Blackheath Common Management Update

Waverley Borough Council has an existing Blackheath Common Management Plan 2014 – 2024 in place, which was consulted on and represents the gold standard in habitat management.  This was due to expire but, due to changes in the way Natural England operates, Waverley were granted an extension to the existing Management Plan until at least 2028/29.  Whilst this extension is in place, Waverley are unable to make significant changes to the Management Plan.  However, they are in the process of making minor revisions which we understand will be limited to the format, look and feel of the Management Plan, plus include new information on Blackheath’s inclusion in the new National Nature Reserves.  Waverley are expecting to publicly consult on these revisions shortly via the Commonplace platform and Wonersh Parish Council will circulate more information on this to residents when available.  

In addition, Waverley have in place the Blackheath Common Woodland Management Plan 2025, which was previously consulted on via the Commonplace platform.

Following the August 2025 fire in the war memorial area of Blackheath, Wonersh Parish Council have met with the Waverley Rangers to better understand the causes of the fire and how Waverley are currently approaching wildfire prevention.  The notes of this meeting can be found at the link below and include information from Surrey Fire & Rescue Service’s “Wildfire Prepared” initiative (see pages 3 and 4), giving advice on how to prepare for and react to a wildfire.  In particular, it is noted that Waverley are in the process of drafting an updated Wildfire Management Plan for Blackheath and that this will also be consulted on in due course.