Brill Common Management Advice
In 2022, the Parish Council commissioned the BBOWT Land Advice Service to prepare a report detailing the future management of Brill Common. This is the blueprint for our current management.
Read the Brill Common Management Advice report online (pdf opens in new tab) or contact the Parish Council to request a paper copy.
Background
At the February 2022 meeting of the Parish Council, the councillor responsible for Brill Common and The Walks, Cllr Emi Slater, proposed (after extensive research) that we commission Alex Cruickshank of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) Land Advice Service to advise us on the future management of these areas.
The outcome of this process was a report advising how we may “maximise the potential of Brill Common to support wildlife and provide a pleasant and safe place for quiet recreation and educational visits”.
From the Introduction to the report
Brill Common is a special place. It has been shaped by an interesting history of commoning, clay digging and, more recently, a return to grazing by commoners and scrub cutting by volunteers. It is an important place for many thousands of people each year; both locals stretching their legs and exercising their dogs, and visitors coming from further afield to see the windmill and enjoy the extensive views across the landscape.
It is also home to lots of wildlife. It is designated a Local Wildlife Site because of the presence of species-rich grassland which, in turn supports a host of birds, butterflies and other insects.
Following adoption of the report by the parish council, an oversight group was formed of groups involved in practical management of the common. This group is known as the Brill Common & Village Greens Advisory Group.