City Commons, who oversee four commons and the South London National Nature Reserve, are now having to deal with dumped garden waste in conservation areas. PLUS: dates for guided walks and volunteer sessions
Keep to the paths: the red-list endangered bird needs to be given a bit of space at this time of year
The rangers who oversee Coulsdon Common, Farthing Downs, Riddlesdown and Kenley Common have issued an appeal for the public to take extra care when walking over the commons to avoid disturbing nesting skylarks.
The small, brown birds may be easy to overlook, but their song is unmistakable – a continuous, joyful stream of notes delivered as they rise high into the sky before gently drifting back down.
Importantly, these birds, a red-list endangered species in Britain, are ground-nesters.
Throughout the spring and summer, their nests are hidden among the grass, making them especially vulnerable to disturbance from people and dogs. Skylarks aren’t alone either – a range of other ground-nesting birds rely on these open grasslands at this time of year.
The City Commons rangers say: “To help protect these important breeding areas, temporary electric fencing has been installed at Farthing Downs and on Riddlesdown (above the Quarry), with support from the Downlands Partnership.
“Skylarks can have up to three broods in a season, laying three to four eggs each time, so giving them space now makes a real difference.
“When visiting, please stick to paths where possible and keep dogs under close control so that these remarkable birds can continue to thrive and fill the Downs with their song throughout the season.”
More troublingly, during routine work across the four Coulsdon Commons and National Nature Reserve, rangers have come across several large piles of dumped garden waste.
Delicate balance: conservation areas such as Fathing Downes are being put at risk by people dumping their garden waste
“While it might seem harmless, disposing of garden cuttings here can cause significant damage,” the Rangers say.
“Many garden plants can quickly take hold in the wild, outcompeting native species and altering the delicate balance of these rare and often fragile habitats.”
One particular concern is the spread of invasive or non-native plants, such as Spanish bluebell, which can hybridise with and displace our native bluebells. Garden waste can also introduce other unwanted species, pests and diseases.
“We kindly ask residents not to dump garden waste on the Commons and to dispose of it responsibly through proper green waste services. By doing so, you can help protect these special landscapes and the wildlife that depends on them.”
Walks and talks
All of City Commons’ walks, talks and events are advertised on Eventbrite. For booking and to subscribe, sign up here.
Wildlife Walk – Farthing Downs
Tuesday April 21, 1.30pm-3pm
Join the Ranger on Farthing Downs to spot signs of spring, discover wildlife and explore the landscape’s Anglo-Saxon past. £3 per person. Booking via Eventbrite.
Breakfast with Birds – Coulsdon Common
Sunday April 26, 6am-8am
An early morning stroll across Coulsdon Common to listen to the beautiful dawn chorus, followed by coffee and pastries. £3 per person. Booking via Eventbrite. Few tickets left
Dawn Walk – Farthing Downs
Friday May 1, 6am-8am
Welcome the day on one of London’s wildest open landscapes, listening for birdsong as the Downs slowly come to life. £3 per person. Booking via Eventbrite. Few tickets left
Volunteer dates
To be added to the mailing list for volunteering and updates on where to meet and times, sign up here.
- Kenley Common: Tuesday April 21, 10am-3pm
- Farthing Downs: Thursday April 30, 10am-3pm
- Coulsdon Common: Thursday May 7, 10am-3pm
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Good luck asking dog owners to keep their pets under control. From my experience, most owners couldn’t care a fig about anything but their, precious pooch. At the very least we need short leashes made mandatory and compulsory dog licences. That way trouble-causing dogs can have their licenses endorsed. But what about their owners?