This large common still retains some of its original acid grassland, however the majority of the area consists of regenerated woodland and scrub which has reclaimed the open areas. There are also several damp hollows. Two additional elements include Old Barnes Cemetery, which contains a mix of rough grassland and woodland, and the small but diverse wasteland site at Barnes Old Goods Yard. Much of the site is a Local Nature Reserve.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Barnes Common
Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 51.94 ha
Description
Wildlife
The acid grassland is dominated by wavy hair-grass, red and sheep's fescues, and early hair-grass. A good range of typical wildflowers also grows on the common. They include sheep's sorrel, cat's-ear, mouse-ear hawkweed and the London rarities creeping willow, mat-grass and slender St John's-wort, as well as a small population of heather. The woodland is dominated by oak and birch, with many planted and naturalised species. Scrub is dominated by gorse and broom. Holly, hawthorn, elder, rowan and wild cherry also grow on the common. Burnet rose grows here this is the only naturally occurring population in London. The damp hollows are dominated by purple moor-grass and damp willow woodland. The breeding bird population includes green woodpecker and lesser whitethroat. Robins, wrens, tits and thrushes all live on the common. Insects include the nationally scarce white-letter hairstreak butterfly.Facilities
Information panels; voluntary workdays are monthly see the FOBC link for details.
Autumn at Barnes Common © Mike Waite
Acid grassland at Barnes Common © Mike Waite
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