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August Update (2024)

August has brought some warm, dry weather to the Wood, although after the wet spring, the number of butterflies observed in surveys is very low.

However, during a butterfly survey  in the middle of the month, a Brown Argus was spotted and it is thought that it is the first time this species has been seen in Sydenham Hill Wood.

Brown Argus butterfly (Photo - Butterfly Conservation)

More exciting visitors to the Wood have been a pair of hobbies. They have been seen and heard frequently in the Wood. These small raptors are summer migrants and again, it is thought this is the first time they have nested here. This has been the cause of much consternation of other birds like jays and parakeets, although hobbies tend to eat dragonflies and smaller birds, being able to catch swifts and swallows on the wing. 
More can be found out about hobbies by clicking on this link.


Hobby (Photo - Woodland Trust)

Progress on the bridge has been slow and talking to the contractors, it would seem the public hasn't helped. There have been delays caused by theft and vandalism, however, it is hoped the rebuild will be completed by October/November, possibly sooner. The two abutments have been rebuilt and back-filled with a lightweight concrete and work has begun on refurbishing the bridge deck. 
The eastern abutment and bridge deck.




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