We are grateful to the LALG Committee for recognising us as an affiliated group, thereby giving us the opportunity to keep as many people as possible informed of management plans for the Common.

Our Thursday morning working party meets every month under the supervision of Graham Frost and the results of their work are clear to see. Paths have been opened up and scrub cut back. Streams have been cleared, litter gathered and new benches have been installed. The Council has opened up the main swimming pool entrance, laid new pathways, cleared scrub and planted trees. The Countryside Management Service has installed interpretation panels and publicity leaflets are now available from the Tourist Information Centre, museum and Public Library. Norton Common is once again looking cared for.

Work will shortly start to restore the grassy area in the north eastern corner of the site to the flower-rich meadow it was some years ago. Over the years trees and scrub have encroached and the grass has become long and rank, smothering the meadow flowers - a number of which have become increasingly rare in the British countryside. In order to restore the area to meadowland, it will be necessary to fell some – not all – of the trees and we plan to re-introduce cattle to keep the area grazed.

It is also planned to layer the ancient hedgerows along Icknield Way and Wilbury Road. Layering will help to regenerate and thicken these hedges which have been in existence for many hundreds of years.

We will be holding our annual Open Forum in the Bowling Green Clubhouse on Wednesday 26 May at 7.30 pm when Brian Sawford will explain the importance of maintaining a meadowland habitat. And while you are there, why not volunteer your support for Graham Frost and his Thursday working party?

Visit our website at www.friendsofnortoncommon.info for further information.