Staines Moor is one of the last remaining Commons of the medieval Manor of Staines. The Moor has been registered Common Land since 1065 and only registered Commoners are entitled to graze their animals on it. There is usually a mixture of cows and horses grazing freely, but they are removed during the winter months to allow the land to recover.
Staines Moor is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its importance to nature conservation. It is one of the largest areas of neutral grassland in England that has not been extracted for gravel or agriculturally improved. The Moor and the River Colne attract wildfowl and waders including ruff and golden plover in winter. Other wildlife which can be seen around the Moor includes kingfishers, skylarks, lapwings, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, as well as a wide range of wildflowers and grasses. At over 200 years old, the Moor is home to the oldest recorded yellow meadow ant hills in Britain.
Staines Moor is managed by Spelthorne Borough Council, in partnership with the Moormasters and other community organisations. We meet once a quarter to discuss issues of the day.
