This page is currently being added to, and amended. Click on the blue underlined links. I shall continue to write pages and add links.
I intend to present the facts about Yateley Common in an FAQ format so that I can add to the page as I get time, and as questions are put to me. When the page gets unwieldy I may then reorganise it. If anyone reading this has any specific questions please get in touch via the wikimaster. Likewise if someone has additional information and you don‘t possess the password, please get in touch. PJT
GENERAL
Answer: about 500 hectares
Answer: Yateley Common is the largest registered unit (CL24 in the Hampshire registers).
Answer: there are 6 different owners, of which 4 own large tracts
Answer: Yes, but not to all of it
ENVIRONMENT
Answer: much of the common is now a Special Protection Area for Wild Birds designated under European law
Answer: the common must now be managed for its wildlife habitats. There is currently a moratorium on new residential development near the SPA. There are large fines for anyone who willfully damages the protected habitat.
Answer: in 1978. The part of the common first created SSSI was all that east of Cricket Hill.
HISTORY
Answer: it has evolved since the mesolithic period
Answer: for two reasons, to create an airfield for the invasion of France and to train armoured vehicle crews
Answer: many and varied since pre-history
Answer: the site of part of the Blackwater Fair was probably on common land for 700 years
COMMON RIGHTS
Answer: 23 people had their rights confirmed in the High Court in the 1970s
Answer: an incredible number, but a large number may be unusable.
Answer: grazing is the best method of managing lowland heath as a sustainable habitat
MANAGEMENT
Answer: Hampshire Countryside Service and Hampshire Wildlife Trust, the latter under contract to the MOD. Some parts are not actively managed to Habitat Directive requirements.
Answer: at first by the manorial courts, and in the 20th century by the Yateley Conservators. Yateley Parish Council has played an active role from the 19th century.
Answer: The Hampshire Wildlife Trust is likely to be the first
Answer: Not necessarily. The current debate is between cattle grids and speed restrictions and fencing. Fencing is cheaper and easier to manage.
Answer: No. The 2005 Entec UK Ltd report has wrongly assigned other SSSI units to the registered Yateley Common and has other defects. Yateley Common should have a higher priority than assigned.
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To be continued, and probably revised...
Please direct any questions to the wikimaster, link on the homepage of this site