Common Facts

Studham Common covers 68 acres divided into three areas. East and Middle Commons are mainly open grassland, bordered by hedgerows or scrub thickets. West Common, the smallest, is a mix of woodland, scrub thickets and a small playing field which serves as the village green.

The unusual combination of clay soil overlying chalk supports an interesting variety of plants. These offer rich habitats for a wide range of insects, birds and small mammals, some of which have been declining in numbers elsewhere.

Over 200 plant species, 26 species of butterfly and over 20 species of birds have been recorded on the Common. Skylarks, which are in national decline, breed in the grassland area and fill the air with their beautiful song in spring.

The Common's eastern boundary is an ancient hedgerow dating back at least to medieval times. The Common is one of only two sites in the county where the dormouse, a rare, protected species, is found.

The 'clay-with-flints' grassland is of special value. It is one of the few habitats of this type remaining in Bedfordshire. In summer, the meadow grasses and flowers are a wonderful sight
and provide food and protection to a host of
butterflies, insects and small animals.