Beneath a canopy of emerald leaves, at the heart of Chorleywood, lies Chorleywood Common. This isn’t just any common. It’s a Local Nature Reserve, a vibrant tapestry of habitats woven together. Chorleywood Common boasts a remarkable diversity, from acid heathland to neutral grassland, chalk meadows, and secondary woodland. Seven ponds shimmer amidst the greenery, cradling rare plants and amphibians. Imagine a place where over 300 fungi species have been recorded. A place where 70 plant species paint the landscape with color. A place where the melodies of 50 bird species fill the air. That place is Chorleywood Common. Originally part of the Manor of Rickmansworth, Chorleywood Common has a rich history intertwined with the local community. In 1860, John Saunders Gilliat purchased the Manor, including the “Lord’s Interest” in the common. Years later, in a gesture of remembrance, J.H. Batty gifted Chorleywood Common to the local council as a memorial to those lost in the Great War. Today, Chorleywood Common remains a cherished space. It’s managed by Chorleywood Parish Council and protected as part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Access points from Rickmansworth Road and Dog Kennel Lane invite you to explore its wonders. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse skylarks attempting to nest on Larks Meadow. These red-list birds, a symbol of resilience, add to the magic of Chorleywood Common. This isn’t just a nature reserve. It’s a living testament to the power of community, conservation, and remembrance. Chorleywood Common is more than a green space. It’s a vibrant ecosystem, a historical landmark, and a community treasure, waiting to be explored.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service