Odiham Common SSSI

Location: Stretching from the M3 and the village of Potbridge at its northern end to the village of Broadoak and the historic town of Odiham at its Southern end.

Grid Ref: SU 755525 (Location map can be viewed at: www.natureonthemap.org.uk)

Access: Off of the A287 onto the B3016, Bagwell Lane, Potbridge Road / Totters Lane, the Basingstoke Canal SSSI car park at Colt Hill Warf via Old London road, Odiham and via the canal tow path.

Terrain: Woodland and pasture woodland with paths and rides,ground often wet in winter months. The Common is not suitable for wheel chair or buggy access unless ground conditions are very dry.

Facilities: Footbridges over ditches.

Description: Odiham Common is a beautiful amenity enjoyed by people throughout the district and beyond. The Common is one of the few examples of wood pasture outside of the New Forest and is a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), being notified so because of many rare examples of flora and fauna [for further information see: www.natureonthemap.org.uk]. It is registered Common land and therefore shown on the open access land maps.

Being a short walk from the centre of Odiham visitors can enjoy walking amongst local wildlife and the relaxing atmosphere of the natural surroundings. Guided walks take place at regular intervals throughout the year.

Walking & horse riding: access at various points and across the Common.

Footpaths: 62, 63, 68 cross the common; 22, 23, 44 & 45 run onto and off of the Common. The Common can be reached easily from the centre of Odiham via old London road, Colt Hill Warf and the underpass there. The '3 Castles Way' runs past the Common on the Basingstoke Canal SSSI tow path.

Bus route: Stage Coach 200 (Hook, Odiham, Camberley) stops at several points on the B3016, which runs through the Common, at Potbridge and Whitehall. Any bus routes to the centre of Odiham can also be used (see above for walking link).

Railway: Winchfield Station, SU 763545, is approx. 1km from the Common along the B3016. It is strongly advised that you take the 200 bus route which stops near the Station to Potbridge, as the road is very busy and does not have pavements.

Parking: Colt Hill Warf car park, Odiham SU 747517. The Common can be accessed via an underpass there and via the Basingstoke Canal towpath. Broadoak Common has a small parking area for a few cars at its northern end where it adjoins the Canal. Access to the Common is via Broadoak Bridge. Pull-ins on the B3016 London / Odiham Road & Bagwell Lane give a few other parking spots for one or two vehicles.

Boat: Basingstoke Canal SSSI runs along the southern boundary of the Common. Tie up at Colt Hill Warf, Odiham and access the Common via the underpass or towpath.

Management: A Taskforce to oversee the management of the Common was set up in June 2004. This includes representatives from all the main interested parties involved in its management in the form of a core team, with several associate members such as Hampshire Wildlife Trust and Hampshire County Council Rights of Way.

As the result of a series of meetings, and consultation within the groups on the Taskforce, an interim management plan has been developed and is under consideration. The Taskforce has asked Hart to implement this plan whilst a long-term management plan for the Common is developed and appropriate funding can be obtained to implement it.

The dossier is based on the annual maintenance that has to occur on the Common and works to address issues highlighted by members of the Taskforce. It is limited by funding and resource levels.

Currently Hart DC is investigating the possibility of the Common being designated a SANG (Sustainable Alternative Natural Green Space). This may provide funding contributions from future development elsewhere in the district.

Hart is negotiating with Natural England and checking the legal implications in relation to the Scheme of Regulation for the Common. The options for the way forward will be discussed with the Taskforce once this research has been completed.

A lot of the work needed on the Common this winter has been completed by students from Lord Wandsworth College, under the direction of the Ranger, as part of their Community Action work. The local Scout groups have also been out coppicing and helping out.