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Cramp-ball Fungus weevil

31/5/2020

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Regarded as 'scarce' in the UK, this fairly large weevil feeds on the fungus 'King Alfreds' Cakes'. This one was beaten from a rot-hole in a felled Sycamore at Banstead Wood. Its' specific name is Platyrhinus resinosus.
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Rare wasp found at The Lagoon

30/5/2020

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The minute (3mm long) wasp, Cratomus megacephalus was found at The Lagoon on 29/05/20. As it looked very unusual, I took it home to photograph and identify it. It was easily photographed, but its identity was considerably more difficult, so I put the photographs on the BWARS (Bees,Wasps and Ants Recording Society) Facebook page where it was quickly identified by Koorosh McCormick.
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Last week in the woods

24/5/2020

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A stroll in the woods saw the last of the bluebells in flower. Many have collapsed in the drought which has hardened the path surfaces in the woodland. Other bright new growth has begun to narrow some of the paths, particularly the bridle track on the west side of Banstead Wood. Meanwhile plants and trees in both the older and more recent coppiced areas are continuing to flourish.
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Dog Violet, coppiced area, Martin deFreitas
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Bluebells and new hazel beside one of our earlier dead hedges.
On 18th May, Graham Harris recorded the following species making an appearance in our latest coppice patch: 
Bluebell, Dogs Mercury, Enchanter's Nightshade, Lords & Ladies, Willow Herb sp., Early Dog Violet, Wood Avens, Primrose, Bugle, Common Figwort, Wood Spurge. Bare earth 35%.
The Banstead Wood bridle path. Not ideal for social distancing!
Old dead hedge absorbed by wild raspberries.
Hazel coppice near Park Farm.
Last of the Bluebells at the orchard.
Ancient fungi (Artist's Bracket?), Banstead Wood.
Wood Spurge, coppiced area.
Japanese Elm in the Knoll, grown from a cutting propagated from Banstead Wood.
Green Alkanet near Park Farm
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Bat Sign seen in Banstead Wood. Should Commissioner Gordon be informed?
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Spring is sprung

2/5/2020

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The woods and fields seem to be coping just fine without us for the time being. In particular, the Banstead Wood coppiced area is bursting with new growth including patches of bluebells. Remember how muddy the path was to the dead hedge? Ideal for the Wild Garlic now on show. The Lagoon edges are greening up nicely despite the recent dry spell. This should suit the new froglets that will develop from the tadpoles now growing in the shallow end.
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The Lagoon surrounds and sides are showing a fair bit of growth, including a white form of Borage. Cut-leaved Germander is still doing well and a large patch of Barren Brome (Anisantha sterilis) grass should help to secure one of the steep slopes against erosion. 

There's more good news: Graham H discovered that our one and only Butterfly Orchid (see pic) has once again sprouted after being destroyed last year. Let's hope the vandals won't find its location and it will last long enough to set seed.

Graham K
Thanks to Peter Wakeham for assistance with plant ID.
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Looking South in Chipstead Valley
Wild Garlic
Bluebells in Banstead Wood.
Butterfly Orchid
White Borage
Common Cornsalad (Valerianella locusta)
Marsh Marigold, Lagoon
Field Scabious
Cut-leaved Germander
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A carpet of green around the Lagoon.
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    Community Woodlands Award


    ​Who are we?

    We are a self-funded group of volunteers looking after our local countryside in Banstead Wood and Chipstead Valley. We  extend a warm welcome to those  who would like to help maintain this important green space for the benefit of everyone. Here you will find details of WoodChips weekly tasks and activities. Check back soon  to see what we're up to!

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  • Home
  • About Us
  • The area we cover
  • Featured creatures
  • Our Butterflies
    • Butterfly Blog
  • Toolkit
  • Photo Competition
  • WoodChips Blog
  • Countryside Videos
  • CONTACT/MORE INFO