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Witley and Milford Commons
Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Special Protection Area, Witley and Milford Commons are good examples of Surrey heathland and scrub with woodland fringes. Like most Surrey heaths, the commons were central to the local communities until early this century, when they were used for grazing, turf-cutting and other enterprises.
The National Trust is reclaiming heathland from pine woodland and bracken, managing different areas for different species and also managing the scrub at Milford to encourage breeding birds, especially Nightingale. The varying water-table levels lead to areas of both wet and dry heath, with heather, Bell Heather and bilberry in the drier parts and in wet places common Cotton Grass and mosses. Nightjar, Siskin and many warblers are among the birds to be found and the bushes of Dwarf Gorse are an important food source for a number of scarce insects.
Heathland butterflies such as Green Hairstreak and Silver-Studded Blue can be seen and Purple Emperors can be found in the woodland. The birch, oak and pine woods provide some shelter and habitat variety, although some areas are being cleared in the programme of heath reclamation. Reptiles such as Common Lizard and Adder can be seen on the common, as well as Roe Deer.
The commons were used as army camps during both World Wars. This flat area served as a parade ground, which would have been used by 20,000 soldiers based here. After the wars the hard surface needed for military drill was broken up and large quantities of chalky soil were brought onto the common from other areas, including the nearby Hog's Back, to return the common to its pre-war condition. During the war a Polish contingent of troops barracked on the common planted Hawthorn saplings around their living accommodation, workshops, storage huts and along various metalled tracks. This was done to enhance an otherwise urbanised military environment.
The commons also feature some Bronze Age burial mounds and iron workings from the 16th and 17th-centuries.
The Witley Centre
This purpose-built visitor and education centre is surrounded by a fascinating mix of woodland and heath. The centre, with its countryside exhibition, also hosts school groups and children's holiday activities.
Facilities
- Three car parks
- Lavatories (including disabled), small shop and information at the Witley Centre
Oakhurst Cottage
Situated at Hambledon, near Godalming, Oakhurst is a picturesque 16th-century timber-framed cottage which is furnished and decorated as a labourer's dwelling of the 19th-century.
Facilities
Visiting and guided tours by appointment only. Call 01483 208477.
Oakhurst Cottage
©National Trust
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