Volunteers Making A Real Difference To Chitty’s Common

Published on: 21 Apr, 2018
Updated on: 20 Apr, 2018

Volunteer working parties are making good progress clearing overgrown parts of Chitty’s Common at Rydes Hill, Guildford.

One of the organisers of the Friends of Chitty’s Common group, Sue Day, said: “We did not have much luck with the weather during March and April on our arranged dates on the common. However, volunteers are made of strong stuff!

“We had a good turn out regardless. The meadow area is certainly showing signs of the work that the Friends of Chitty’s Common have already put in. It is with thanks to them that we have now made a real difference to its appearance.

“We have had a good response from the University of Surrey with volunteers both from its admin staff and students.

Lesser celandines in flower on Chitty’s Common.

“The common is now starting to show signs of spring. Bullfinches have been feeding on the new tree shoots and flowers, primroses and king cups are now flowering and celandines are in abundance. Native bluebells are just starting to bloom.

A comma butterfly on Chitty’s Common.

“Yellow brimstones, peacocks and comma butterflies are now flying.

“After liaison with first aiders and knowing one will be present, new dates for the summer are: Sundays, May 20, June 24, and July 22. Work commences at 10am and continues to about 1.30pm or later if one of the volunteer first aiders can stay.”

Sue adds that the group will not meet in August, but will resume in September with cutting back vegetation and burning it on bonfires.

If you are interested in becoming a friend of the common, contact Pauline Searle on 01483 825424.