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

Litcham Common is situated to the south of the village on the "Nar Valley Way" long distance footpath, which runs from Dereham to King's Lynn. The common consists of 60 acres of mixed woodland and heath. In the west the land can become quite boggy along its border with the river Nar.

Norfolk County Council declared Litcham Common a Local Nature Reserve in 1984, with the agreement of Lexham Hall Estate, which owns the freehold of the common. Bylaws were established, and a Management Committee was set up to look after the new reserve.

Visitors can stroll through secondary oak and birch woodland and across open grassy heathland. The heath is dominated by purple moor-grass, with clumps of common heather, bell heather, cross leaved heath and heath bedstraw. The grassland species include harebell, sweet vernal grass and crested dog's tail.

Several species of butterfly can be seen during the summer months, while bird species include greater and lesser-spotted woodpeckers, barn owls and woodcock. In autumn many interesting types of fungi can be found.

1946 (black & white) Crown copyright 1946/MOD Click photo for High definition version (2Mb)
Points of Note:-In 1946 the Common was largely open, with only a few tall trees round the perimeter.-The River Nar still ran along the northern border.-There were a number of well defined tracks and paths.-The circular outline of a Bronze Age burial disc (can be seen on the 2Mb image)..

1988 - much more like it is today.
Points of note:-Much more extensive tree cover.-The River Nar now runs through the centre of the field to the north.

For details of the proposals to introduce of grazing see the Management page...