Wildlife Circus

  Highlight of the week: looking for sandmartins at Kingsmeadow and finding slow worms along the Hogsmill. Now the weather is warming it is a good time to spot slow worms. One was seen slithering across the path near Dickerage Lane recreation ground close to where strimmed dead animals are sometimes found.   Last weekend I visited Risborough Green - near the Beverley brook - where these animals have been recently recorded. The last comprehensive reptile  survey of the borough was carried out by LEHART as they were then  known (now the London ARG) by Will Atkins. It is thought that Risborough Green  was known as Kingshill Conservation Area in these surveys. Risborough Green, W.Park    The rough grass on sunny banks, should be retained for them as there are few places - other than allotments - where we have recent records except Tolworth where there are records of slow worms and common lizards. The latter species was recorded during surveys...

see Tolworth Area Plan         I was disappointed in a number of inaccuracies in the Tolworth Area Plan consultation, as seen at Tolworth Community Library (13.6.17).  After showing these flaws to the consultants at the time, I expected to see them corrected in the on-line version. A large area of the 'green' shown within the boundary already has development  planned and by not including this as brown land, makes it  appear as if Tolworth could 'afford' to lose some of its open space to yet more development, such as Crossrail; as the first item in the Guiding Principles (see left) it rather biases the consultation. Another unfortunate omission is the Tolworth Apple Store at Riverhill - a publicly owned 19th  century building- that could provide the focal point for a rich narrative about the orchard heritage that exists in the area; linking current small-holdings, farms and former large estates such as Gosbury Hill to Chessington Hall, with it...

  Last Saturday Kingston Wildlife Day  was attended by almost 100 people. First on the scene were participants on a Duke of Edingburgh Award Scheme (left) who helped make sure the paths were in order for our visitors. In combination with Kingston University, there were regular walks  looking at the wildife interest; including coils of slow worms under the mats at the sports field.   The barbeque, was deliciously crafted by Tariq, especially the baked bananas and ice cream. The  bird walk provided information on  three recently - fledged kestrels that have bred in the barn this year. Children were shown the disused nest of a song thrush, which requires a lining of mud; wet mud is available at the nearby pond. During all the walks clouds of butterflies were noted, included the marbled white but also gatekeeper, small copper, red admiral, comma etc.   At the end of the day there was a walk to the Tolworth Apple Store, almost invisi...