Protect Brill Common Forever

10/05/2026

Thrilling news! Great Crested Newts are breeding in our two ponds - in the big one on The Walks and the secret pond at the bottom of the hill (on the right as you head towards Ludgershall). I've written a blog post about our expert survey, what this means for Brill - and HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Go to https://www.brillparishcouncil.gov.uk/ and click on the link.

02/04/2026

Save the Date! Why Hedgehogs Matter - and why they need us now. A FREE talk on Wednesday April 29th at 7.30pm in Brill Memorial Hall.

30/03/2026

Have you seen our new 'dead hedge' down by the pond in The Walks? Dead hedges provide shelter for birds, hedgehogs, insects and other minibeasts. Moreover, the wood and brash used (the products of nearby pruning and ground clearing) break down slowly, returning nutrients to the ground.

This particular dead hedge also -
🐸 offers shelter to frogs, toads and newts
🥾 reduces disturbance and erosion in this special area
🌧️ helps keep the pond clean by filtering water running down the slope

Not bad for a pile of old wood!!

14/03/2026

Hello! I've just published a blog post on the Brill Parish Council & Community website. You can read it here -https://www.brillparishcouncil.gov.uk/protect-brill-common-forever

There’s a lovely seasonal rhythm to conservation work - and Autumn and Winter is the time for hands-on habitat management. Cue lots of scrub clearing to open up spaces to allow more species to flourish - whilst not forgetting providing crucial shelter for wildlife. And rain. Lots of rain! 🌧️ 🌧️ 🌧️

14/02/2026

Hi! I've prepared a family activity sheet to help people enjoy Brill Common this half-term (and afterwards). Activities are divided into four age groups - including Grown-Ups - and they’re all fun and really do-able.

Here’s how to access the activity sheet -

🌳 Visit the nature activity page on the BPC&C website https://www.brillparishcouncil.co.uk/family-activities-feb-2026

🌳 Download a copy of the activity sheet from that page and print it at home or in a library - or view it on your mobile

🌳 Pick up a paper copy from Constables Newsagents (from Monday or Tuesday but supplies limited)

13/01/2026

11/01/2026

I've posted a new blog post on the Brill Parish Council & Community website https://www.brillparishcouncil.co.uk/wildlife-community-ranger-blog

The Stillness of January ... January reminds us that not all progress is visible or immediate. In the quieter months, when the land appears dormant, stillness becomes an essential tool - allowing us to listen, observe, and appreciate.

The picture shows Redwings, visitors from the North, feasting on berries. I also saw - and heard - Lapwings. Click the link to find out more!

https://www.brillparishcouncil.co.uk/wildlife-community-ranger-blog

11/01/2026

I’m looking forward to getting people out and about on the Common, learning about wildlife, sharing stories, doing simple conservation tasks - and having fun! Please complete my short survey on the Brill Parish Council & Community website to let me know what YOU and your family would be interested in. There may well be coffee and cake afterwards…

https://www.brillparishcouncil.co.uk/brill-common-survey

There are several ponds on Brill Common and a large one in The Walks, an enclosed area managed alongside the common. This is the pond on The Walks a few days ago.

10/01/2026

Hello! My name is Fiona and I'm Brill Common's Wildlife & Community Ranger, an exciting new role made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. I've got a fair bit of experience in experience in nature and conservation work, including working with The Chiltern Society, BBOWT, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund Nextdoor Nature programme. I started work in Brill in November 2025, familiarising myself with lovely Brill Common and all the wonderful volunteers who help maintain the 74 acres of common and its resident herds of cows and goats. You can read more about this in my blog on the Brill Parish Council & Community website. https://www.brillparishcouncil.co.uk/wildlife-community-ranger-blog