The Sutton Nature Conservation Volunteers (SNCV) and London Borough of Sutton (LBS) Biodiversity Team have been hard at work bringing a new dawn of opportunity for wildlife at Queen Mary’s Woodland.
The Woodland
Queen Mary’s Woodland in Carshalton Beeches developed from hilltop grassland since the 1900s. It originally formed part of the grounds of the former Queen Mary’s Children’s Hospital which closed in 1993. The majority of the estate has since been developed for new housing and school, with the woodland being transferred to the London Borough of Sutton. Along with the land, developers contributed funding to improve management of the woodland for wildlife and local people.
Path clearance Queen Mary’s Woodland
Alex Draper, LBS Biodiversity Project Officer says “The woodland has suffered from years of neglect. We have begun clearing up rubbish and opening up the paths to vary sun and shade within the woodland. This will encourage a diversity of plants, birds and butterflies. I hope local people will join us to improve the woodland, as we will be organising events for neighbours to enjoy the woods and get involved in giving nature a helping hand.’
Diana Hurter, SNCV Trustee says, “I love the violets that grow here. The habitat work and new paths planned for the woodland will make this a real wildlife haven for all to enjoy. If you can get up in time for the first planned event – a dawn chorus walk – you’ll have a special experience of what this woodland has to offer”.
Early dog violet, viola reichenbachiana
The Woodland’s first event
Have you ever been in a woodland and heard a birdcall: ‘doi doi doi-doi’ call, with uneven rhythm and wondered…what bird is that?
Join the LBS Biodiversity Team on an early morning dawn chorus walk, and herald in a new era for Queen Mary’s Woodland on Sunday 1st May. You will learn to identify birdsong such as blackcap and goldcrest, and hear about the future plans for the woodland.
David Warburton, LBS Biodiversity Officer who will be leading the walk says, “Once leaves are on the trees, recognising bird song is really useful as one often can’t see the birds themselves. Birds we might expect to hear on this special early morning stroll include nuthatch, blackbird, long tailed tit and greater spotted woodpecker, to name just a few.”
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Sunday 1st May. 5am – 7am. Suitable for anyone who can get up in time! Where: We will start at Queen Mary’s Woodland and walk around the local area. Please be aware we may be walking over muddy, uneven ground, so please dress accordingly. Meet: at the entrance to Queen Mary’s Woodland, near roundabout of Diamond Jubilee Way and Damson Way https://goo.gl/maps/L5kqeM1igWB2. Cost: £5.00 per person Booking essential via LBS online booking system – go to: http://37.188.117.158/suttonecology/
For queries or enquiries about volunteering opportunities – Contact: Alex Draper at biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk 020 8770 4197
