News from the Commons
4th February 2026
Welcome to our monthly News from the Commons, sharing updates on our conservation work, volunteering opportunities, fun and other adventures
In think it would be fair to say that January 2026 has been one of our busiest months to date. Despite all of the rain, the Commons have been alive with machinery, contractors, volunteers and our wonderful community (our four legged friends still need walking!).
Many areas of the Commons have been transformed by the felling of dead, dying or dangerous trees, the clearance of holly, bramble and scrub and the thinning of poor quality secondary birch and sycamore. There are now views and glades, a more stunning grove, open spaces and lots of light, creating new areas that we can all enjoy and new habitats for our wildlife to explore. We do accept it’s quite muddy at the moment and a tad “raw” but please trust us that in a couple of months you will be smiling again.
A beautiful new view through from Mount Ephraim to the lower cricket pitch.
We don’t just cut down trees!
Ranger Dan and volunteer William Malpass have been busy planting our new disease resistant elm trees across both Commons. Green protective sleeves have been popping up across the land, bringing excitement about new growth and new life. I often find myself wondering what our trees have seen over the years and the stories they could tell about the changes in our landscape, growth of our communities, technological advancements, political change but most importantly the adventures people have had on the Commons.
Tree planting in action.
Public Engagement
In November 2024 the Commons Conservators sent out a questionnaire to the community asking for opinions on how we could make your time spent on Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons more enjoyable. We received some great feedback which we have used to draft a Public Enjoyment Plan for the Commons. We’re now back with some more detailed questions to ensure that you continue to love the Commons as much as we do. Please do spend a few minutes completing our questionnaire: Public Engagement Questionnaire
Our amazing Ranger Volunteers, helping us manage our new clearances and glades.
Further update on the Sale of the Commons
The Friends’ campaign to try to buy the Commons for community is ramping up, with pledges of financial and professional support coming in from the Community. There are two further community meetings now planned for Saturday 7th February at the Camden Centre and Saturday 14th February at St Paul’s Church Centre, please do pop over to their website to find out more about their hard work and to consider pledging your support: Friends of the Commons
Ranger Dan’s “loo with a view”.
