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Thursday 27 June

26/6/2019

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As the temperature climbs, we will take the opportunity to do some pond dipping ("NO, Mr Carter - not SKINNY DIPPING") at The Lagoon. We will also remove some more of the ragwort which is very prolific this year. Meet at the Holly Lane car park at 10:00hrs.

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Thursday 20 June

19/6/2019

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The task for Thursday is to clear the path along the top of Coneyboro Hill and Fames Rough. Meet at the Rambler's Rest at 10:00hrs. 
Richard III - please pick up Andy + tools
Only one scythe required (with a bramble blade) - Richard III
Silkies probably useful.
Loppers/sickles required

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Tuesday 18 June

17/6/2019

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The task for Tuesday is to clear the growth from the path edge at Stagbury field. Meet at the HOLLY LANE CAR PARK at 10:00hrs. 
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Thursday 13 June

12/6/2019

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The task for Thursday is to clear the bracken/bramble at the elms site. Meet at the Park Farm car park at 10:00hrs. 
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Tuesday 11 June

9/6/2019

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Hi everyone, the task for Tuesday is to cut and remove the bracken and scrub at the elm site. Meet at the Park Farm car park at 10:00hrs [unless the weather is very inclement]. See you there...
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More plants in the lagoon

6/6/2019

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The WoodChips were engaged on three different tasks today: path edge clearance in Banstead Wood, the butterfly transect and new planting at the lagoon.

This planting is intended to add to the areas that interest the Small Blue butterfly, including the patches on Barn and Hither Field and a small colony in the 'Interpretation Area' next to Holly Lane car park.
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The lagoon one will become our largest patch so far. 40 Kidney Vetch plants were chiselled into one of the steep, bare slopes* of the lagoon, to join the single clump of Vetch currently flowering there. The plants, carefully cosseted in compost at home, are now coping with an arid environment of mostly stony chalk, but tomorrow's forecast rain should help them settle in.

As you can see from the pic on the right, the lagoon edges are getting greener, and the wildlife also continues to increase. Today, Red and Blue Damselflies in mating pairs were joined by what looked like a Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly, investigating the pond edges. But only the Yellow Flag Iris stayed still enough for a photo.

Post and pics by Graham K.  
Click on photos to enlarge.
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A variety of plants are beginning to colonise the lagoon edges.

​*Safety note: recommended kit for this kind of terrain should include abseiling ropes, ice pick, crampons and a life jacket. Sadly, this equipment is not yet available for volunteers. Did have a trowel and a waterproof, though.
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Some of the 40 Kidney Vetch now planted at the lagoon.
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Yellow Flag Iris
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Young Vetch in its harsh new environment.
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Part of the area of new planting.
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Thursday 6 June task

5/6/2019

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The task for Thursday 6 June is to continue with the path clearance at Banstead Wood. Meet at the Park Farm car park at 10:00hrs.
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Tuesday 4 June task.

3/6/2019

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The task for Tuesday is to continue with the path edge clearance at Banstead Wood. Meet at the Park Farm car park at 10:00hrs. 
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    Picture
    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