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Coordinates: 52°09′18″N 1°28′41″E / 52.155°N 1.478°E / 52.155; 1.478
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{{Infobox SSSI
{{Infobox SSSI
|name= Blaxhall Heath
|name= Blaxhall Heath
|image= [[Image:Blaxhall Common - geograph.org.uk - 1015053.jpg|220px]]
|image= Blaxhall_Heath_-_geograph.org.uk_-_399415.jpg
|image_caption= Blaxhall Common
|image_caption=
|aos= Suffolk
|aos= Suffolk
|interest=Biological
|interest=Biological
|gridref={{gbmappingsmall|TM378568}}
|gridref={{gbmappingsmall|TM 380 565}}<ref name=dsv/>
|coordinates = {{coord|52.155|1.478|type:landmark_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
|latitude= 52.156
|longitude=1.479
|displaymap=Suffolk
|displaymap=Suffolk
|map_caption=Blaxhall Heath shown within Suffolk
|map_caption=Blaxhall Heath shown within Suffolk
|area={{convert|44.4|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=2}}
|area={{convert|45.9|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=2}}<ref name=dsv/>
|notifydate=1987
|notifydate=1987<ref name=dsv/>
|map=[http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271003460%27 ''Magic Map'']
|enref=1001958
}}
}}


'''Blaxhall Common''' is a [[nature reserve]] in the parish of [[Blaxhall]] in the [[East Suffolk District]] of [[Suffolk]]. The reserve is owned by Blaxhall Parish Council and managed by [[Suffolk Wildlife Trust]].<ref name=swt>{{cite web|url=http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/blaxhall-common|title= Blaxhall Common|publisher= Suffolk Wildlife Trust|access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref> It is designated a {{convert|45.9|hectare|acre|adj=on}} biological [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] as '''Blaxhall Heath'''.<ref name=dsv>{{cite web|url= https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1003460&SiteName=blaxhall&countyCode=&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |title=Designated Sites View: Blaxhall Heath | series= Sites of Special Scientific Interest|publisher=Natural England|access-date = 23 May 2017}}</ref><ref name=map>{{cite web|url=http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271003460%27 |title=Map of Blaxhall Heath|series= Sites of Special Scientific Interest|publisher=Natural England|access-date= 23 May 2017}}</ref> It is part of the Sandlings [[Special Protection Area]] under the [[Birds Directive|European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds]],<ref>{{cite web|url= https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteGeneralDetail.aspx?SiteCode=UK9020286&SiteName=blaxhall&countyCode=&responsiblePerson=&unitId=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |title=Designated Sites View: Sandlings | series= Special Protection Area|publisher=Natural England|access-date = 23 May 2017}}</ref> and of the [[Suffolk Coast and Heaths]] [[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/assets/AONB-Management-Plan-20132018.pdf|page=76|title=Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2013–2018|publisher=Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB|access-date=6 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815202035/http://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/assets/AONB-Management-Plan-20132018.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> A [[Bronze Age]] [[bowl barrow]] is a [[Scheduled Monument]].<ref>{{PastScape|mnumber=391314|access-date= 23 May 2017}}</ref>
'''Blaxhall Common''' or '''Blaxhall Heath''' is a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] (SSSI) and a [[nature reserve]] in the parish of [[Blaxhall]] in the [[Suffolk Coastal]] district of the [[English county]] of [[Suffolk]]. The reserve is owned by Blaxhall Parish Council and managed by [[Suffolk Wildlife Trust]].<ref name=swt>[http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves-and-visitor-centres/blaxhall-common Blaxhall Common], Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 2013-01-28.</ref> The reserve is within the Blaxhall Heath SSSI and is also designated as a [[Natura 2000]] site. The site is {{convert|44.4|ha|acres|1}} in area and was first designated as an SSSI in 1987.


==Location==
==Location==
The site is located on the Suffolk Sandlings, an area of sandy soil and glacial geology stretching along the Suffolk coast from [[Ipswich]] to [[Southwold]].<ref name=suff>[http://suffolk.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/suffolks-lovely-sandlings-20359/ Suffolk's lovely sandlings], ''Suffolk'', East Anglian Daily Times. Retrieved 2013-01-28</ref> The traditional land cover was lowland dry [[heathland]], but much of this landscape has been destroyed with isolated areas, such as at Blaxhall, surviving.<ref name=suff /><ref name=sssi>[http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003460.pdf Blaxhall Heath], SSSI citation, Natural England. Retrieved 2013-01-28.</ref><ref name=swtsand>[http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/living-landscapes/sandlings-heaths-and-forests/ Sandlings heaths and forests], Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 2013-01-28.</ref> The site is bordered to three sides by the Sandlings Forest SSSI.<ref name=sssimap>[http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi&feature=1003460,sssi,HYPERLINK,LABEL Blaxhall Heath], Nature on the map, Natural England. Retrieved 2013-01-28.</ref>
The site is located on the Suffolk Sandlings, an area of sandy soil and glacial geology stretching along the Suffolk coast from [[Ipswich]] to [[Southwold]].<ref name=suff>[http://suffolk.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/suffolks-lovely-sandlings-20359/ Suffolk's lovely sandlings], ''Suffolk'', East Anglian Daily Times. Retrieved 2013-01-28</ref> The traditional land cover was lowland dry [[heathland]], but much of this landscape has been destroyed with isolated areas, such as at Blaxhall, surviving.<ref name=suff /><ref name=sssi>[http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003460.pdf Blaxhall Heath] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003801/http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003460.pdf |date=2015-05-05 }}, SSSI citation, Natural England. Retrieved 2013-01-28.</ref><ref name=swtsand>[http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/living-landscapes/sandlings-heaths-and-forests/ Sandlings heaths and forests] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413111540/http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/living-landscapes/sandlings-heaths-and-forests/ |date=April 13, 2012 }}, Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 2013-01-28.</ref> The site is bordered to three sides by the Sandlings Forest SSSI.<ref name=map/>


Blaxhall Common is around {{convert|1|mi|km}} east of Blaxhall and {{convert|2|mi|km}} south-west of [[Snape, Suffolk|Snape]] on the B1069 road between Snape and [[Tunstall, Suffolk|Tunstall]]. It is {{convert|5|mi|km}} south-west of [[Leiston]] and {{convert|8|mi|km}} north-east of [[Woodbridge, Suffolk|Woodbridge]]. It falls on the edge of the [[Suffolk Coast and Heaths]] [[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]] (AONB).
Blaxhall Common is around {{convert|1|mi|km}} east of Blaxhall and {{convert|2|mi|km}} south-west of [[Snape, Suffolk|Snape]] on the B1069 road between Snape and [[Tunstall, Suffolk|Tunstall]]. It is {{convert|5|mi|km}} south-west of [[Leiston]] and {{convert|8|mi|km}} north-east of [[Woodbridge, Suffolk|Woodbridge]]. It falls on the edge of the [[Suffolk Coast and Heaths]] [[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]] (AONB).


==Plant and wildlife==
==Plant and wildlife==
The heath is mainly heathers with a mosaic of heather and acidic grassland habitats.<ref name=sssi /> The Silver-studded blue butterfly was reintroduced at the site in 2007.<ref name=bbc22apr10>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/suffolk/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8637000/8637480.stm Suffolk Wildlife Trust's silver-studded blue butterfly ], BBC news website, 2010-04-22. Retrieved 2013-01-28.</ref> Bird species present include [[nightjar]] and [[tree pipit]] with reptiles such as the [[common lizard]] and [[adder]] established on the site. There are also colonies of [[solitary bee]]s and [[ant-lion]]s.<ref name=swt /><ref name=sssi />
The heath is mainly heathers with a mosaic of heather and acidic grassland habitats.<ref name=sssi /> The Silver-studded blue butterfly was reintroduced at the site in 2007.<ref name=bbc22apr10>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/suffolk/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8637000/8637480.stm Suffolk Wildlife Trust's silver-studded blue butterfly ], BBC news website, 2010-04-22. Retrieved 2013-01-28.</ref> Bird species present include [[nightjar]], [[woodlark]] and [[tree pipit]] with reptiles such as the [[common lizard]] and adder ''[[Vipera berus]]'' established on the site. There are also colonies of [[solitary bee]]s and [[ant-lion]]s.<ref name=swt /><ref name=sssi /><ref>[https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/ReportUnitCondition.aspx?SiteCode=S1003460&ReportTitle=Blaxhall%20Heath%20SSSI Blaxhall Heath - Unit 1]</ref>


The heath is managed through seasonal cutting of vegetation, especially invasive species, in order to maintain a variety of habitats.<ref name=swt /> [[Hebridean sheep]] and [[Exmoor ponies]] have also been introduced at the site in order to assist management.<ref name=bbc22apr10 /> A car park is maintained by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust to allow access to the reserve.
The heath is managed through seasonal cutting of vegetation, especially invasive species, in order to maintain a variety of habitats.<ref name=swt /> [[Hebridean sheep]] and [[Exmoor ponies]] have also been introduced at the site in order to assist management.<ref name=bbc22apr10 /> A car park is maintained by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust to allow access to the reserve.


==Archaeology==
==Archaeology==
A ancient boundary bank forms the southern edge of the site and is well preserved. The common includes a number of [[iron age]] sites as well as a wide [[World War II]] anti-glider ditch. This provides habitats for solitary bees and lizards.<ref name=sssi />
An ancient boundary bank forms the southern edge of the site and is well preserved<ref name=sssi /> and the northern area of the heath is the site of a [[Bronze Age]] [[bowl barrow]] standing around {{convert|1.2|m|ft}} tall.<ref name=barrow>{{NHLE|num=1008485 |desc=Bowl barrow on Blaxhall Common|access-date= 2013-01-28}}</ref> The barrow is a [[scheduled ancient monument]]. The common includes a number of [[Iron Age]] sites as well as a wide [[World War II]] anti-glider ditch. This provides habitats for solitary bees and lizards.<ref name=sssi />


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 20:06, 29 October 2022

Blaxhall Heath
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Blaxhall Common is located in Suffolk
Blaxhall Common
Blaxhall Heath shown within Suffolk
LocationSuffolk
Grid referenceTM 380 565[1]
Coordinates52°09′18″N 1°28′41″E / 52.155°N 1.478°E / 52.155; 1.478
InterestBiological
Area45.9 hectares (0.46 km2; 0.18 sq mi)[1]
Notification1987[1]
Location mapMagic Map

Blaxhall Common is a nature reserve in the parish of Blaxhall in the East Suffolk District of Suffolk. The reserve is owned by Blaxhall Parish Council and managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust.[2] It is designated a 45.9-hectare (113-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest as Blaxhall Heath.[1][3] It is part of the Sandlings Special Protection Area under the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds,[4] and of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.[5] A Bronze Age bowl barrow is a Scheduled Monument.[6]

Location

[edit]

The site is located on the Suffolk Sandlings, an area of sandy soil and glacial geology stretching along the Suffolk coast from Ipswich to Southwold.[7] The traditional land cover was lowland dry heathland, but much of this landscape has been destroyed with isolated areas, such as at Blaxhall, surviving.[7][8][9] The site is bordered to three sides by the Sandlings Forest SSSI.[3]

Blaxhall Common is around 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Blaxhall and 2 miles (3.2 km) south-west of Snape on the B1069 road between Snape and Tunstall. It is 5 miles (8.0 km) south-west of Leiston and 8 miles (13 km) north-east of Woodbridge. It falls on the edge of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Plant and wildlife

[edit]

The heath is mainly heathers with a mosaic of heather and acidic grassland habitats.[8] The Silver-studded blue butterfly was reintroduced at the site in 2007.[10] Bird species present include nightjar, woodlark and tree pipit with reptiles such as the common lizard and adder Vipera berus established on the site. There are also colonies of solitary bees and ant-lions.[2][8][11]

The heath is managed through seasonal cutting of vegetation, especially invasive species, in order to maintain a variety of habitats.[2] Hebridean sheep and Exmoor ponies have also been introduced at the site in order to assist management.[10] A car park is maintained by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust to allow access to the reserve.

Archaeology

[edit]

An ancient boundary bank forms the southern edge of the site and is well preserved[8] and the northern area of the heath is the site of a Bronze Age bowl barrow standing around 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) tall.[12] The barrow is a scheduled ancient monument. The common includes a number of Iron Age sites as well as a wide World War II anti-glider ditch. This provides habitats for solitary bees and lizards.[8]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Designated Sites View: Blaxhall Heath". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Blaxhall Common". Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Map of Blaxhall Heath". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  4. ^ "Designated Sites View: Sandlings". Special Protection Area. Natural England. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  5. ^ "Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2013–2018" (PDF). Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. p. 76. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-08-15. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  6. ^ Historic England. "Monument No. 391314". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  7. ^ a b Suffolk's lovely sandlings, Suffolk, East Anglian Daily Times. Retrieved 2013-01-28
  8. ^ a b c d e Blaxhall Heath Archived 2015-05-05 at the Wayback Machine, SSSI citation, Natural England. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  9. ^ Sandlings heaths and forests Archived April 13, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  10. ^ a b Suffolk Wildlife Trust's silver-studded blue butterfly , BBC news website, 2010-04-22. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  11. ^ Blaxhall Heath - Unit 1
  12. ^ Historic England. "Bowl barrow on Blaxhall Common (1008485)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
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