Aliens on the Common | A modern-day War of the Worlds
We’re back with a new episode of Surrey Uncommon! In our latest feature, we’re venturing back to Horsell Uncommon, Surrey’s most famous heathland, to meet the “true aliens” of the 21st century. It’s not quite what H.G. Wells had in mind when he wrote War of the Worlds, but we do have little green birds, rampant weeds and the odd fluffy invader. In this episode, we delve into how these species came to be living on the Common, and what (if anything) can be done about it. 🌱🦜🌿🐿️.
Preserving our heritage
Horsell Common is a precious site of much scientific interest so understanding these modern invaders is the first step in protecting our heathlands. To find out more about these invaders, check out the full episode below. Please don’t forget to like and subscribe to our Surrey Uncommon YouTube channel; it means a lot.🩷🔔 Missed the latest episodes of Surrey Uncommon? Catch up here and see you all on Episode 5.
FAQs about Horsell Common
Yes, Horsell Common is open to the public and free to visit. It offers over 800 acres of heathland and woodland to explore, with several well-marked walking trails, including the famous sand pits from The War of the Worlds!
H.G. Wells set the initial Martian landing of his 1898 novel on the Sand Pits on Horsell Common in Woking, Surrey. Today, you can still visit the site and walk the “Sandpit Trail” to see where the fictional heat-rays first struck. Pretty cool, right?
