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Litcham Common is a Local Nature Reserve and the Committee’s primary responsibility is to manage it as such, particularly taking account of the site’s importance as an area of lowland heathland. At the same time, consideration needs to be given to maintaining a diversity of wildlife habitats, as well as taking account of the common’s importance to the people of Litcham and surrounding villages for recreational purposes.

The members of the committee include representatives of Norfolk County Council (Sarah Cureton), Lexham Hall Estate (Neil Foster), Litcham Parish Council (Mike Oldfield), Litcham Common Conservation Group (Tim Angell), and also three residents of Litcham (John Jones, John Mitchell and Joyce Green).

Work carried out over the past year includes:

•    Selective scrub and tree clearance to stop heathland plants (particularly heather) from being shaded out, and to provide sheltered but sunny wildlife habitats amongst the gorse.
•    Digging out two ponds which were becoming clogged up with vegetation, and removing some nearby trees in order to provide dappled shade.
•    Mowing areas of bracken, and also the main paths.

Funding for the work is provided by Norfolk County Council; grants are also received under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Some of the work is carried out by volunteers.

A number of conservation bodies have recommended appropriate grazing as the best way to manage the common, and over the past year the Management Committee has been pursuing proposals to reintroduce grazing. The plans have been widely publicised, and feedback sought from both the general public and bodies such as Litcham Parish Council. The Management Committee has been at pains to point out that there is absolutely no intention to restrict public access to the common, despite the need to erect stock proof fencing. Feedback received has been largely positive, although a number of people expressed the view that, while being in favour of grazing, they would if possible rather not see fencing erected alongside the road. (On the other hand, a few people have said they would actually prefer the road to be fenced.)

Following a formal application made to the Secretary of State in December 2006, permission has been granted to erect fencing around the perimeter of the common, and either side of the Dunham Road. This permission is time limited for a period of ten years, after which a fresh application will need to be made. However, in the meantime the Highway Authority has agreed to reconsider the possibility of installing cattle grids on the Dunham road, in conjunction with speed restrictions and other safety measures. This would retain the open look of the common and allow livestock to roam freely over the entire site.

The Management Committee is keen to press ahead with the grazing proposals, but in the circumstances has decided not to erect any fencing alongside the Dunham road until the Highway Authority gives its decision on the cattle grids – if the cattle grids are allowed then there will be no need for the fencing. Frustratingly, little further progress can be made until the Highway Authority makes up its mind.

Finally, the Management Committee is keen to include the local community in the grazing project and, for example, would be delighted if the two village schools could somehow become involved. In addition, any further feedback from the public, for example on the type of gates to be installed to provide access, will be welcomed.  

Tim Angell 

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