Conservation Volunteers

Thank you to everyone who came to our task in July. This month we will be cutting Sycamore on Fairmile Common. Sycamore is a rampantly self-seeding, quick growing tree species with a low biodiversity value. It is capable of supporting 15 British native insect species, whereas Oak trees can support 400+. Where necessary, we will cut back the Sycamore to open up the canopy and allow neighbouring trees to thrive.

We have had an impressive number of orchids on our commons this summer, with over 200 Common Spotted Orchids flowering by A3 pond. There have also been Pyramidal Orchids on Fairmile Common and Bee Orchids on Molesey.

Conservation Volunteers

Date: The next volunteer day will take place on Wednesday 25 August 2010.
Meet: Sandy Lane Car Park (O.S. Map Explorer 161 London South, Grid Reference TQ126 613).
Time: 10.00 am.
Task: Sycamore cutting

All equipment is provided along with tea and biscuits and you can stay for as long as you like. A Countryside Ranger will be on hand to answer any questions about species of plants and animals that will benefit from the day's task.

If you have a little spare time on your hands and feel like making a real difference to your local environment, then why not join? A chance to gain knowledge of wildlife and conservation, get some fresh air, exercise and make new friends, are just some of the benefits that being an Elmbridge Volunteer can give you.

For more information |please contact the Countryside Team at Leisure and Cultural Services.