A natural wonder: Hutchinson’s Bank is reckoned to be the home of more than 100 species of moth and 28 species of butterfly
Inside Croydon is getting out and about again next week, with a guided walk through the flora of Hutchinson’s Bank to be led by local botany enthusiast, Moira O’Donnell. And YOU could join us on our Midsummer’s dream walk
Exotic flora: be guided through the reserve by our amateur botanist
The walk will take place on Thursday, June 26, starting from 6.30pm. We won’t be going very far, or fast, but it is expected to last about an hour and a half, and will explore the rich and varied nature to be found on the slopes of Hutchinson’s Bank.
The local nature reserve is a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.
The London Wildlife Trust, who manage the site, say that Hutchinson’s Bank is “a large area of secluded chalk grassland and woodland, supporting many rare plants and insects, which has benefited from the return of traditional grazing”.
They add that it is “a great place to find orchids and other rare plants… and a hugely diverse range of butterflies. Pyramidal, common spotted and man orchid are among the flora, with grasses including kidney vetch and greater yellow-rattle”.
It is reckoned that more than 100 species of moth and 28 species of butterfly can be found at Hutchinson’s Bank.
Chalk grassland develops on shallow lime-rich chalky soils that are nutrient-poor and free-draining. It is regarded as an “internationally important habitat”.
This part of the North Downs was traditionally grazed by sheep until the 1950s, but changes occurred as New Addington and Forestdale were developed for housing.
The London Wildlife Trust began managing nearby Chapel Bank in 1984 and then Hutchinson’s Bank in 1987. Grazing was reintroduced to Hutchinson’s in 1995.
Numbers for our Midsummer’s dream walk are strictly limited, and paying subscribers will be given priority booking.
To sign up as an iC patron, for less than a fiver per month, click here.
Steep climbs: there’s some steep pathways to get to and from the Bank
The walk has some steep bits and some rough bits, and our walkers are advised to wear suitable footwear. Appropriate clothing, too – hats or caps to keep the sun off, pack a jacket or mac in case of rain.
We’ll be meeting at a designated point (which will be notified to you by mail from EventBrite in the week beforehand) at 6.30pm for a gentle stroll that should take us through until just before dusk.
Bring your binoculars or cameras. A water bottle is a must in our superheated summers, and maybe a snack to eat along the way.
Sorry: no dogs. Much as we love our pooches, Hutchinson’s Bank is a grazing area for sheep.
In the past, our walks have raised hundreds of pounds towards voluntary and conservation charities, with Inside Croydon matching the amount raised. We are doing the same on this occasion, asking for a £6 donation, with funds to go to the London Wildlife Trust.
In the past, our walks have raised hundreds of pounds towards voluntary and conservation charities. We are doing the same on this occasion, asking for a £6 donation, with funds to go to the London Wildlife Trust.
Grazing area: the reintroduction of sheep to this part of the North Downs has helped to regenerate its bio-diversity
Moira O’Donnell is a wildlife enthusiast with a particular interest in botany. She particularly enjoys exploring the many green spaces in the borough, looking for wild flowers and other interesting wildlife.
Looking forward to seeing you – whether veterans of previous Inside Croydon rambles, or newbies who are signing up for the first time. It should be a Midsummer’s dream of a walk.
- Hurry – there’s only a few places available. Bookings via Eventbrite: click here
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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