Staffordshire's 'purple' common hiding underground secret as visitors told 'don't be scared'

Highgate Common near Stourbridge
-Credit: (Image: TOMELLISPHOTOGRAPHY)


The countryside surrounding Stoke-on-Trent is brimming with intriguing destinations for day trips. And Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has highlighted a spot not too far from the city that's said to be 'rarer than rainforest'.

Highgate Common in Womborne, in the south of the county, is a treasure trove of biodiversity, an ancient lowland heath teeming with wildlife. It becomes particularly enchanting towards summer's end when it dons a cloak of purple heather.

Visitors to Highgate Common may notice small holes dotting the landscape, hinting at the hidden wonders beneath. Despite potentially deterring some, the trust encourages people not to fear.

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"Highgate is a fantastic site, and the heather makes it even more beautiful at this time of year," a Staffordshire Wildlife Trust spokesperson remarked. "Walk along any of the sandy paths on Highgate Common and you can not fail to notice countless small holes. These holes are made by ground nesting solitary bees and wasps.

"Highgate Common is one of the best places in the country to spot these fascinating insects, but please don't be scared, over time their stings have become so small that you would be very unlucky to be stung. It has been estimated that 140 different types of solitary bee and wasp live on the common. Some of the bees and wasps living on Highgate are extremely rare in the UK, and Highgate common has been made a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of these rare creatures."

Since the 19th century, the UK has seen a loss of 80 percent of its open heathland, making locations like Highgate Common 'rarer than rainforest. The trust is dedicated to preserving the 132-hectare heathland by promoting the regeneration of heather and controlling the spread of birch and bracken, reports Birmingham Live.

However, it's not just the heather that lends this area its purple hue. The common is also home to the stunning purple hairstreak butterflies which flutter amongst the undergrowth. If you look closely, you're likely to spot heathland dragonflies, unusual beetles and rare glow worms.

Families can now discover the common's creepy crawlies via a Miniature Monsters Trail. Follow the Oil Beetle or Mining Bee Trails to find 10 interpretation boards and learn about these fascinating creatures. There's also grass snakes, common lizards and slow worms to look out for, together with cuckoos, yellow hammers, tree pipits and green woodpeckers. Walk quietly through the heath and you might just hear or see one. Find out more about the trail here.

A network of paths crisscross the woodland and heathland making it easy to navigate, although it can be muddy or uneven in places so good walking shoes and waterproofs are recommended. The site also offers parking, picnic areas and toilets.

Directions to Highgate Common

The location is Highgate Common, close to Wombourne, Staffordshire, with the postcode DY7 5BS. There are six main parking areas across the common, but it's recommended to park near the Cory Community Centre on Highgate Road for access to toilet facilities.

The journey from Stoke-on-Trent, typically takes around one hour, depending on traffic conditions.

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