Visiting Ludshott Common: What you need to know

Ludshott Commons in spring

At Ludshott Commons, you can enjoy timeless landscapes, views, and rare wildlife. The heathland dates back 5000 years, and some of the few remaining areas of lowland heath in Europe. We recommend reading this article before your visit to get the most out of time at Ludshott Common. You can also find the answers to frequently asked questions here.

PARKING

Parking is free, but limited. Please park considerately and keep routes free from blockages in case of emergency vehicle access.

Please note, that due to essential forestry work, the car park at Dunelm on the B3002 is closed. The nearest alternative car park is located at GU26 6DS (access from B3002, Waggoners Wells Junction)

For more information about the winter forestry work, please read the section titled ‘Forestry work on the Common’ below.

VISITING WITH YOUR DOG

We welcome dogs on Ludshott Common. For all the information about visiting Ludshott with your dog, please read our dedicated dog article.

Dog waste bins on Ludshott Common

Update on dog bins at Ludshott Common

Due to the huge increase of dog walkers using Ludshott Common in the past year, we have struggled to keep up with the disposal of dog waste left in our bins. Emptying the bins incurs huge costs, which is still not keeping up with demand. As a charity we have limited funds for waste disposal, so as a result, the dog waste bins on Ludshott Common will be removed at the end of September 2021. Please help us to keep this special place beautiful by taking your dog waste home with you. Thank you. If you have any questions please get in touch by email selborneandludshott@nationaltrust.org.uk

CYCLING ON THE COMMON

Mountain bikes are only permitted on bridleways and permissive tracks at Ludshott Common. We know how important it is to find fresh air and relaxation but we ask people not cycle on footpaths or create new trails. Any structures on a SSSI, such as jumps or ramps, need permission from Natural England, so we will have to remove them. The best way to check where you can cycle is by looking at an Ordinance Survey map and finding the green dashed lines showing a bridleway.

Ludshott Common is supported by its friends association
Deep ruts across part of the open grassland of Ludshott Common, East Hampshire
Ludshott Common is supported by its friends association

FORESTRY WORK ON LUDSHOTT COMMON

In medieval times, the common was part of the Royal Forest of Woolmer, a large area of heath and wood pasture grazed by commoner' animals, similar to the New Forest today.

In 1980, a huge fire raged across the site. Gorse burns at a very high temperature, and the flames cleared the commons of scrubby woodland and gorse. Whilst at the time this was a disaster, the fire allowed us to take the chance to restore the site to original, historic heathland.

As part of our annual winter forestry work, we will be removing self-seeded Scots Pine and Birch trees which will once again open up the heathland and create an incredible vista across the heathland.

The timber from these works needs to be removed from the site. To facilitate this, a track has been created to safely allow the works vehicles to travel over the heathland and the car park at Dunelm will be closed until spring 2022.

The winter weather conditions may mean that this track will become rutted and muddy. Warning signs have been put up across the heathland to warn of these conditions. Additionally, an alternative visitor route has been marked to keep everyone safe.

Some of the woodland is being maintained to provide a habitat for birds like the redstart, wood warbler and the goshawk.

If you have any further questions or concerns please contact the team: selborneandludshott@nationaltrust.org.uk