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    WoodChips Blog

Cleared before the flood

6/10/2021

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In late summer, the WoodChips carried out the first major clearance of overgrown water plants in the Lagoon. These were mainly Hornwort and Bulrush, which were invading the space of less-vigorous species. Hornwort is an oxygenating plant useful for wildlife, which also helps to check Duckweed. But you can have too much of a good thing, especially with pond plants. From just 50 tiny clumps scattered in the water in April 2019, our Hornwort had grown to a thick mass covering most of the Lagoon surface from top to bottom.

Reaching higher than the volunteers, the Bulrush did its best to match this achievement with a two-pronged attack, extending its fleshy roots rapidly underwater while scattering fluffy seeds in the wind.

There was good weather for the clearance, as the water had dropped to a safe level following the previous fine period. Unlike now, with the recent heavy rain covering the access path and substantially increasing the depth of the pool (pics below).

With this sort of growth rate, it looks like we'll be revisiting this task in future years. It's also good practice for similar work that's needed in Banstead Woods pond. And, thanks to help from the Downlands Trust, our volunteers now have suitable protective clothing (waterproof gloves and waders) for the task.
                                                                                                                 Graham Kenward
Picture
Graham H & Richard II tackling the Bulrushes.
Picture
Richard III raking out Hornwort.
Sept 2021 after reducing overgrown water plants
Oct 2021 after heavy rain
The no-longer-shallow end
Looking south from the drainpipes end
Picture
The dark 'tidemark' shows the maximum water level reached after the recent heavy rain. The plants outline the original bank beside the flooded path.
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    ​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
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  • Our Butterflies
    • Butterfly Blog
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