NORTON COMMON
Woodland, farmland and other varied habitats
Formerly arable farmland, Norton Common is now a park and Local Nature Reserve comprising woodland and grassland, and is bisected by the Pix Brook, fed by mineralrich springs and providing areas of marshland. The oak, chestnut, and lime trees provide an excellent habitat for a wide variety of birds and mammals.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
The grassland full of wild flowers is scattered with shrubs and trees and attracts over-wintering thrushes, and breeding tits and thrushes through spring to early summer. Look for resting migrants such as Redstart, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. Other birds attracted to the former grazing common include Kestrel, Blackcap and Robin.
2 The scrub surrounding the fenland and marshland attracts Redwings and Fieldfares. Berryeating birds such as wintering thrushes, Jays and Woodpigeons are attracted to the Guelder Rose, Hawthorn and Buckthorn shrubs that are dotted around the common.
Listen for the Willow Warbler during the spring months.
3
The Icknield Way, a historic pathway, runs alongside the southern edge of the woodland and park. The woodland in Norton Common is home to Green Woodpeckers, Chiffchaff, Treecreeper, Dunnock and Swift. The Tawny Owl roosts on the Scots Pine, look for pellets on the floor beneath the tree. The oak, Larch and Ash trees attract summer visiting warblers such as Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Listen for the distinctive Cuckoo in the early summer.