News from the Commons
5th May 2026
I’m always delighted to welcome renowned Sussex naturalist, author and guide, Michael Blencowe, back to the Commons. Not only are we guaranteed to learn all sorts of fascinating facts, but he’ll also have us in stitches with his wonderfully hilarious tales and spot-on impressions.
Our first guided walk of the year took place in mid-April, and Michael certainly didn’t disappoint, everyone left with big smiles and plenty of stories to take home.
Thanks to popular demand, we’ve put together a full calendar of events on the Commons this year. Alongside more nature walks, we’ve got a butterfly walk, bat walk, fungi walks, and even a brand new experience for us, a moth breakfast (don’t worry, the moths are strictly off the menu!).
Do have a browse of our events page to see what’s coming up, we’d love you to join us.
Michael Blencowe keeping everyone entertained on a guided nature walk
We’re always looking for ways to make your time on the Commons even more enjoyable, and after our public consultation earlier this year, we’ve got plenty of ideas to work with!
It was fantastic to hear from so many of you, with over 500 people taking the time to complete our survey. Having gathered and sifted through all of your comments, some clear priorities have emerged, including:
- Clearer signage and waymarked routes
- Updated (and new) information boards
- A targeted campaign on littering, dog behaviour and fouling
- More guided walks (we’re already one step ahead on that one!)
- Improvements to safety, particularly in the evenings
- Better promotion of the Commons to local groups and schools
- Plenty of suggested spots for new bins and benches
- And lots of ecological enhancements, enough to keep Ranger Dan very busy!
Most importantly, though, one message came through loud and clear: you love the Commons just as it is. You want it protected and preserved, not turned into a park, and certainly not developed. This is music to our ears.
Hands off our beautiful Commons!
And finally, you may be wondering what the image at the top of this blog is all about. Under UV light the larvae of certain butterfly species are photo luminescent. The image was taken by William Malpas, of Butterfly Conservation Kent, during a recent UV survey on Tunbridge Wells Common and shows White-letter hairstreak larvae (caterpillars) on our elm trees. As a UK priority species for conservation it is fantastic that we now have several confirmed colonies on both Commons.
Keep on enjoying the Commons!
