West Wickham Commons Newsletter – July

July 2019

Welcome to the West Wickham Commons Newsletter covering West Wickham Common and Spring Park.

Dog Walker spots new tree pest

A regular dog walker has spotted a new pest which is distorting the leaves of sweet chestnut trees at Spring Park. Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp was first found in the UK in a woodland in Kent in 2015. The tiny, stingless wasps have since spread to many chestnut woodlands across southeast England and have now arrived at Spring Park. By laying their eggs in dormant leaf buds in the autumn, the wasps provide their offspring with a safe home and plenty to eat as they develop inside the bud. In late June the adult wasps emerge, leaving behind a distorted leaf that eventually withers and dies. This unwelcome pest poses no threat to humans or pets and is unlikely to cause any real harm to the chestnuts.

Volunteers make a splash on Spring Park

On the most recent volunteer task, volunteers donned gloves and wellies to clear the Spring Park pond of reedmace and horsetail, which had begun to take over. The pond at Spring Park is important for a whole host of aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and plants. However, over a pond’s natural lifecycle it can become infilled with silt, decomposing matter and tall vegetation that grows in the water and on the banks. Dominant plants block light and can smother smaller plants which support the wildlife found above and below the water. During the task, we found several newt eggs and observed bright damselfly species darting across the pond surface. With more species to emerge in July, the pond will be teeming with life throughout the summer.

Oak Processionary Moth update

From the last month’s newsletter you might have seen that surveys are happening again this year for Oak Processionary Moth; a non-native species found on oak trees, often in large clusters of caterpillars. We have unfortunately discovered a nest on Spring Park. For the moment, we hope that by removing this nest and continuing with our surveys, OPM can be controlled. Signs have been put up around the oak where the nest is present so please ensure that you avoid these moths whose small hairs can irritate the skin and lungs of passers-by and their pets.

Volunteering

WWaSP Volunteers
Friday 26 July 2019 from 10am
Clearing vegetation around footpaths. Meet at West Wickham Common car park

For further information:
Tel: 01372 279083

Events

Art on the Common – West Wickham Common – Sun 14 July 2019 2pm
Calling all budding artists! Come learn and practice how to draw, finding inspiration in the stunning summer landscape of West Wickham Common.
This is an opportunity to meet other artists and capture some local history! The outdoor activity will consist of timed studies, focusing on different parts of the Common, and increasing in length. All skill levels welcome!
Some basic materials will be provided, but if you have your own you’d prefer to use, bring them along and something to lean on!
Suggested donation of £5
Booking essential – please go online and book your ticket via Eventbrite (search for event title) or give us a ring 01372 279083.

For further information:
Tel: 01372 279083