Stanmore Common Nature Trail
Long trail post 8: Eight paces beyond the path junction the path crosses a low bank. On the left notice the straight stems of wild raspberry; the shoots have thorns but these are thinner and softer than those on bramble. Among the raspberry grows tufts of pendulous sedge; in summer look for the drooping flower spikes.


Image: Raspberry and pendulous sedge at post 8
To the right of the path look for bluebells Hyacinthoides non-scripta as well as enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana with its spike of tiny delicate flowers (see image below). Bluebell and pendulous sedge are two of sixteen ancient woodland indicator plants found in this area of the Common. This is a puzzle, since the trees are certainly not ancient - most are less than 100 years old. It is likely that an area of ancient woodland was felled - perhaps on the orders of the 1st Duke of Chandos (1674–1744) who is thought to have sold timber from here to the navy. Young trees then grew back, allowing the plants of the woodland floor to survive.


Image: Enchanter's nightshade
To description for long trail post 9

More on some of the birds you are likely to see or hear on the Common

More on the three species of deer on the Common and their tracks

Click here to learn more about the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum including guided walks and conservation workdays.