Chorleywood Common

At the centre of Chorleywood lies its beautiful Common, 80 hectares (approx. 200 acres) of grassland, and woodland, declared a County Heritage Site and has Local Nature Reserve status on account of its conservation value and high ecological importance. This is one of the most important wildlife sites in Hertfordshire, combining acid heathland, neutral grassland and chalk meadow all on one site, together with a series of ponds supporting rare plants and amphibians and secondary woodland which has grown up since commoners’ cattle ceased grazing after World War I. Some 70 plant species, 50 birds and almost 300 fungi have been recorded on the Common in addition to squirrels, rabbits, foxes, hedgehogs, voles, woodmice and Muntjac deer.

Management Plan

The Council has adopted a detailed Management Plan for the Common and the implementation of this plan has resulted over the last few years in the recovery of all seven ponds, the steady return of heather and gorse to the heathland areas and a magnificent annual display of wild flowers and associated butterflies in the chalk meadow. Work to improve the condition of the woodland is at present underway.

The administration of the Common is undertaken by the Rangers, Peter Monahan and Chris Watts who, together with their Assistant Ranger, Bill Watts, carry out the many day to day maintenance tasks required. Peter may be contacted at the Parish Council office on 01923 285594.

Recreation and Leisure

The Common also provides a centre for recreation and leisure activity, both formal and informal. As a Registered Common owned by a Local Council, the public has right of access on foot for “air and exercise”. Subject only to reasonable bye-laws, residents and visitors alike enjoy recreations such as walking, jogging, kite flying and ball games. Horse riding is allowed on the permissive horse track which is clearly signposted. There is also a circular walk on the Common.

More formal recreation is provided by Chorleywood Golf Club which maintains a nine-hole course on the Common.

Chorleywood Cricket Club has its pavilion and playing square on the Common adjoining the A 404. Established in the mid-19th century by the first salaried secretary of the MCC, it supports three senior elevens and three very promising junior teams. Two of the colts sides reached the County finals day in 2007.

Rogation Sunday

From time to time Friends of Chorleywood Common, who oversee aspects of its use, organise a traditional "Beating of the Bounds" day when local families help by walking the entire length of its boundary.  Children in particular are welcomed so that they can learn about the Common and how its boundaries can be protected from encroachment.  Willing young volunteers are sometimes suspended head downwards en route with the aim of ensuring that they remember this Rogation Sunday event and continue the tradition on to future generations.

Christ Church

Christ Church, the Parish Church and a local landmark stands facing the Common on the A.404. The original church was built in 1845 as a chapel of ease to Rickmansworth. When this building became dilapidated it was demolished, with the exception of the tower, and rebuilt to a design by Street. The new church was consecrated in December 1870. It has a cedarwood spire of unusual form on the flint built west tower and inside there is a fine traceried opening between the chapel and the south chapel.

Copies of the Management Plan, which gives a full picture of the Commons’ history, topography with lists of species and the Councils management aims are available from the Parish Office (£1).  A free leaflet giving details of the Circular Walk may also be obtained from the office.