Not just Lynchmere, but Stanley and Marley Commons too
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The Lynchmere Society own Stanley Heath, Lynchmere Common, Little Lynchmere, Marley Heath and parts of Marley Common
Five distinctive areas and five grazing fields, totalling 150 hectares/360 acres. There is also an orchard and a 17th Century barn. There are traditional wildflower hay meadows and pastures; a natural habitat for flora and fauna. There are many walking routes that zig zag through; Lowland Heath, Woodland and Wood Pastures including The Serpent Trail, The Sussex Border Path and Lipchis Way. We host regular Volunteer opportunities and there is a Cow Club to help manage the land. |
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The wonderful 17th Century Mare Barn and four adjacent fields were given to the Lynchmere Society by Peter Burkitt in 2007 |
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Peters sister Sheila Burkitt, subsequently provided the funds for the Society to purchase a fifth field.
At Mare Barn, in the yard there is a bench dedicated to the memory of the Burkitt family and a stone set in the ground with the inscription from Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven by WB Yeats. For over 50 years this land has been managed traditionally as low intensity pasture and hay meadow established by Peter and continued by the Society. Peter was also responsible for introducing the Belted Galloways to graze the fields and often featured on regional TV grooming them with a giant comb. The barn is the most complete timber-framed structure in the hamlet. It remains in much the same configuration recorded on the Shulbrede Farm map of 1771. In 2008 The Lynchmere Society agreed objectives for the future management of the barn and fields with the Burkitt family. At Mare Barn, in the yard, there is a bench dedicated to the memory of the Burkitt family and a stone set in the ground with the inscription from Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven by WB Yeats. 
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Objectives for the future management of the barn and fields1) Maintain them for the benefit and education of the community the integrity and character of the land and buildings within the Wealden Landscape.
2) Retain and enhance the quality of the environment of land and buildings where possible to the benefit of adjoining areas and ideally managed with the commons as a single unit. 3) Retain and where possible enhance the habitats and biodiversity of the low-density grazed hay meadows hedges and edges paths and woodland belts with particular regards to the Biodiversity Action Plan species. 4) Maintain and as appropriate restore the buildings fences paths access and other infrastructure.
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Habitat photos |
Historical photos |
Mare Barn
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Rough stones and brickwork strong
Peacefully hold vast timbers long Harboured deep in fields and trees A brief home for nesting bees A place for rural crafting Where volunteers enjoy the grafting To stem the damp we dug a trench, While Bob constructed a wooden bench, A work of art, not mere utility Demonstrating his sublime ability While Neil champions his woodland skills To enable peoples learning thrills We love the cows that roam the pastures Managed by such caring masters We thank Mr Tibbs creation So many peoples dedication And celebrate the Burkitt’s legacy Enabling endless outdoor therapy There’s bucolic nostalgia if that’s what you’re after And knots and crinkles in every rafter There’s community action and goodwill Frankly it’s just really brill! |
Local people sharing their passion for the Lynchmere area
Kevin's RamblesKevin loves getting out for a walk and spending time in nature, especially with his camera. Several of his videos capture the stunning scenery of Marley Common and the Lynchmere fields.
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Kevin's Rambles (again!)Kevin loves getting out for a walk and spending time in nature, especially with his camera. Several of his videos capture the stunning scenery of Marley Common and the Lynchmere fields.
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Jo from the Lynchmere Cow Club
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Wet and windy equates to a visit to the salon for our fluffy Belties
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The cows were really getting stuck in to clearing some of the birch at the top of the ridge on the Stanley Common.
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Sometimes the cows like to make it tricky for the Cow Lookers to find them on the common. Playing hide and seek is great fun.
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Management compartments
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Old blog but still a insightful blogConservation surveysEach common has differing characteristics and for the management plan they are divided into a total of 12 compartments.
Stanley Heath contains compartments 1 through 4. Lynchmere Common are comprised of compartments 5 through 9. Little Lynchmere is compartment 10. Marley Heath is compartment 11. Marley Common compartment 12. |
Discover more – Trustee recommended...
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Cow club
Cow Club is a not for profit Community Interest Company which provides an essential grazing service for the Lynchmere Commons nature reserve while also providing members with the finest quality meat with a positive ecological impact and the highest nutritional and welfare possible. Cow Club Linktr.ee |
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Knepp
Join Knepp ecologist, Penny Green, and experience some of the wildlife wonders encountered, the secrets uncovered and the remarkable people who are part of the Knepp Wildland project. You can tune in on Spotify, iTunes, Buzzsprout, Podcast Addict, or read and listen on their website: https://knepp.co.uk/wildland-podcast/ |
Illustration: www.liabrazier.com
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surreyhills.org
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Surrey Hills National Landscape
Listen to Henry & Woodland Wonder from Surrey Hills National Landscape encouraging people to engage with the countryside. Watch here For more inspiring content: @SurreyHillsNL |
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Surrey Hills Symposium 2023 at the University of Surrey
Listen to Prof Richard Murphy, Programme Director Centre for Environment and Sustainability University of Surrey. Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills Board. Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission. Tom Hill, Tree & Woodland Advisor National Trust & Ancient Tree Forum Trustee. Cora Pfarre, Head Forester Maydencroft. Watch here |
surreyhills.org
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