Some of the species to be seen

Welcome to Beeston Regis and Sheringham Commons SSSI/SAC

- a NATURA 2000 site

Together the Commons consist of 24.7 hectares/61 acres of grassland, heath, marsh, fen and secondary woodland.

The Commons are administered by Sheringham Town Council (Beeston Regis Common) and the local Poores and Ploughlet Charity (Sheringham Common). Both Commons are presently under the management of Natural England (Norfolk Team) although local volunteers working through the Beeston Common Management Group carry out many day-to-day tasks.

The Commons lie south of the Sheringham to Cromer Road (A149), just to the east of Sheringham. A layby (TG63/166425) can be used for parking and access is through an opening approximately midway along the road.   The Commons do have some waymarked trails although those with a more adventurous spirit can take smaller paths,  however, as much of the Commons are wet it is advisable to wear stout shoes or boots. Dogs are allowed but would owners please keep them under close control and clear up after them removing any faeces (Bins are present at points around the site – see location map). Dog owners should also note that adders are present on the Commons between April and September.

The varied habitats hold a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Over 400 flowering plants have been recorded including no less than 14 British orchids and varieties. With such a variety of flowers the site is attractive to butterflies and 26 species have been regularly recorded including green hairstreak, brown argus and Essex skipper.  

In some years many hoverflies, moths and beetles are found.  The pond has since 1984 been permanent and no fewer than 19 species of dragonfly/damselfly have been observed. The latest addition to the list is the small red-eyed damselfly. Emperor and broad-bodied chaser dragonflies are very noticeable in June/July.  Kingfisher and heron are also visitors to the pond, the former mainly in the winter months. Snipe and woodcock also frequent the marshes   during the winter. In spring and summer many warblers are present with most breeding, such as chiffchaff, willow warbler, blackcap, common whitethroat, lesser whitethroat, reed warbler and occasionally sedge and grasshopper warblers.  Nightjars are occasionally heard, most birds coming down from the Cromer – Holt ridge to hunt during the breeding season. Foxes and muntjac deer are present with smaller mammals also well represented such as, water shrew, field vole and harvest mouse. As mentioned above adders are present as are slow-worm and common lizard. The following pages indicate through photographs and data lists some of the extent and diversity of the wildlife in this area.

The Commons are easily accessible by car, bus or train. The train connection with Norwich via the Bittern Line is approximately every hour during the day. The station is approximately 10-15 minutes walk from the Commons.   See map of area.  

Regular bus services to/from Cromer stop at  the Common and Brook Road.

Sheringham has many café/restaurants, pubs and take-away eateries. The two nearest to the Commons are shown on the location map. There are no toilet facilities at the Commons.

Please respect the area and heed the countryside code at all times. Enjoy your visit.

Further information can be obtained from the Hon. Warden, Francis Farrow

Contact the Hon. Warden by this page

Use the search facility on the pages to find more information that is on the site.

Type in your search word or phrase and then click on the “search” button.

Pages containing your entered word/phrase will be seen and a click on the mentiopned page will take you to it.