Netley Common Local Nature Reserve is situated on the Eastern outskirts of Southampton, bounded to the north by the A27 and to the East by Botley Rd.

Originally the area of heather heathland stretched as far as Netley and also included the adjacent privately owned woodland Dumbleton’s copse. Only a small area of heather remained, which reflects the situation throughout England where 3/4 of the lowland heathland has been lost during the last century. The present site was purchased by Hampshire County Council in the 1990s and is managed by their Countryside service. The long term aim was to restore and extend the area of heather, an important habitat for ground nesting birds.

Volunteers have played an important part in the efforts to manage the site. The new FONC group is set to launch in October and attend every Wednesday, either working with the Countryside service rangers or continuing with the tasks. The most common winter task is removing invasive scrubby regrowth within and around the areas of heather. Cutting back bramble and trees which is encroaching over the paths is also important. Other tasks may include maintenance of the fencing and paths.