Wildlife Circus

    Does this building look familiar? Would it surprise you to know that, not only is it in the borough, but it is in public ownership. This does not mean there is public access, as it is located on a site that is leased to an organisation that has no use for it.  Damaged brick work Missing roof tiles             The building was probably used for apple storage when the surrounding area was an orchard. It is currently in a poor state of repair, with damaged brickwork, missing roof tiles, and boarded-up windows on the northern elevation. Despite its condition, the structure has strong potential as a bat roost. Its location within a treeline and other structural features make it attractive to bats, and evidence of use has already been found in the form of characteristic droppings on one of the windows. With appropriate agreement in place, the building could be weatherproofed and enhanced through the installation of access bricks a...

Surveyors from Kingston Biodiversity Network During the final hedgerow survey at TCF, we  began along this ancient drovers road, which is the only area to exhibit the characteristic double hedgerow. With a track the width of two horse and carts, it would have once run from Malden Manor to Tolworth Manor and through to Cox Lane (see previous posts). The survey method is quite complex and follows the DEFRA guidelines. It requires an assessment of both sides of the hedge, topographical descriptions, width measurements, height of perennial vegetation, species breakdown, management observations, whether or not invasive or introduced species are present and nutrient loading assessments, phew! An 'orse Scalloped edges There is also a section that includes management of land adjacent to the hedge and in this case it is grazed!  The edges are scalloped, which increases the value of the habitat, creating sunny patches. Once a 'node' is reached, this is d...

  Kingston Riverside is changing fast and it's latest residents will make more demands on the riverside environment. This will mean an increase in light pollution, whether it is due to light spillage from these windows or by an increase in lighting specification brought about by the inevitable health and safety requirements. Trees are always casualties of the latter and some are exhibiting the painted spots identifying their future execution. There is a new pathway onto Canbury Gardens and wear and tear suggests that here will be the next tarmacadam or bonded gravel pathway. And so more of the natural environment is eroded as the urban gradient increases. 4lb bream caught today       Part of the challenge is to enlist residents in support of local environmental protection. Some wildlife is obvious, such as the large bream regularly caught by fishermen and the small fish sought by kingfishers, as well as the cormorants and Egyptian Geese that  turn Ste...

Kingston Cemetery is nowadays a splendid place for wildlife (see earlier posts for fungi, birds etc.). Over previous winters we have undertaken  winter bird surveys and last years results are posted on the window at the cemetery office. Both night roosts and pre-roost gatherings of several bird species are of interest: Jackdaw, Starlings, Ring-necked Parakeets as well as small passerines. These song birds are  using trees in the environs, including the Cambridge Road Estate, where last night we counted a tree roost of >32 Goldfinches. The birds could be attracted by the 'Cemetery effect ' as well as the warmth around the buildings on the estate. It demonstrates the importance for wildlife of large trees in the urban environment. Tree damage caused by dogs         Many large trees have been removed from the estate in recent years and some will die slowing as a result of trenching operations and vandalism. The council have belatedly placed tree gua...