Malvern Common SSSI

Overview

On 24 May 2018 Natural England notified Malvern Common as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Malvern Common is located in Worcestershire, and is on the eastern flanks of the Malvern Hills and comprises a large open common area, with species-rich neutral grassland and rush pasture. You can submit your views via an online survey, by email or post.

Why your views matter

Malvern Common lies south of Great Malvern and is a key environmental asset to the urban area. The notification of this land protects the priority habitat of neutral grassland which contributes to the mosaic of the Malvern Hills AONB. The common slopes towards poorly drained soils, lying on drift deposits above the impermeable Sidmouth Mudstone Formation which give rise to the perfect conditions for a variety of grasses and herbaceous species, including Crested Dog’s-Tail (Cynosures cristatus), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) and Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii). The common covers an area of 20.75 ha, and has national significance for the combination of rush pasture, scrub, freshwater habitats and neutral grassland build a rich landscape which supports local wildlife. It is open access and provides not only a space for nature, but an opportunity for local people to connect with the outdoors. The outcome Natural England wishes to achieve with this designation is sustainably conserving a beautiful part of Worcestershire’s landscape and protecting the services it offers for the benefit of both people and the environment.’

What happens next

We are now assessing the response to the Malvern Common SSSI consultation and will be making a recommendation to the Board of Natural England in due course. Natural England has to make a decision to either confirm or withdraw Malvern Common SSSI notification by 23 February 2019 or the notification will cease to exist. We will widely promote Natural England's decision.