We are very pleased to announce that we are now placing regular articles in the 'In Touch'  magazine for Kesgrave and Rushmere and the local Parish magazine. These give details about the work that is currently being carried out on the common as well as future plans, some history and facts. Below is the article that is being featured in the magazines for May. We hope these articles will be interesting and informative to regular users of the common as well as readers not so familiar with this wonderful space.

Rushmere Commoners Committee

With the rain and generally mild weather, the Common is looking very green and everything is coming into bud.  As we write this the gorse is starting to flower and the coconut aroma will soon be everywhere. 

Major works have been suspended for a while, as it’s nesting season although we will be looking to maintain the path access.  This also means the volunteering group won’t be meeting till July/August. 

The last year has been fantastic.  It has seen the management plan develop and start to be actioned.  We understand that some of the work looks drastic but we have to start somewhere and catch up on time lost due to the pandemic etc.  The gorse didn’t stop growing but we did stop cutting so maintenance is noticeable.  The great thing is it will recover and improve.  We still have too much gorse over 6-foot high that has become woody and “leggy”.  This will need to be coppiced to encourage new denser young growth that will provide better habitats for wildlife.  Brambles in many places need also to be pruned back so it can re-generate as these have become very invasive and straggly. 

On the wildlife front there have been sightings of a few different birds of prey.  Sparrow hawks and kestrels have been seen regularly over the years with some reports of nests but recently a Kite had been seen visiting.  There have also been sightings of muntjac deer, rabbits, foxes and badgers, so larger wildlife is definitely thriving on and around the common. 

On a safety note, please remember this is a shared space with golf played, dogs should be under control at all times and cleared up after.  We are in regular contact with the golf club to ensure the golfers are aware of paths and where they cross golfing areas etc, line of sight and littering.  It’s incumbent on all of us to be patient and considerate of this fantastic space, that has been enjoyed by all for about 150 years.

Without the work of the management committee, we would be in danger of losing this space or it not being fit for use by so many groups. 

We need you! Come and join us and make sure the area continues to thrive, and join the management committee.

If you are interested, please contact the clerk.

E: clerkrushcommoners@gmail.com

W: http://rushmerecommonerstrustees.onesuffolk.net/