Hales Green
Summary
Hales Green is a registered common, and one of the few commons that is still managed by cattle grazed by commoners. This not only maintains the visual features of the Green but also provides an important contribution to the local economy and is essential to the maintenance of a neighbouring agricultural holding. Amenity and recreational uses of the common are also an important function as well as the development of the wildlife resource of the Green.
This page gives an introduction to Hales Green.
Further information
Hales Green is one of the largest of the many “Greens” in South Norfolk located to the west of the A146. The Green at just under 76 acres (30.752 hectares) is a wide, open area of lowland grassland with groups of scrub and a series of ponds lying along the eastern and southern boundaries
Unimproved grassland is a scarce resource nationally and particularly in South Norfolk with its majority of well managed arable farms. The Green is an important wildlife reservoir. A recent survey, has recorded over 116 species of plants.
Hawthorn and bramble exist on the Green and are important in sustaining a healthy insect population.
The Green, south of the cricket pitch, is a County Wildlife Site (reference no.141).
Spiny restharrow and stemless thistle are two unusual plans which are present on the Green.
Management by cattle grazing has helped to maintain the wildlife interest of the site and has been responsible for the development of a close grazed sward, which is, in certain areas, species rich with wild flowers.
The shallow ponds, particularly against the eastern boundary, provide an additional wildlife interest and are often visited by shellduck among other species of duck and wader.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Countryside Ranger |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | countryside@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533684 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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