This is a Hubspace
Board of Conservators01242 251544
Duty Ranger07756 828458
Registered charity no. 900131
Cleeve Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Our vision In 100 years’ time, visitors to Cleeve Common will enjoy the same sense of space and tranquillity, with the diversity of plant and animal life, as they do today.
A message from the Cleeve Common Board of Conservators
Welcome to our new and upgraded website. You’ll find up-to-date news, weather and contact details here. There is useful information for both regular visitors and those planning their first visit. We’ve expanded the description of this unique habitat and how we are conserving it for future generations. And over time, we’ll be building up the resources available for information and education purposes. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for what else we might include – just get in touch. Enjoy!
Please be aware that we are now in the summer grazing season and there are hundreds of sheep and lambs turned out on the Common. Every year there are problems caused by people leaving gates open and sheep escaping – so please make sure all gates are kept shut (even if you find one open...it shouldn’t be!).
Regrettably, we also have sheep killed or injured by dogs every year. Even the most quiet and ‘safe’ dog may unexpectedly chase and harm sheep. The only sure way to prevent this is to keep your dog on a lead. Should you come across a dead or injured sheep, please call our Ranger at once on 07756 828 458.
The black Galloway cattle will also be free-roaming over the Common during the summer. They are very placid and used to people, but we ask you to give them a wide berth and let them get on with their job of munching the grass.
Now that the weather is finally warming up, adders are emerging from their hibernation sites and can often be found basking in the sun. Their favourite spots are sun-warmed rocks and tussocky grass.
This is the time of year that most adder bites occur, not because the adders are at their most dangerous, but because they are still relatively sleepy and slow moving, as their body temperature has not warmed up after a long cold winter. Adders are timid by nature and usually only bite if threatened or disturbed and cannot escape quickly enough.
Each year we get reports of both people and dogs being bitten by adders. While seldom life threatening, these bites are painful. We advise you to wear sturdy footwear and long trousers, stick to paths and keep your eyes open! If you’re walking a dog, keep it close by and don’t let it go nosing around in rough grass and rocky areas.
Should you or your dog be unfortunate enough to be bitten by an adder, we recommend that you seek medical or veterinary help at once. If you need assistance, call our Ranger, making sure you can describe your location.
Aside from adders, Cleeve Common is also home to 3 other species of reptile: Grass Snake, Common Lizard and Slow Worm. All of these (including the adder) are protected species. The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 makes it an offence to kill or injure any of our native snakes or lizards.
The Memorial Programme allows local residents to make a donation in memory of a loved one to fund the con servation of Cleeve Common. Donations for this purpose will help to maintain and enhance the Common’s natural be auty as a lasting and fitting tribute to the family members and friends who enjoyed visiting the Common for this very reason. Those making a donation will be able to place a plaque on the Memorial Wall surrounding the Cotswold's highest tree.
Sheep on the Common
There are now several hundred ewes and lambs on the Common. Keep your dog on a lead and close all gates.
Sheep on the Common