Ludlow’s Whitcliffe Common is all that remains of a once much larger medieval common, then used by local residents to graze livestock, gather fallen wood and quarry stone for many of the town’s historical buildings.
The 1821 Parliamentary Act designated the present 52 acres as common land in the ownership of Plymouth Settled Estates. A 1970s move by local residents led by then Mayor Bill Price ensured the land would remain a common in perpetuity.
By the early 20th Century the common was being cared for by local people – a tradition continued now by the Friends of Whitcliffe Common (Charity Number 1078639) in partnership with leaseholders Shropshire Wildlife Trust.
They ensure the common remains safe to walk, providing a leisure area open to locals and visitors alike with stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
As you walk the paths and open spaces of Whitcliffe Common you can admire the many views over the town, the countryside, the hills beyond and reflect on nature. Maybe sit a while on one of our memorial seats, to take it all in.
Wildlife is all around. Blackbirds and robins show no fear, Buzzards and Red Kite circle overhead, Woodpeckers are busy in the car park, Kingfishers fly along the River Teme where Ducks and Swans swim and Dippers enjoy their installed boxes.
Native trees include Oak, Ash, Sycamore, Horse Chestnut, Larch and Scots Pine. Look out for Hornbeam, the hardest wood used to make cogs for water wheels. Hawfinches have returned to these trees in recent years, giving much interest.
Wildflowers bloom throughout the Common. Shafts of snowdrops, native daffodils and bluebells and cowslips are all seen through their season. The latest wildflower survey recorded 135 species of wildflowers and ferns including Wild Solomon Seal, Small Teasel, Greater Butterfly Orchid and Green Winged Orchid.
A bryophyte survey showed 66 different liverworts and mosses present including one nationally rare moss of Red Book Status, found only in Britain from the middle reaches of the River Teme.
MANAGEMENT
Shropshire Wildlife Trust support us as advisors through a management plan. In real terms, the present cost of management is well over £10,000 a year spread between fund raising events organised by the Trustees, the free hours of work provided by their volunteers, and the membership of the Friends.
BECOME A FRIEND
Please become a Friend and help us to continue to look after this marvellous place.
http://www.friendsofwhitcliffecommon.org.uk/join-us/