Whitcliffe Common, situated on the southern edge of Ludlow in South Shropshire is undergoing a major restoration programme so that future generations can enjoy this beautiful area.

The Common, now owned by the Plymouth Estates, is the remnant of a much larger medieval common, use of which was acquired by the burgesses of Ludlow before 1241. Here they grazed livestock, gathered hay and brushwood and quarried stone. Whitcliffe later became a fashionable promenade overlooking the River Teme and the town of Ludlow. It is still a valued recreational facility where people can walk and enjoy the wonderful views.

It is rare to have so much variety of interest in one area. In addition to being an enjoyable place to visit there are also:

• Two sites of Special Scientific Interest – Teme Bank, one of the most important geological sites in Europe. The Ludlow Bone Beds are famous for exposures of Silurian strata with deposits of marine life forming beds as the sea retreated from the area, and the River Teme is valued for its river flora and fauna.
  
• Clearly visible beside the Wigmore Road are the long Trenches, the purpose of which has been debated. It is likely that they were dug by the parliamentarians during the siege of Ludlow in 1646.
  
• Considerable conservation interest – a nationally important site for Hawfinches which feed on the mast of the Hornbeam trees: and rare ferns on the damp rock faces overlooking the river.

Management has been low key over the years and vital work is being undertaken for the long-term well being of the trees and the safety of the people using the Common.

Once this work is completed you, with your family and friends, will be able to enjoy improved views, refurbished footpaths and information on the Common.

The restoration work includes:

• Tree surgery making the main routes safe for walkers.
  
• Thinning of the trees to allow the remaining trees to grow larger. Extraction will be by horse to minimise damage.
  
• Opening up of the views over Ludlow.
  
• Restoration of the footpaths and steps.
  
• Improved management of the grassland area with cutting only once a year and all grass removed in order to increase the numbers of wild flowers.

The intention is to retain the informality of the Common whilst making it a more pleasant place to visit and improving its well being for the future.

Money is always needed to meet the ongoing management of the Common. Your help is needed to ensure that this exciting project can be completed and managed in the future

The restoration will of course be of benefit to all local people and visitors to the area. It is anticipated that an attractive, safe place to visit will draw people to Ludlow with consequent economic advantages to local businesses.

Benefits of the restoration programme

• Creating a healthy Common for the next generation
• Tree surgery work making the trees safe
• Silvicultural thinning to allow trees to grow larger
• Opening up the views over Ludlow
• Toposcope and information boards showing points of interest
• Refurbishment of paths and steps
• Improved grassland management to increase wild flowers

LUDLOW WILL HAVE A COMMON TO BE PROUD OF!

Now is your chance to become involved!

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