Editing Naphill (section)

== Naphill Common ==
[[Naphill Common]] takes up a large part of Naphill, running the whole length of the village's west side. It is larger and more wooded than its neighbour, [[Downley]] Common. The Common contains evidence of an industrial background, including [[medieval]] iron [[smelting]]. Pieces of iron [[slag]] have been found in the area, which was once semi-enclosed. Also pieces of pottery dated to the 12th to 15th centuries have been found turned up by rabbits.

Naphill Common is home to several very large [[beech]] and [[oak]] trees. One beech tree has grown on a medieval enclosure, the purposes of which enclosure is unknown because only three of its sides are visible. Most of the iron [[kiln]]s and pottery are to be found in this part of Naphill. Originally, Naphill Common was more open, with large trees separated by grass-covered open ground, rather than the dense wood that has grown up around it.

Naphill Common is a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]].<ref>[http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1002879.pdf Natural England: SSSI citation]</ref>