Pound Common at Chailey.
Photo reference: DSC3000
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'The work which you see on all the commons is an ongoing programme of clearance to
reestablish the heathland which has, until now, become rather lost to the invasive birch
trees and gorse. The Management Committee works closely with the ESCC Ranger Service -
Countryside Management to carry out the works which we all hope will benefit the
commons in a long term way.'
William Coleman - www.chaileycommons.org.uk
Information on Chailey Commons from Chailey Commons Society.
General History
Chailey Common Nature Reserve is one of the largest areas of open lowland heath left in East Sussex.
It was designated a SSSI in 1954 and, with the help of the Chailey Commons Society, a LNR in 1966.
The Common consists of 450 acres of lowland heath, split into sections by a network of roads. Parts of
the Common are further divided by tracks giving access to private property, and it is bordered by
farmland, private property and Chailey Heritage. The heath is a mix of bracken, grasses and heather
communities, birch and European and Dwarf gorse.
The Chailey Common escaped the 18th Century Enclosure Acts and, due to its common land status,
has remained undeveloped and unimproved. Years of grazing and cutting bracken by commoners
resulted in an open lowland heath habitat.
During both World Wars, Chailey Common was used for tank training and military manoeuvres. This
has left many landscape features, some of which have become important micro-habitats in themselves,
as well as being of historical significance. Since 1989, practical management has increased and is
aimed at encouraging heath species.
In 1991, grazing was introduced with the aid of a Countryside Stewardship Scheme from the
Countryside Commission which increased the finances available for habitat management.
Many individuals and organisations have responsibilities and obligations towards the Chailey Common
Local Nature Reserve which makes its management a complicated issue.
The Nature Reserve Management Committee is responsible for ensuring appropriate management is
carried out and uses the ESCC Countryside Management Service to achieve this. The Management
Committee is made of of two representatives each from the County Council, District Council, Parish
Council, Chailey Commons Society and the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
History
Founded in 1964, the Society is the only organisation devoted solely to promoting the welfare of and
conserving the future of the Chailey Commons. Several bodies share responsibility for the area. For
over forty years we have welcomed people who care about our Commons. Chailey Parish Council, the
North Common Freeholders, Ltd and several private entities own the land, and Lewes District Council
administers the Bye-Laws. The Local Nature Reserve, designated, initially, in 1966 is managed by a
Committee consisting of Parish, District and County Council representatives, along with members
from the Sussex Wildlife Trust and our Society.
Our varied programme includes conservation work, ecological surveys and indoor meetings during the
winter. Our Annual Report and regular Newsletter allows our Members to keep up-to-date with what is
happening on the Commons.