Marley Common (NT)
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Overview
Marley Common in West Sussex, is a mixed broadleaf woodland and open heath. It's one of the National Trust’s oldest countryside acquisitions, having its centenary in 2011. The Common has had an interesting past: it was used as an army training ground during the Second World War, and during the 1950s and 1960s it suffered terrible fires which swept across the open heath. This later period was also the time when grazing ceased on Marley and the common soon became overgrown with scrub and trees. Today, after much work and the introduction of belted Galloway cattle, Marley is returning to its former glory. A chestnut woodland provides fuel and fencing material. The wood is valuable as a renewable source, but the true value of coppicing lies in the wildlife that responds to recently cleared glades. In late spring the subtle greenish-yellow flowers and the vibrant sulphur colour of the Brimstone butterfly, are especially attractive, and a sure sign that spring has well and truly arrived.
About the area
Surrey is one of England’s most wooded counties, with over a quarter of the landscape designated as an official AONB and plenty of history evident in the countryside. You’ll find sandy tracks, cottage gardens and welcoming village inns, and on the fringe of Greater London you can picnic in Chaldon’s hay meadows, explore the downs at Epsom, or drift idly beside the River Thames.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Harper's Haslemere
Harper's Haslemere is part of a small family of laid-back steak houses, fired up by the big, juicy stateside flavours from the best of east to west coast dining; from comforting to mind...
The Crown Inn Chiddingfold
Set in a tranquil location in a picturesque village, The Crown Inn Chiddingfold dates back to the early 13th century. This charming property offers stylish, modern accommodation that ha...
Hamilton Arms
The Hamilton Arms Suites is a large characterful country pub, with Niva Thai, a popular Thai restaurant, and modern spacious rooms, in the picturesque village of Stedham. The bedrooms a...
Frensham Pond Country House Hotel & Spa
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, overlooking Frensham Great Pond this is a walker’s and water-lover’s paradise close to footpaths that run through the 1,000-acre Natio...
Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat
Retreat to the woods when you stay in one of the log cabin style lodges at Tilford Woods. All accommodation features full self-catering facilities, with top of the range log cabins even...
Long Meadow
The light and airy interior at Long Meadow perfectly complement the wide views over the Sussex countryside. There’s a sunny terrace and outside seating to make the most of these views o...
Long Meadow Cottage
The light and airy interior at Long Meadow perfectly complements the wide views over the Sussex countryside. There’s a sunny terrace and outside seating to make the most of these views ...
The Welldiggers Arms
Situated just outside the historic town of Petworth, The Welldiggers Arms benefits from outstanding views of the South Downs and a quiet location. All bedrooms are stylishly decorated w...
