Wildlife on the site

The site attracts a wide range of wildlife and one of the joys of working on your plot is spotting something that you may not see so easily otherwise.

The reserve attracts animals and insects such as frogs, toads, newts, lacewings and dragonflies. The children can spot spawn in the Spring, and then the tadpoles swimming around. However, please don't remove any to take home as these will grow into our next generation of frogs and toads. (If you are worried about the tadpoles because of low water levels in the pond, please tell a member of the committee.)

Birds

The site attracts a range of birds that are common to suburban London, such as robins, blackbirds, pigeons and members of the tit family. You may also see both Green and Greater Spotted Woodpeckers (although you might hear them before you see them) and keep an eye out for seasonal visitors. Swallows, swifts and house martins can be seen feasting onthe many insects over the site. Blackcaps and Lesser Whitethroats have been seen in recent years and of course the Ring-necked Parakeets are always around!

Other animals

Plot holders have reported spotting slow worms, mice and foxes of course. We are also home to stag beetles and if you come across very large white grubs in your compost heaps, these are the grubs of the beetles. Please leave them to turn into one of the most impressive insects that Britain can offer, Surrey is one of their last strongholds

We'd like you to report any less common birds and animals that you see, so that we can build up a picture of who else enjoys the site other than plot holders.

To dig one's own spade into one's own earth!
Has life anything better to offer than this?
Beverley Nichols