Open all year
40 hectares of Historic Grassland in Croxley Green. 1 route and 11 points of interest
Whilst all around the land has been built on or improved for modern agriculture, Croxley Common Moor remains little unchanged.
Its 40 hectares of historic grassland straddle the flood plain of the River Gade. The action of the river, combined with centuries of grazing, has produced the rich and diverse plant life that we see today. Without grazing animals the moor would soon become covered in dense woodland.
The Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the diversity of its plant life. It is also a designated Local Nature Reserve because of its value to local people. This protection is essential because there are only a few similar river valleys still in existence in the county.
Over 250 different types of plants have been found on the moor and the small scale changes in the lie of the land dramatically increases the variety.
Where the ground is raised, the freely draining sandy soils and gravels produce exceptionally dry ground, poor in nutrients favouring many flowering plants.
Where the ground falls into hollows due to minor gravel workings or the ancient course of the river the soil becomes water logged, leading to an altogether different collection of plants.
There is no designated parking for the site, but local parking is available in Croxley Heath.
Public Transport Information:There are regular buses from Rickmansworth or Watford to Croxley Green. For more information use Intalink website www.intalink.org.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk
Cycling:Easy access from The Ebury Way cycle route.
Croxley Common Moor SSSI Local Nature Reserve Distance 1.1km, 1483 Steps taken