Wildlife Circus

One of Britain’s most endangered trees is the native black poplar Populus nigra. Around the country there are a number of authorities with Biodiversity Action Plans to promote this species including in Greater London. The plans promote actions which increase public awareness over the plight of the tree; create inventories of existing trees; and carry out additional planting of locally sourced cuttings. Some plans state the need to use planning policy and Tree Protection Orders to protect trees that might be threatened. Others go as far as to remove flood-banks and create conditions suitable for floodplain woods exactly as those in Ham-between Ham Lands and the river Thames - where there are two fairly prostrate native black poplars. An analysis of Norfolk BP tree locations showed they were often associated with kilns, farms, mills, smithies and malthouses indicating they had been planted rather than a product of natural seed dispersal. The wood was fire resistant, can resist paraffin...

This circular walk, Norbiton - New Malden - Coombe - New Malden, is suitable for pyjama bottoms or shorts.  You may feel more comfortable wearing a face mask along THE CUT  as it is quite busy. There are opportunities to walk on grass verges rather than paths if you suffer from arthritis. Some background reading is advised to get the most out of this walk. The walk starts at the Railway bridge over the KINGSTON ROAD at Leigh Close Industrial Estate, where there is a footpath along the railway lines. Can you see the entrance to the footpath in the photo? On the left  is an old Cedar and some Lleyland Cypress trees which goldcrests love. They make a sweet noise, swinging up and down the register of the higher notes, that only people under 50 can hear well. You can search for birdsong here. https://www.xeno-canto.org Leigh Close industrial estate Kingston Road. Exit the footpath and you are at Elm road railway crossing and about to enter THE CUT on the right han...