Sydenham Hill Wood Work

Dewy Pond Survey   2022 A dragonfly nymph found in the Dewy Pond. 1st June saw the annual Dewy Pond survey carried out by volunteers and led by Kate Lake, herself an experienced volunteer in the Wood. Many thanks to Kate for leading the survey, collating the results and analysing them. The results are similar to the last survey which was carried out on 18th August last year, though there was lower diversity in that slightly fewer species were recorded.  Also there were no swimming mayfly nymphs, a common species that is semi-sensitive to oxygen levels and these have been observed during many years of surveys of invertebrates in the pond.  Dragonfly nymphs were not found whilst doing the survey, however after it was concluded, a volunteer located the best spot and found two large nymphs (see photo above). However, this did not make up for the fact that their numbers were very low.  Also the only water boatmen found were when pondweed was being cleared and not during t...

Flooding again  Before talking about the problems in the Wood, it's really pleasing to see foxgloves spreading into lighter areas. These were founding growing behind the Tennis Court Glade. Another thunderstorm has brought flooding to the Wood yet again. The problem is the same; the drain in Crescent Wood Road can't cope with heavy rainfall. This, despite the fact it is situated on top of a hill. The thunderstorm on Tuesday afternoon (31st May) caused the drain to back up and overflow into the Wood. The torrent of water rushed its way down the main path down to the tunnel, damaging the newly laid surface yet again. To try to help mitigate the effect if and when it happens again, volunteers spent the following day making the new French drain at the top of the path more effective. To do this, a new raised area was installed which not only acts as an extra barrier to the water but also evens out the surface by burying exposed roots. This should make the surface...