Princes Trust Herald Barnham Cross Common Revival

By Kirstin Still

Team 143 of the Princes Trust Team Programme is assisting Thetford Town Council to raise awareness for their conservation project being undertaken on Barnham Cross Common.

Following several years where the common has been allowed to self-seed, Thetford Town Council are now implementing a conservation project to create conditions that allow wildlife and plants that are native to the common to thrive. These had become threatened by the trees and shrubs currently growing on the Common.

Part of the conservation project is to reintroduce the grazing of animals to remove the foliage that is detrimental to our plants and wildlife. This will allow endangered plants and insects, that once thrived upon the common, to flourish and return it to its former glory as an important wildlife habitat and site of special scientific interest.

Historically, Barnham Common was a habitat for 13 rare plants; such as the Fingered Speedwell and the critically endangered Tower Mustard. These have unfortunately diminished over the years. The Town Council, working with Natural England hope that once this project takes off, and the common is brought back under control, these plants will begin to thrive once more.

The council are also optimistic that another impact of the project will be an increase in the population of different important species of animals. These include the woodlark, a bird of European interest, the nationally important green hairstreak butterfly and locally important purple hairstreak.

Cllr Brenda Canham the chairman of the Council’s Amenities Land and Property committee said ‘It is great that the Princes Trust Team 143 are helping the council to raise awareness about why we are fencing the common and reintroducing grazing animals. It is really important that the people of Thetford realise what an important habitat Barnham Cross Common is for wildlife and understand what we are doing on the common’.

For more info, Prince’s Trust Team 143 is holding events to raise awareness and give more information on the project.

On Tuesday 7^th and 14^th March we will be at Thetford Market, running an information stand to give a more detailed insight into the work of the conservation project and why it is important.

On Thursday 9^th March and Monday 13^th March we will be holding public events on the common to get the public involved in conservation, and give information on the work that is taking place on the common.

The Prince’s Trust Team Programme is delivered by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

For further information please visit https://thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/news/barnham-cross-common-2/

Or Contact Roz Barnett Amenities, Land and Property Officer, Thetford Town Council, Tel 01842 770253 or email rosalindBarnett@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk