SURREY Wildlife Trust’s management of Whitmoor Common, the largest area of open heathland in the Guildford area, has been awarded the highest standard for heathland management by Natural England.

The Dartford warbler, an indicator species for biodiversity, and the window-winged caddis fly are just two species to benefit from the rare lowland heathland, which is now in favourable condition.

The success of Surrey Wildlife Trust’s management at Whitmoor Common has improved the ecology of three-quarters of the 183-hectare reserve. Landscape scale scrub clearance by contractors in winter, cattle grazing, the Trust’s volunteer work, specialist conservation work and support from Whitmoor Common Association have all contributed to the ecological improvements.

Katy Fielding, Surrey Wildlife Trust liaison officer at Whitmoor Common, said: “Lowland heathland is rarer than rainforest and Britain holds 20 per cent of this resource in Europe, so we have a real responsibility to look after it.

“Our hard work building up the mosaic of habitats and micro habitats, together with the diversity in age and structure of gorse, heather and woodland is creating the optimum conditions for wildlife.’

“The Dartford warbler needs different age heather and gorse for survival in winter for overnighting, nesting, sheltering and feeding. For example, the canopy of cobwebs over gorse filled with spiders provides food.

“The younger, bushier, dome-shaped gorse is vital for shelter if it snows, as the difference in temperature could be as much as 10 degrees under the snow topped covering. This can be the difference between life and death for these birds. The quality of habitat will determine survival rates.”