Odiham Common, Hampshire

Odiham Common consists of ancient woodland, and wood pasture, this a relatively rare habitat, of scattered mature trees surrounded by small patches of grassland, traditionally maintained by large herbivores; the largest remaining example in the UK is the New Forest. The common extends just over one mile north to south and half a mile east to west, on the north side of Odiham in Hampshire, bordered to the south by the Basingstoke Canal and crossed by two roads, Blackwell Lane and the B3016, along which are several entry points.

The importance of the site, one of the few remaining significant areas of traditional wood pasture in England, is recognised by its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Species found here include many lichens and fungi, adders and grass snakes, and several rare butterflies and moths. A network of paths and tracks allow for loop walks of up to 2 miles.

The woods have remained largely undisturbed over the centuries; the only signs of past industrial use are some old clay pits and the fragmentary remains of a Victorian brick works.

The Common

This southern access to Odiham Common is along a dead-end road, Broad Oak Lane, off the A287. This leads to the south edge of the canal, beside which, to the south, is a small wildflower meadow, Broad Oak Common. A footbridge takes visitors over the canal into the woods, at the start of the principal walking route across the common, crossing Blackwell Lane in a quarter of a mile, this another signed entrance point, then continuing through more extensive woodland, Odiham Wood, for half a mile to the third signed entry, along the B3016. Some parts of the common are densely tree-covered - the wood pasture is mostly to the east of the northern section and at the centre of the southern section. Another portion of the common lies to the southwest and may be entered starting from the Colt Hill Wharf car park, just north of the canal.