Wildlife Circus

Brown Hairstreak butterfly Tolworth Court Farm ‪ Richard Jefferies in Surbiton & other Surbiton highlights www.mixcloud.com/swindon1055/...  * see below “The beauty of the hill is spoiled, not by nature, but by man’s neglect. The very ground seems sick.”— Richard Jefferies, diary Jefferies Lament  https://on.soundcloud.com/AKVkRrrdyHJDGVrOuY Mid-century Surbiton presented a contradiction: a rapidly developing suburb marketed for its beauty, yet one whose sanitary arrangements were dangerously inadequate. The 1854 General Board of Health report —rediscovered by Bob Philips and published in The Story of Tolworth —records in stark detail how many of Surbiton’s new roads and houses relied entirely on cesspools , often left until “the ground around is all saturated.” Westfield Road was singled out as especially alarming, its back-garden pits receiving “all the filth, without any proper drainage away from the premises.” The Minutes of Inspection confirm that twenty-five newly b...

                              Note bark strips with access hole retained at the top I recently attended a talk at Bruce Castle Museum, a short bus ride from Seven Sisters, where Russell Miller, of the Ancient Tree Forum, spoke about the conservation of an ancient Oak in the grounds. We also saw a video by wildlife film maker, Ian Phillips, showing how the team has cared for the tree over the years. One of the major challenges has been dealing with large voids inside the hollow trunk. These cavities have been used —three or four times—to light fires, which has seriously endangered the tree. After trying various solutions, the team decided to cover the voids to reduce the risk of further damage. They built a wooden framework, covered this in chicken wire and secured bark strips using special screws. If you look closely at the photo below, you can still see some of the underlying structure.      ...

   I was asked to speak on Light Pollution and Wildlife at the fourth tranche of   Richmond Biodiversity Action Plan   launched at Hampton Court Palace 29.9.2025. The event, hosted by the Richmond Biodiversity Partnership , celebrated an updated plan, aiming to reverse environmental damage including actions encouraging dark skies, and saw the launch of an Action Plan of that name. The launch also featured inspiring talks, art, and other activities involving community groups, local authorities, and other partners. This leaflet, printed a decade ago, shows Council's intent to educate others on the issues that LP causes.   Most of the scientific information delivered in my talk came from commentaries written for the London Naturalist (2006, 2012) updated to include local information on the following headings: Light pollution in London is there more or less? Recent policy changes and the launch of initiatives by the Welsh Government; How do we manage wild...

Queen’s Wood, Highgate, annual fungus foray, London Natural History Society. The London Natural History Society’s annual Fungus Foray is one of its most popular autumn events, bringing together members, mycologists, and  newcomers to explore thediversity of fungi found in London’s parks, woodlands, and open spaces. Led by experienced field specialists, the foray offers participants the chance to learn how to identify mushrooms, brackets, and other fungi while gaining insight into their ecology, lifecycles, and importance in urban habitats. The walk typically includes hands-on examination of specimens, discussion of notable  finds, and guidance on responsible collecting and recording. Beyond discovery, the event contributes valuable observations to the Society’s longstanding biological recording efforts, helping build a richer picture of the city’s natural heritage.                                 ...

  Docks along the Mersey    My friend Marg has sent the letter below to her M.P. and whilst it it refers to the River Mersey, the names within our river catchment could just as easily be substituted (Thames, Hogsmill, Wandle, Queens Promenade, Teddington Lock etc.). Lack of preparation and rising water levels in the Thames, are becoming an increasingly urgent concern, yet preparation has lagged behind the pace of change. More frequent and intense rainfall, higher tides, and climate-driven sea-level rise are putting additional pressure on aging flood-defence systems.  “From 2035, sea level rise and changes to the Thames Barrier operation will result in higher water levels in the River Thames. In areas between Richmond and Sunbury, these increases could range from over one metre to as little as a few centimetres during frequent flood events that we expect to see most winters. Sea level rise will progressively increase flood levels in West London throughout the rest of ...

Application Summary 25/02562/FUL | Demolition of existing gasholders and associated above ground structures and buildings. Phased redevelopment of site to provide 8 to 16 storey 5nos blocks with 586 residential units and ancillary residential facilities (C3 Use Class), together with associated works to the existing accesses and internal vehicular routes, new pedestrian and cycle routes, the provision of new publicly accessible open space, amenity space, hard and soft landscaping, cycle and car parking, works to the brook embankment, re-siting of some gas infrastructure, ground works and plant and associated works. Cross boundary application with LB Merton: Development within Merton comprises works to existing vehicle access onto West Barnes Lane, including hard and soft landscaping and new public realm and associated ground works, to provide pedestrian and cycle route with access for emergency vehicles only, new pedestrian/cycle access routes to Marina Avenue and Sir Joseph Hood Memori...