to Horton Heath and their trampling of the bracken also seems to have helped.

As well as the conservation value, a couple of hours spent outside on a warm summer’s evening is an excellent way of relaxing after a day in the office. However with the end of August, bracken clearing finished for the year and the volunteers will resume a programme of monthly conservation tasks. These start at Baron’s Pond, off Wilmerhatch Lane, on 20th and 21st September. The ponds were probably created by the extraction of flint, perhaps to build the walls around Woodcote Park? The ponds have now become overgrown and shaded, so will benefit from removing scrub and pollarding trees around the margins to let in more light. Work will also include the removal of some invasive alien species such as Japanese Knotweed. They possibly arrived on the Common in dumped garden waste; which unfortuantely continues to be a problem.

All tools, and hot drinks, are provided, so if you fancy some gentle exercise at a beautiful location then please come along, even if you can only spare a couple of hours. Meeting place is the junction of Woodcote Side and Woodcote Green Road at 9.30 am. If you would prefer to arrive later that is fine, but please do make sure you know the exact location of the work site. For more details see: www.epsomcommon.org.uk