Warsash Common Fleet End Road, Warsash

This area formerly known as Fleet End Open Space, is important for people and wildlife alike. Since 1995, when Fareham Borough Council purchased the whole of the site, its 25 hectares have been designated as informal public open space without compromising its value to a range of plants and animals. It is safeguarded for these purposes now and into the future. This leaflet has been produced to outline its associated history and wildlife and set out three circular walks for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.

• History
• Grassland
• Woodland
• Ponds and Streams
• Becoming involved

A PDF version of the Warsash Common Management Plan (1304kb) can be downloaded via this link.

History

The area was once part of Titchfield Common, an extensive area of rough grassland and heathland. The land, which was of low agricultural value, was grazed by sheep and cattle until the 1860's when the area was enclosed creating smallholdings for local people to farm.

In the twentieth century agriculture was replaced by gravel extraction and by the time of the Second World War sand and gravel workings covered most of the site. Gravel extraction finished in the late 1950's, after which the site was was used as a refuse tip. Tipping continued until the 1970's when the site was finally abandoned. The landscape and habitat we see on much of the area today have developed since then.

Grassland

Grasslands were once widespread habitats but changes in agriculture have led to a major decline. Warsash Common has three areas of grassland including a newly created one on top of the old tip in the centre of the site. In summer these areas are a mass of colour with plants such as the purple Black Knapweed, white Ox-eye Daisy, yellow fleabone and blue vetches. They are also alive with insect activity including grasshoppers, crickets and butterflies such as the Common Blue. Look out also for reptiles such as Common Lizard basking on paths, Green Woodpeckers feeding on anthills and in winter birds such as he Goldfinch feeding on seed heads.

Woodland

The woodland found on the common is of two distinct types, ancient woodland and secondary woodland. The ancient woodland can be found in the stream valleys that flow to Hook Lane to the south of the site. They are termed 'ancient' because they have been in existence since at least 1600. Today they are made up of large Alders growing in the marshy valley bottom with Oaks, Beeches and odd examples of Horse Chestnut, Cherry and Holly growing on the sides. Underneath the trees plants such as Herb Bennet, Betony and Butcher's Broom provide colour at different times of the year and in autumn the damp conditions encourage an abundance of fungi. These woodlands are also home to a wide range of animals including badgers and foxes. If you are very lucky you may see a Roe Deer or hear summer visiting birds such as the Wood Warbler.

Secondary woodland is much more recent and has only developed since gravel extraction ended. This type of woodland is characterised by trees such as Silver Birch, Goat Willow and Oak which are good at invading the open land. Today the tree cover has formed a dense canopy and underneath little light penetrates: the main plants growing here are therefore shade tolerant types such as mosses, ferns and fungi.

The young trees however are an excellent food source for insects such as the caterpillars of many moth species, which in turn provide food for birds such as the Wren, Robin and Warblers that nest in the dense vegetation.

Ponds and Streams

There are three ponds on the common, all a result of past gravel extraction. The main pond is found in the north of the Common, known locally as Fleet End Lake or Dibles Pond. It holds water all year round. The variety of depths give rise to a proliferation of aquatic plants such as Hornwort, Water Soldier and purple flowering water lilies. Insects such as dragonflies and damselflies as well as water beetles, the Water Boatman and the Pond Skater are abundant. The pond although small is also home to a population of frogs and toads that breed here each spring and fish which include the Roach, Tench and Perch.

Two streams flow across the Common passing through the woodland areas and out across the valley bottoms creating a marshy environment. Where light can penetrate the woodland, plants such as Flag Iris, ferns, Meadowsweet and Hemlock Water Dropwort grow in the thick layer of silt. Look out for birds such as the Grey Wagtail feeding and drinking along the stream edge and signs of other animals such as the paw prints of the Badger and Fox.

Becoming involved

Warsash Common id being conserved now and into the future by a wide range of organisations, groups and individuals. Fareham Borough Council's Countryside Service carry out the day to day management. However much is achieved by the Warsash Common Conservation Volunteers and other volunteer groups who work both during the week and at weekends under the supervision of The Countryside Service and help to look after the area. They undertake practical work such as coppicing, grassland management and constructional work such as building boardwalks and steps. They learn a lot about the area, develop new skills and meet many like-minded local people.

Guided walks and other events are also arranged throughout the year to enable local people to discover more about the site and hopefully enjoy themselves.

Why not come along and help improve the Common either by joining the group or attending an event or guided walk? We also need people to become the 'eyes and ears' of the Common and to help with historical research and wildlife surveying.