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NEXT THAMES ROAD WETLAND HABITAT MANAGEMENT SESSION 16th OCTOBER, WITH THAMES21, plus UPDATEJoin us at this staff-supported event where we will have a van full of kit to equip new / less frequent volunteers. Book here: book.plinth.org.uk/e/0WCJmk9xkzaAmCNTk2TC
Due to a mechanical fault with our brushcutter (which, after being sent round the houses, had to be taken to Letchworth (!) for repair), we are somewhat behind, so could do with a good turnout in order to catch up with Reed cutting and removal. For the more energetic, there is plenty more Reed rootmat/silt to dig out too.
Thomas Turrell, Conservative Greater London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley, joined us unannounced at our 11/9 staffed event, and threw himself into helping clear out the road run-off trap and then Reed cutting along with 7 other volunteers. He confessed that he hadn't realised that we had Lizards in this country, but had taken an interest in one when abroad on holiday. I was pleased to show him a few of the 'locals', and he skillfully spotted a well-camouflaged individual himself. He has since been very helpful in getting Bexley Council to finally do something about the fly-tipping and arson attacks that have been going on up by the railway since mid July. Despite it being council land it has done nothing since we reported the matter on 17/7 and I still don't know why, or whether it has taken or intends to take any investigative action to identify the culprits. If it had bothered to put cameras out it may well have got them by now.
13 Lizards were seen on 11/9. There was a black and red Firebug, Hairy Shieldbugs on an old Burdock flower head and a Southern Green Shieldbug nymph.
A couple of Cetti's Warblers and a Water Rail were heard on 25/9. Migrant Hawkers and Darters were still about. A Thorn Apple plant that had come up in a pile of soil dumped by the entrance steps had opened a flower. There was a second flush of flowers on the small patch of Square-stemmed St. John's-wort at the west end.
2/10 saw a Kestrel hovering over the site and dropping down out of sight, while a Grey Heron flew over. A few Lizards were seen. There was a mating pair of Willow Emerald Damselflies.
Thanks to staff member Sam Dhedhi for photos.
CHRIS ROSE, VOLUNTEER SITE MANAGER
www.facebook.com/NWKCountryside/posts/pfbid0sQkBtXveV7AgCUDD3D6vgSM8J4vKs1isxaPLMieGFprt6NZKFYsm2...Ruxley Gravel Pits Nature Reserve. Upcoming habitat management sessions at this normally inaccessible (to the puloic) site that straddles the Bexley/Bromley border .............
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Slowing the flow - OXLEAS WOODS. With Thames21. Reducing run-off rates on Shooters Hill and making biodiversity improvements.Just over the border in Greenwich, so may be of interest to 'BW' followers.
15 events involving the construction of leaky dams to hold back water, and dead hedges in eroded areas to protect and encourage the recovery of the woodland understory.
29th and 30th Sept fully booked. You can opt to join a waiting list.
Places available at further events from Thursday 1st Oct through to 25th of March.
Led by Charlie Southard.
Advance booking essential (planning / event management / safety / sufficient equipment):
book.plinth.org.uk/e/9TPs7t51MkYdlQFqEbKm
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Slowing the Flow: Oxleas Woods
book.plinth.org.uk
<p><strong>Join us to turn Oxleas Woods into a flood-fighting, biodiversity-boosting powerhouse!</strong></p><p><br></p><p>This winter, join us for 15 fun and hands-on volunteer events as we transform...
Climate Change Film. LESNES ABBEY RUINS LODGE. Weds November 11th 19.00-20.30After the drought and prolonged heat waves this year, the woods and all of us are grateful that we have had some rain.
Whether you believe that Climate Change is caused by human beings or just a natural phenomenon, one fact is undeniable - the planet is getting warmer.
We will be showing a film produced by the National Emergency Briefing that explains what is happening and what we can do to minimise its impact.
Tickets are Free and can be booked here. Note that it is not recommended for those under 16 but has a BBFC rating of 12+. Any children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
www.ticketsource.com/folaw/
NORTH WEST KENT COUNTRYSIDE PARTNERSHIP - habitat management sessions in Bexley during October.Wednesday 7th – Gattons Plantation Pond, Cocksure Lane, Sidcup
We will be clearing bramble and laurel and cutting down small trees around the pond along with removing non native snowberry plants that are growing along Cocksure Lane. Brushcutter operators maybe required for this task.
Led by: Nina Skinner (07816128553)
Meeting Time and Place: 9am, at the yard at Trosley Country Park or 10am if meeting on site. There is a small bay/passing area before the entrance gate to the site in which a few cars can park otherwise parking may need to be found along Cocksure Lane and other residential roads nearby.
maps.app.goo.gl/KLsPeRMYW2pJGgfn6
What3words parking spot: ///liver.blues.worked
What3words entrance: ///jump.cheek.wicked
Wednesday 28th – St Mary’s Churchyard, Manor Road, Bexley, DA5 3LX
We will be cutting the grass on site and raking. Brushcutter operators will be needed.
Led by: Lucy Sawyer-Boyd (07809334071)
Meeting Time and Place: 10am, at the churchyard (black gates at end of Manor Road). There is limited parking on site but parking usually ok in hall car park next door. There are no facilities on site but the toilet at the hall next door is often available.
goo.gl/maps/2Czb3X9qMs6KcPLg9
What3words: Meeting point = ///sheep.buzz.codes
Entrance gate = ///sushi.mole.washed
Just a quick reminder that any volunteers who plan to meet us on site should let the member of staff leading the task know as soon as possible so that they can pack the correct number of tools and inform them of any task changes/delays that may occur.
If there are any updates or changes with the programme, we will update it regularly on the volunteer page on our website (www.nwkcp.org ). We will also contact the regular volunteers by phone if any last-minute changes to the location of the task happen.
Please remember to bring with you; suitable clothes for the weather conditions, a packed lunch and suitable footwear (we insist working boots with steel toecap and mid sole are worn at all times to comply with health and safety and insurance considerations). We will supply all other equipment, gloves and safety equipment and also hot drinks and biscuits throughout the day.
Each project will be led by a NWKCP member of staff who will be more than happy to answer any questions that you have throughout the day. A health and safety talk will also be given at the beginning of each project. If you are planning to come out on a project for the first time this month then please let us know beforehand which day that will be.
We write a risk assessment for each task day, and a copy of this will be brought to the site and available for you to read if you wish.
Tag Archives: Thames Road Wetland
Brown Argus booming in Bexley – or just previously overlooked?
The Brown Argus butterfly (Aricia agestis) has been found in some new Bexley sites in recent weeks. It was identified at Braeburn Park. Between 2 and 4 individuals have been seen at Grasmere Road allotment site in the past fortnight. … Continue reading
Posted in Butterflies
Tagged Braeburn Park, Brown Argus, Perry Street Farm, Thames Road Wetland
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Wasp Spider boom at Thames Road Wetland
There is an unusually large number of Wasp Spiders (Argiope bruennichi) at Thames Road Wetland this year, something first noticed by Jason Steel a week ago when he counted 32. Yesterday I managed 38, though I wouldn’t say this was … Continue reading
Posted in Invertebrates, Recording, Thames Road Wetland
Tagged Argiope bruennichi, Thames Road Wetland, Wasp Spider
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New rarity – Britain’s ‘largest’ fly, the Hornet Robber – found at Thames Road Wetland
Jason Steel, a leading local wildlife photographer, has captured a picture of the rare Hornet Robber Fly (Asilus crabroniformis), at Thames Road Wetland. According to Buglife, this predatory species, which protects itself by resembling a Hornet, is thought to now … Continue reading
Nest confirms continued Harvest Mouse presence at Thames Road Wetland
A Harvest Mouse nest was found at Thames Road Wetland on June 20th, whilst cutting vegetation to maintain access along the path on one of the ditch bunds. It was only a couple of inches above ground, and woven into … Continue reading
Posted in Harvest Mouse, Thames Road Wetland
Tagged Common Lizard, Harvest Mouse, Reed Bunting, Swift, Thames Road Wetland, Thames21
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Hall Place Hiders make first group visit to Thames Road Wetland
Wildlife photography enthusiasts from the growing Hall Place Hiders group joined Chris Rose, Thames Road Wetland Site Manager, on 21st May for a walk from Crayford Riverside, down to and around the wetland, so as to gain an appreciation of … Continue reading
Lots of wildlife activity at Thames Road Wetland, but another motorcycle dumped in the water
The first Odonata of the year were in evidence at Thames Road Wetland on May 12th, with a Large Red Damselfly and a few Azure Damselflies seen. Three or four different Peacocks and a Brimstone butterfly were spotted, along with … Continue reading
Out of Africa – Reed Warblers back at Thames Road Wetland
The welcome chuntering of Reed Warblers could be heard once again at Thames Road Wetland on 18th April, my first visit since March 30th. There is obviously an advantage in making the effort to come all the way back to … Continue reading
Absence makes the heart grow fonder – Little Egret shows up at Thames Road Wetland
The first Little Egret ‘on the deck’ at Thames Road Wetland since winter 2014/15 was seen in the ‘west pool’ on the 30th March. This apparent absence (though for much of the time the site is unmonitored) is perplexing given … Continue reading
Marsh Harrier seen over Thames Road Wetland as Peregrine perches on nearby pylon
The Marsh Harrier, once extremely rare in the UK, has made something of a comeback. Following a report of a female in the area on March 10th by Ian Stewart, I also saw a female fly low over the site … Continue reading