Spring Park Social Club – May Activities
30th March 2019
Defibrillator – Wickham Hall and Medhurst Hall
13th April 2019
The latest news from the West Wickham Commons team
April 2019 – Welcome to the West Wickham Commons Newsletter covering West Wickham Common and Spring Park.
Spring Park springs to life
Spring is arguably the best time of year to visit Spring Park. Arrive early to envelop yourself in the surprisingly noisy dawn chorus which may include blackcaps, nuthatches, great tit and dunnock. A sudden silence may herald the arrival of a sparrow hawk, skilfully manoeuvring at speed between the trees in pursuit of a feathery breakfast.
The woodland floor will be clothed in a carpet of wood anemones, celandines and of course, the magnificent bluebells. On a still, sunny day you may even experience the delicate perfumes of these British woodland icons.
A visit to the pond is a must to view the masses of tiny tadpoles and the glossy yellow flowers of the marsh marigold. Pausing quietly for a while should reward you with a glimpse of a newt rising to the surface for air.
Health focus
The volunteers spent a day in late March looking after the heathland on West Wickham Common. Carefully digging out invasive brambles and young birch trees from amongst the heather plants helps to promote strong growth and reduces shading. Small pine seedlings were also removed but will be replanted at Spring Park where there are gaps in the roadside line of pines by Woodland Way. Finally, tiny heather seedlings were transplanted into new areas to continue the spread of rare heathland habitat.
Events
Bat Walk – West Wickham Common
Friday 26 April 8pm-10pm
Join the ranger for a guided night time walk across West Wickham Common in search for bats. We will be using bat detectors to hear the bats echolocate!
Suggested donation: £3 per person.
Booking essential – please go online and book your ticket via Eventbrite or give us a ring 01372 279083.
Volunteering
WWaSP Volunteers
Friday 26 April 2019, 10am – 2pm
Meet at the Spring Park office at 10am
Clearing back path vegetation.
For further information:
Tel: 01372 279083