22-03-2018: Of Birds, Bags and Bluebells

Which site came up top trumps on the number of birds seen during the RSPB Big Garden Bird Count?

The long awaited bird count results are in - I've added the table to the bottom of the blog, as its fairly large; in summary, this year we had 771 birds counted by 7 volunteers over 14 surveys on 14 sites. In total we identified 33 species across our sites [including the one unidentified gull species :)].

Compared to last years results we have certainly had movement, with a lot more sites seeing more species overall, with a few dropping in number. 

The site that had the highest number of individual species, taking the crown from last years winners at Roehampton Vale was Middle Mill with and increase in the number of species seen of 6 new species, taking it up to a total of 16 species this year. Second place went to the Kingston University Nursery with 15 species.  

Earlier this month we ran a river bank clean at Knights Park and Middle Mill with the KUBAG volunteers.

In the bank at Knights Park

We cleared bags and bags of rubbish including doing our best to clear the buildup of rubbish on the riverbank near Bedelsford School under the Springfield Road pedestrian bridge. Unfortunately due to local circumstances, rubbish in this area will build up again. This may be a site where - depending on the site ownership, either the council or EA will have to step in to clear litter more often, as occasional volunteer events will not be able to cope with the amount of rubbish being dumped here. 

The whole team together at the end of the event

Please help us look after this site between our volunteer events by not leaving empty food and drink containers on the walls around Knights Park and Middle Mill. These blow into the river before others can clean them up, so please help by binning your rubbish in the bins provided all along the terrace. 

Bin it-don't leave it for others to clear up

Following our river event, we were back at Kingston Hill with KUBAG volunteers and the Environment Trust's Duke of Edinburgh volunteers. We had a great turn out, so we spilt into two teams.

Working on the Nature Trail at Kingston Hill

One working with me, clearing brambles from select areas to help bluebells and other ground flora species establish in our woodland.

Team Bramble

The other working with Elliot to clear away bramble and rhodo roots from the area near the Music School, where we will be planting small samplings (called whips) during National Tree Week in November.  

The Music School team

Digging roots

During the works, the team uncovered a common shrew where they were digging up some roots. After checking to make sure that it wasn't injured, they released the little one to scamper safely away.

Unexpected guest

The whole team together at lunch time.

Our next event is the highly anticipated Spring Woodland Workshop on Saturday 7th April from 10am-4pm- where people are taught green woodworking skills to create something that they can take home with them.

The event is strictly limited to 10 people and for those who are over 16 years old. We will be running a waiting list should people try to sign up after the event is full. 

Please email biodiversity@kingston.ac.uk by Wednesday 4th April to find out if there are any spaces left.

N.B. this email address will be unmanned from the 23 of March to the 2nd of May, but I will get back to you as soon as I can after the 2nd.

The promised results table for the bird count mentioned above.