From the higher parts of the Common, you can enjoy the panoramic views over east Hampshire to the South Downs. The area has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its wildlife, and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its birds. In Medieval times, the Common was part of the Royal Forest of Woolmer, a large area of heath and wood pasture grazed by commoners’ animals, similar to the New Forest today.

In the 1940’s, the eastern edge of Ludshott Common was requisitioned as an encampment for Canadian troops. Known as Superior Camp (one of several military camps in the immediate area, named after the Great Lakes which form part of the boundary between Canada and the USA), it comprised over 100 buildings, streets, a parade ground and a firing range. The buildings were demolished in the 1960’s, but you can still see concrete remains, and garden plants like apple trees and rose bushes.

A cool shady retreat in summer, and later spectacular autumn colours. Thought to have been created in the 17th century for fishing, or to be used as hammer ponds for the iron industry but no evidence has been found. Over 90 species of lichen are hosted by the old trees. Near the ford, there is a memorial stone to Sir Robert Hunter, one of the founders of the National Trust, who lived locally.

An ancient woodland that dates back to Medieval times. It is made up of coppiced sessile oaks, a tree comparatively rare in the south of England. In the past the wood was used for fuel and to make charcoal for the iron industry. A stone-faced bank that once prevented the commoners’ animals from straying into the copse is the boundary between here and Ludshott Common.

Made up of fragments of heath, fens, and woodland which lie around the hamlets of Passfield and Conford. The area has been included in the Woolmer Forest SSSI and in the Wealden Heaths SPA for birds. It comprises open heathland and wood pasture with several veteran oak trees.

Here the peaty fen is an excellent habitat for many plants and invertebrates. Plants include bistort, marsh hellebore, bog bean and southern marsh orchid. As darkness falls in late July, you might see the shimmering light of glow-worms.