LOCAL INFORMATION
Binswood, owned by the Woodland Trust, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Binswood site contains a number of different types of countryside, ranging from large tracts of grassland, through scrubby areas, to tracts of woodland, both ancient and more recent. The tradition of grazing commoner's stock continues at Binswood, and gives a hint of what the countryside may have looked like in Medieval times.
Binswood is somewhat isolated, which helps the area retain its atmosphere of the past. Commoners still exercise their rights of grazing as they have done for a thousand years. Henry II granted Binswood's status as a common in 1134. A system of paths and rides gives good access to the wood.
DISCOVERING MORE
Binswood is home to at least 27 types of butterfly - the combination of woodland, scrub and grassland creates a range of habitats that support such a wide range of species in a relatively small area. This rare habitat of actively managed wood-pasture is a very valueable resource.
Shortheath Common
You can extend your adventure onto the nearby Shortheath Common, and Special Area of Conservation. Shortheath Common is an area of lowland heathland in East Hampshire, near to the village of Oakhanger. It is of high importance for wildlife and as such is protected under both UK and European law. It supports many rare plants, invertebrates and birds, including field crickets, nightjars and woodlarks. The site is registered common land, and there is a right of access on foot to the site under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Interestingly this is one site that hosts a "floating bog" area with rare and unusual plants that form rafts over boggy ground - don't stray from the paths!
PERMISSION
Cache placed with kind permission from Hampshire Countryside Service