Sydenham Hill Wood Work

 Moths and Brambles A group of volunteers gathered in the twilight of the glade on Wednesday 15th to carry out a moth survey. A special light box was used to attract moths and trap them safely so they could be checked and released without harm. It has to be said that the results were disappointing to say the least! The group stayed until around 22:00 and by then only one moth had been caught. The box was left overnight and checked the following day and this resulted in only four more. It has to be said that such surveys are best carried out in August but given that September has been a better month for weather, it was expected that a greater number of species and individuals would have been seen. Maybe this is further evidence of the steep decline in insects which is causing scientists such concern.    So what was found?  Oak Hook Tip moth Light Emerald moth Yellow Underwing moth Square-spot Rustic moth   Unfortunately, it was not possible to identify the fifth ...

Autumn on the way. The Dewy Pond in a light shower. Workdays in the Wood have concentrated on preparing it for autumn as well as some general maintenance. Vegetation like brambles, which had been choking the Am Brook was cut back a couple of weeks ago. However volunteers have cleared it back even further to allow more delicate plants a chance to regenerate.  The Am Brook clearly visible, once brambles and nettles have been cut back.   Two years or so ago, a large tree fell down on the upper path and in the process, it took a couple of smaller trees with it. Once the debris had been cleared, the site was opened up into a new g lade, which this spring hosted a wonderful display of foxgloves. The seeds had lain dormant until light levels had increased. It is hoped that this area will see this iconic woodland species spread and establish itself. Foxgloves are bi-annual, first setting seed, the plants emerging the following year but not forming flower spikes until the year after th...