Ludshott Common and Waggoners Wells

Ludshott Common is one of the largest remaining areas of heathland in east Hampshire, 285 hectares (705 acres) between Grayshott and Headley Down, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and now part of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve. Centuries of commoners grazing their animals created the open heath, which the Trust keeps open with grazing cattle and scrub clearance for nightjars, Dartford warblers, woodlarks and sand lizards. Robert Hunter, a founder of the National Trust, helped acquire the common in 1908, and Waggoners Wells, three wooded ponds thought to have been made in the 17th century as hammer ponds, was bought in 1919 in his memory. Dogs are allowed on short leads under close control, and the Trust asks owners to stick to the footpaths and take waste home, as there are no dog bins. Reviewers like the choice of paths, the benches and being able to walk across to Waggoners Wells. Tips from visitors: the sandy heath stays firm after rain while the woods turn muddy, and the free car parks fill at busy times.