| Another of the Nettlebed and District Commons, Kingwood Common lies to the north west of Rotherfield Peppard. It covers over 60 hectares and was scrubby heathland until the 1940s. Nowadays it is mostly wooded with young birch and oak providing a contrast to the mature woods to the north and east of the common. The local path network and nearby Peppard common offer great opportunities for walking. A good mix of past and current land uses and a varied geology have resulted in a variety of habitat types across the common. |
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| Enjoying: |
Although a relatively wooded common there is a good network of paths and tracks. Open spaces for other recreation are limited but there are good links to Peppard common and the rights of way network.
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| Wildlife: |
This is one of Oxfordshire's heathland sites although the growth of trees and scrub has lessened its wildlife value. Some patches of heather remain and visitors can also find orchids, wild service tree, willow warblers, white admiral and purple hairstreak butterflies.....and look out for the adders. Autumn fungi such as fly agaric and old-man-of-the-woods can be found. Current conservation work includes bracken clearance and tree removal to encourage the heathers typical of heathland.
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| Features: |
Kingwood is notable for an unusual use in relatively recent times. Part of the common was used as a military camp and later for wounded German POWs during WW2 and the evidence is still there. The west side of the common still has the network of concrete pathways that used to link the camp buildings.
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| Map: |
download kingwood common map |
| Access information: |
The network of concrete paths on the west side of the common combined with the level ground make Kingwood Common an ideal place to visit for those with wheel chairs or pushchairs.
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| Comments: |
The local commons Conservators are planning a new project which could make a real difference to the future of Kingwood Common. Of particular note is the proposal to bring back some grazing to parts of the common although there is quite a bit of work to be done before this can happen. More information on the project will be posted as it happens.
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