Hawridge & Cholesbury Common
These 40 hectares of common land are mostly located alongside the Cholesbury to Chesham road. A quarter of the common is open land with grass and bracken and the remainder is woodland. The owner and the local Preservation Society manage the commons. The commons are designated as a Local Wildlife Site.
Enjoying
The commons are open to all walkers and people enjoy picnics and other quiet recreation. For a day out, try the Iron Age Fort pub walk which takes you across the common from The Full Moon pub. Cyclists cannot use the commons but there are two good tracks for horseriders. There is a cricket ground at the northwest end of the commons. As with all commons, visitors are asked to leave only their footprints.
Wildlife
There is a broad range of soil types which support a variety of habitats and species. Areas of acidic soil support heather communities and the Preservation Society is working on increasing the heather coverage. There are several ponds and the commons are notable for fungi and apple trees. 50 years ago the visitor could have seen hen harriers, nightingales and woodcocks.
Features
The commons have many features such as old tracks that reflect their past uses. Although not on the common the adjacent iron age fort and windmill at Cholesbury are of great interest.
Postcode
HP5 2UQAccessibility/terrain/walk info
The mown areas and paths around the cricket pitch are suitable for wheel and pushchair access.
Facilities & accessibility
Car parking is avaliable nearby and there are two pubs close to the common.