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Can Green Roofs Function as True Ecosystems? FREE ONLINE EVENTWednesday, November 25 • 1 PM - 2 PM GMT
Eva Drukker (Wageningen University) explores the ecology of green roofs. Can they operate as functional ecosystems?
Green roofs, exposed to wind, heat, and drought, might seem like unlikely places for ecological development. But can they become self-sustaining ecosystems? How do they interact with the surrounding flora and fauna? How quickly do they develop, and which insects choose to live there? Crucially, which design choices make these elevated habitats most supportive for biodiversity?
Can Green Roofs Function as True Ecosystems?
www.eventbrite.co.uk
Eva Drukker (Wageningen University) explores the ecology of green roofs. Can they operate as functional ecosystems?
THAMES ROAD WETLAND, INNER CRAYFORD MARSHES. NEXT STAFF SUPPORTED HABITAT MANAGEMENT SESSION IS FRIDAY 13th NOVEMBER 10.00-14.00.To book and ffi:
book.plinth.org.uk/e/0WCJmk9xkzaAmCNTk2TC
Sam Dhedhi will be down with a van full of equipment to support a larger team of volunteers than we can accomodate at our volunteer-only events. These bigger teams are essential if we are to push back the Reedbeds and maintain habitat and thus species diversity while breeding birds such as Reed Warblers are off on their winter 'holiday' in Africa.
No particular skills required. All help welcome even if you can come only once. 40% of the person hours delivered in the last 12 months have been contributed by one-time-only helpers.
At our last staffed session on 16/10 we had nine volunteers - who gave nearly 39 person-hours of labour - and one staff member.
Fortunately the weather followed the forecast, with drizzle giving way to warm sunshine shortly after we started work.
Seven people, led by Ian, dug out another significant amount of Reed rootmat and silt from the 'north-west corner pool' and piled it on the new banking by the main path.
Three of us scythed and sheared Reed opposite the road run-off -trap ditch. Due to a mechanical problem with the brushcutter, and poor servicing back-up fron the manufacturer, we have been without it for the last 6 workdays and this patch has rather got away from us. Unfortunately, we had to do without it again on this occasion. as the person who looks after and transports it was injured and unable to bring it down. Fingers crossed we get some rain-free Fridays and can catch up once we can deploy it again.
After everyone else had left, two of us reduced the height of more of the Blackthorn sucker 'hedging' along the main path and 'weeded' the Bee Orchid strip to favour the Orchids, though there was no sign of any yet. Some of the Lizard basking sites which were
getting too shaded were opened up a bit now we're into more autumnal conditions.
Photos: Sam Dhedhi, Chris Rose.
Chris Rose, Volunteer Site Manager.
RARE BUMBLEBEE SEEN AT LESNESRare bumblebee recorded at historic London site - Bumblebee Conservation Trust
www.bumblebeeconservation.org
In an exciting moment for the capital city, a scarce bumblebee has been recorded at an historic London site this summer by a Bumblebee Conservation Trust volunteer.
NORTH WEST KENT COUNTRYSIDE PARTNERSHIP - RUXLEY GRAVEL PITS NATURE RESERVE HABITAT MANAGEMENT SESSIONS IN NOVEMBERWednesday 4th – Ruxley Gravel Pits, Edgington Way, Orpington, BR5 3HY
We will be doing path clearance.
Led by: Lucy Sawyer-Boyd (07809334071)
Meeting Time and Place: 10am at the site. The gate must be kept locked, if there is no-one there to open it, please call Lucy’s mobile. DO NOT block the gate by parking in front of it while you wait! Follow the track and park underneath the A20. Plenty of parking. Portaloo available, but usually far from work site.
goo.gl/maps/S2NBZUfT2mTkbgX17
What3words:
Entrance: ///noises.sheet.reject
Parking: ///hopes.gender.gums
Thursday 5th – Ruxley Gravel Pits, Edgington Way, Orpington, BR5 3HY
We will be continuing to clear the path along with pollarding and coppicing the willow trees in the reed bed.
Led by: Lucy Sawyer-Boyd (07809334071)
Meeting Time and Place: as above.
goo.gl/maps/S2NBZUfT2mTkbgX17
What3words:
Entrance: ///noises.sheet.reject
Parking: ///hopes.gender.gums
Saturday 14th – Ruxley Gravel Pits, Edgington Way, Orpington, BR5 3HY
We will be continuing to pollard and coppicing the willow trees growing in the reed bed.
Please bring your own refreshments for this day.
Led by: Lucy Sawyer-Boyd (07809334071)
Meeting Time and Place: as above.
goo.gl/maps/S2NBZUfT2mTkbgX17
What3words:
Entrance: ///noises.sheet.reject
Parking: ///hopes.gender.gums
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.
51°24'41.7"N 0°07'10.5"E · 51.411583, 0.119583
goo.gl
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
DARTFORD HEATH - GUIDED WALK AND HEATHER SEED COLLECTION FOR HABITAT RESTORATIONWe are holding a Heather Seed Collection & Restoration Event on Dartford Heath on Tuesday 27th October, 13.30-17.00.
The event will include a guided walk to learn about Dartford Heath, the wildlife it supports, and the restoration work taking place on the site. We'll then collect heather seed from across the heath before sowing some into pots for growing on and we'll spread seed directly onto recently restored areas.
If you would like to attend, you can book your place here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/dartford-heath-heather-restoration-tickets-2003598820006
All the best,
Nina Skinner <Nina.Skinner@kent.gov.uk>
Partnership Officer | North West Kent Countryside Partnership
Dartford Heath Heather Restoration
www.eventbrite.com
Join us to help restore Dartford Heath! Collect heather seed and sow it into trays to grow future plants for heathland restoration.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Bexley RSPB – report of March bird/nature walk, Southmere Lake, Thamesmead former Golf Course and Thames Foreshore
Report courtesy Ralph and Brenda Todd: http://www.bexleywildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/RSPB-Bexley-Group-Walk-Southmere-Lake-and-Thamesmead-golf-course-March-22.pdf
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Tagged Southmere lake, Thames foreshore, Thamesview Golf Course
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Bexley RSPB walk at Lamorbey Park on 18th February
Ralph and Brenda Todd have provided this report of Bexley RSPB’s local birdwatching walk at Lamorbey and the Glade on 18th February. Peregrine Falcon, Nuthatch, Goldcrest and Redwing were amongst the species encountered. http://www.bexleywildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RSPB-Bexley-Group-Walk-Lamorbey-Park-February-2020.pdf
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Crossness latest – new survey shows scarce invertebrates survived pollution incident
Crossness site manager Karen Sutton reports on events, wildlife, upcoming site maintenance activity and impending disruption to the Thames path arising from Environment Agency works. Events: Crossness hosted the ‘BEXLEY GREEN DRINKS’ on 11th Sept, which is the social and networking … Continue reading
ANGER MANAGEMENT – CORY’S PLANS INFURIATE CROSSNESS CAMPAIGNERS
The comments by Friends of Crossness Nature Reserve on Cory’s detailed plans for its proposed four storey data centres next to Crossness Local Nature Reserve are reproduced below, along with the personal opinions of Site Manager Karen Sutton (whilst her … Continue reading
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‘Cory’s detailed Erith Marshes data centre proposals will not prevent serious biodiversity loss’ – BNEF
Bexley Natural Environment Forum has responded to Cory’s detailed proposals for two huge four-storey data centre buildings on Erith Marshes at Norman Road, adjacent to Crossness Local Nature Reserve, which set out how it intends to comply with the conditions … Continue reading
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Bexley RSPB 40th anniversary concert is a big hit.
Group stalwart Ralph Todd reports on the recent very well attended Bexley RSPB 40th anniversary classical music concert with Sidcup Symphony Orchestra, and provides a copy of the programme notes: http://www.bexleywildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/40th-Anniversary-Celebration-of-Nature-Concert.pdf http://www.bexleywildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Concert-Programme-final-version.pdf
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Maiden Lane development by the River Cray – chance to comment
A planning application has been submitted for housing right next to the River Cray, a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation and a key wildlife corridor supporting protected species. The deadline for comments and objections is Monday 10th June … Continue reading
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Mayor of London tells ministers to block second Cory and other new incinerators in London
A public inquiry into a second waste incinerator on Erith Marshes in Belvedere is imminent. GLA PRESS RELEASE 21/5/19 ‘Stop allowing new toxic waste incinerators in London’ Mayor tells ministers · Sadiq: Another polluting plant ‘the last thing we need’ … Continue reading
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Bexley RSPB – report of Hall Place North to Shenstone Park bird walk, 9th May 2019.
The Hall Place North to Shenstone Park bird walk on 9th May 2019 covered new ground for a Bexley RSPB group meeting. Twenty five species were seen, including a number of over-flying Swifts. http://www.bexleywildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/RSPB-Bexley-Group-Local-Walk-Hall-Place-North-May-2019.pdf
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Bexley RSPB 21st March visit to KWT’s Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
Report of Bexley RSPB’s walk round KWT’s Sevenoaks wildlife reserve on March 21st, and the birds seen, by Ralph and Brenda Todd. http://www.bexleywildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/RSPB-Bexley-Group-Walk-Sevenoak-Wildlife-Reserve-March-2019.pdf
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