Studham Common - Studham

It is an important local resource providing opportunities for wildlife, public access, informal recreation, education and community involvement.   The site is Located in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty this common extends almost 30 hectares and comprises three, East Common, Middle Common and West Common. More information can be found on the Friends of Studham Common Website.

Open all year. Admission free.

Sudham Home to the Rare Dormice

A Population of hazel dormice have made their home on Studham Common making it one of only a few confirmed sites in Bedfordshire where the species can be found. It has long been thought that dormice were present on the Common but in March 2005 owners of the land, South Bedfordshire District Council commissioned the North Chilterns Trust to carry out research to confirm this view.

Dormice have become extremely rare over recent years and a number of surveys have confirmed that they are now extinct fromsix counties in England. It is an important species because as an indicator of biological diversity, its loss is likely to reflect losses of other species as well.

The councils Open Space and Recreation Officer, Mark Bailey, said: The presence of the hazel dormouse on the Common means that the site assumes considerable importance in Bedfordshire and some importance in a UK context too.

The hazel dormouse is a rare and declining species in the UK and is a Red Data Book species, the animal is also a UK National Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and is heavily protected by legislation both in the UK and Europe.

Legislation protecting the species makes it illegal to intentionally or deliberately kill, injure or capture dormice; deliberately disturb them (whether in a nest or not); and damage or destroy breeding sites or resting places. This legislation ensures that the species, and its habitat are protected and there is a duty of care to the animal on the Common.

Mark added: The council will continue to work along side organisations and local groups, such as the Friends of Studham Common, to ensure that this rare and vulnerable mammal always has a valued place on the Common. Particular thanks should be given to the Friends of Studham Common who have played an important role in improving the habitat for this species and have been busy installing dormouse nest boxes.