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Harrow – TQ 157 939 – 48ha Tel: 0845 2252601

Stanmore Common, in north-west London supports a thriving heathland area but its complex of wooded habitats and open areas and the variety of wildlife found here repay a visit at any time of year. Little Common and several adjacent ponds add to habitat diversity and are home to other locally uncommon species.

The Common provides a good illustration of the decline of London’s heaths following the cessation of exploitative management. Opportunities for heathland restoration and other habitat enhancement have been recognized by local people who have become closely involved with this work.

Heath spotted orchid, marsh pennywort, marsh speedwell and sharp-flowered rush are scarce elsewhere. Relict heathland clearings and open grassy areas still contain heather, heath wood-rush, slender St John's-wort and devil's-bit scabious. The well-recorded invertebrate fauna still includes many scarce species including jewel beetles, various solitary wasps and rare craneflies.