The calming, insular feel of this heathland is hard to describe. It holds an attraction for wildlife too and birds like woodlark, nightjar, goldcrest, long-tailed tit and tree pipit can be found alongside common lizard, adder and plants like heath milkwort, speedwell, heath bedstraw and sheep’s sorrel.

In summer small copper, common blue and small heath butterflies dance in the clearings while the bold red and white fly agaric, a poisonous mushroom so often portrayed in children’s fairytales, is among the many fungi that appear, as if by magic, in autumn.

Straight out of a fairy tale -the fly agaric mushroom	On warm days the adder basks in secluded spots

The peaceful common is small but full of surprises like winter visiting crossbill and colonies of ant-lion. The site is looked after by seasonal cutting which controls invasive scrub and maintains the medley of habitats.

Blaxhall Common is cared for by Suffolk Wildlife Woodlark Trust on behalf of Blaxhall Parish Council.

Other Trust reserves nearby: Alde Mudflats

STAR SPECIES
Woodlark
Nigtjar
Adder
Ant-lion