Thursley Common

Thursley Common is a mixture of mire, wet lowland heath and woodland. It did suffer a devastating fire in summer 2006, but recent reports of recovery and survival are reasonably optimistic.

It is important largely for its invertebrates, and during the summer months one can see a wide range of butterflies and dragonflies. These include Silver-studded Blue, Grayling and 26 species of dragonfly, such as Black Darter, and both Brilliant and Downy Emerald.

There are carnivorous plants such as sundews and Bladderwort, alongside Bog Asphodel and several orchid species.

The usual range of heathland birds can be found here, including Woodlark, Nightjar, Dartford Warbler and Hobby. Great Grey Shrike, Red-footed Falcon, Merlin, Peregrine and Short-eared Owl have been seen here too.