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May Bexley RSPB events that still have places available.This content isn't available at the moment
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EARLIEST RECORDED RETURN DATE FOR BARNEHURST SWIFT NESTING ZONE.There were 3 Swifts circling over the northern half of Hillingdon Road this evening (29/4), the same place as the first ones I saw in this area in 2024. This was my first check of the year, so they could have got back even earlier.
Previous 'first dates' for this 'site' are as follows:
2024 - 1/5. None seen in an hour of circuits on 30/4
2023 - 2/5. My first check of the year so they may have arrived earlier. One reported at Crossness 28/4
2022 -8/5 (checked from 28/4)
2021 - 6/5 (had last checked 3/5)
2020 - 2/5 (first date checked)
2019 - didn't monitor
2018 - 7/5 (had checked every evening starting 1/5)
2017 - 4/5 (no prior daily checks)
2016 - 4/5 (no prior daily checks)
2015 - 6/5 (no prior daily checks)
The earliest Swifts in London this year were one at Rainham on April 14th, and another on the same date at Staines Reservoir.
Chris Rose
HELP CLEAN UP THE LOWER RIVER CRAY !Join FRIENDS OF THE CRAY AT CRAYFORD on FRIDAY 2nd May
to tackle litter along the banks of the lower Cray,
Meet 10 a.m. at the junction of Footpath 106 and Barnes Cray Road (see graphic below).
The plan is to go downriver along By-way 105 this week before the undergrowth gets too dense.
All welcome, no particular skills needed.
Equipment will be provided. Wear appropriate clothing for being out in the open and avoiding stings from Nettles and scratches from Brambles, and bring something to drink.
Best wishes
Sarah
CROSSNESS LATEST - PROTECTED AREA WILL REMAIN CLOSED OVER EASTER WEEKENDA brief update to advise that the Protected Area will remain closed over the Easter period - really sorry about this. As hard as we've tried, we can't get a new locking mechanism on the gate before next week, so it is currently padlocked shut so as to not leave us vulnerable over Easter.
I am taking advantage of the upcoming bank holidays to squeeze in some annual leave, so you will not get a notification from me about re-opening, however please assume that the Protected Area is likely to be re-opened by the following weekend.
Karen Sutton
Crossness Nature Reserve Manager
Free webinar on improving Bee 'hotel' design with Prof Dave Gouslon.Tuesday, April 22 · 1 - 2pm
Improving Bee Hotel Design: The Big Bee Hotel Experiment
www.eventbrite.co.uk
Join Prof Dave Gouslon to hear about how the Buzz Club are investigating the effectiveness of different bee hotels for UK bees.
Category Archives: Volunteering
FotS steps up Danson wildlife and environmental action
The Friends of the Shuttle is stepping up its wildlife activity and hands-on environmental work at Danson Park during 2016. The lake drains into the Shuttle in Bexley Park Woods. Besides fortnightly maintenance sessions in the Old English Garden, there … Continue reading
Posted in Danson Park, Friends of the Shuttle, Volunteering
Tagged Danson Park, FotS, Friends of the Shuttle, Old English Garden
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Ruxley Gravel Pits Nature Reserve – 7th February report
It was a cold crisp morning when ten volunteers ventured into the gravel pits. They worked in two groups cutting down saplings and small trees as well as fighting their way through the inevitable bramble. Because of all the exertion an early lunch … Continue reading
Academy pupils complete ‘pre-SUDS’ trench work at Thames Road Wetland
As part of an ongoing collaboration with Thames21, the group managing Thames Road Wetland, four pupils from Crayford Academy came down on January 20th and helped complete the groundwork designed to keep vehicle oil out of the main waterbody at … Continue reading
Lesnes Abbey Conservation Volunteers group announces spring programme of woodland activities
The volunteer group that does conservation management work in Lesnes Abbey Woods has published its latest schedule of events which run up to the end of May. Events are free and take place from 12 – 3.30pm. No particular skills or … Continue reading
Some photos from the January 19th Thames Road Wetland / By-way 105 litter clear-up
We’ll start with some scenic views across the Thames Road Wetland site before moving on to the more unsavoury material …..
Posted in Litter, River Cray, Thames Road Wetland, Thames21, Volunteering
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It’s Costa del Thames Road Wetland as four Lizards out basking despite the ice and frost
Four Common Lizards born last year were out basking on old car tyres on a south-facing slope at Thames Road Wetland at 13.30 today (19th January), despite some of the water on the site being frozen over, and frost laying … Continue reading
Posted in Thames Road Wetland, Thames21, Volunteering
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Thirteen turn out in snow to crack on with Ruxley nature reserve vegetation management
The first snow of the winter didn’t deter the working party of 13 people at Ruxley Gravel Pits on Sunday 17th January. It was interesting to see the footprints in the snow and the tracks across the frozen icy water where the birds … Continue reading
Volunteers clean up in Marlborough Park
Gloomy conditions fail to dampen spirits of the Friends of the Shuttle team as another shocking amount of rubbish is removed from in and around the river. Thanks to all those who came to Marlborough Park this morning (January 14th) despite … Continue reading
Wildlife events at Woodlands Farm
Big Farmland Bird Count, vegetation management and litter clearance on the agenda at Woodlands Farm. Education Officer Hannah Forshaw education@thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org writes: Hello everyone. I hope you had a good Christmas and Happy 2016! I have been looking at the diary … Continue reading
Posted in Bird watching, Litter, Volunteering, Woodlands Farm
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Braeburn Park (LWT reserve): report of November 13th workday
Seven volunteers faced a massive task, heavy showers and sunny spells and a huge 50′ x 4′ high pile of brush to burn through; as well as opening up of the south facing sloping banks, to allow in good sunlight … Continue reading