A very special and notably rare area of lowland heath-grassland, designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

This habitat is an oasis of rich bio-diversity supporting nationally important plant species, such as heath spotted orchid and heath milkwort.

As well as plants, there are birds to see such as Blackcap and Goldfinch.  You can view the current Common Bird Census 2023 here 2023 Barton Common Bird Census

Butterfly species to be seen include Gatekeeper and Green Hairstreak.  The Hampshire and Isle of Wight branch of the Butterfly Conservation carry out annual butterfly transects and you can view the full report from 2023 here Barton Common Butterfly2023 Report

New Milton Town Council manage the 19 hectare site under Higher Level Stewardship.   New Forest ponies were re-introduced to the Common and now their grazing has helped restore the grassland while we also manage some areas by cutting and burning of invasive gorse.  View the management plan here Barton Common Management Plan 2022-2032

There is a long history of ownership, and the various and necessary uses of this common land over time is enthralling.  You can read more information here Barton on Sea | Milton Heritage Society

We hope you enjoy your visit and don’t forget to take the time to admire the views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

Please help care for our special green spaces and remember the Countryside Code when visiting!

The Countryside Code: advice for countryside visitors – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)