![]() |
LITCHAM | NORFOLK | LAUNDITCH HUNDRED B R E C K L A N D |
||||
| VILLAGE PAGES | PARISH COUNCIL | CHURCHES | SHOPS ETC... | YELLOW PAGES | THE COMMON | GENERAL INFORMATION | |
| INTRODUCTION | MANAGEMENT | CONSERVATION GROUP | MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE | THE PONIES | NEWS REPORT | GALLERY | |

The Common is actively managed for wildlife, with a particular emphasis on maintaining and restoring the areas of open heathland, a rare and important habitat once widespread in Norfolk.
Since
1945, when there were few trees on the common, significant areas of
scrub and woodland have developed. Traditional activities such as
grazing ceased many years ago, and this allowed self seeded trees to
become established. Left to nature virtually all the valuable heathland
habitat would eventually have disappeared. One flower that has sadly
already been lost is the beautiful Marsh Gentian.
In the early eighties the late William Foster of Lexham Hall became so
concerned about the state of the common that he contacted Norfolk
County Council for help. This led to Litcham Common being declared a
Local Nature Reserve in 1984 in recognition of its important wildlife
and landscape value. A committee, made up of local residents and
representatives from Lexham Hall Estate, Litcham Parish Council and
Norfolk County Council, was set up to oversee the management of the
common.
The main management objective is to increase the area of open heathland
and reduce the areas of scrub (particularly birch). However,
significant areas of woodland and many of the established trees will be
kept so that as wide a variety of wildlife habitats as possible is
retained. Four Dartmoor ponies have been grazing the western half of
the common since June 2008. Their job is to keep the existing open
areas clear of scrub, and maintain a diverse range of plants.
Read more..
In September 2001 a ten year plan was published by Norfolk County Council. The map shows the main areas of trees and scrub to be cleared by 2011 under this plan in red.
The importance of the common to local people is also recognised with the provision of a car park, benches and the regular maintenance of the footpaths. Visitors to the common can enjoy many wild flowers such as heather, devils bit and harebells. Their continued presence bears testimony to the work carried out over the last twenty-five years.Litcham Common Conservation Group helps carry out work as required, with assistance and guidance from Norfolk County Council's Countryside Department.
GRAZING AND FENCING PROPOSALS
Secretary of State: Litcham Common Fencing Scheme Consent (pdf 249k)
NCC Ten Year Plan for the
Common (Raz Woolacott 2001)
Bye-laws