A day out of the ‘office’

Regular readers will know that we love our ‘office’, the heaths of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. Our wardens are out on the heaths 7 days a week, spreading the word about these special places. We love our work, but can often spend most of the week alone, so it’s always nice to have a get together. Usually somewhere related to work, where we can catch-up with each other, our partner organisations and learn a little about heathland conservation into the bargain.

Today we joined The Crown Estate’s Biodiversity & Conservation Manager on a visit to Buttersteep Forest, Swinley Brick Pits SSSI and Swinley Park, to learn how commercial forestry is being successfully managed, hand in hand with conservation of heathland wildlife. Although Buttersteep Forest isn’t part of our Special Protection Area, it has the same habitats and is home to our special birds, Dartford Warblers, Woodlarks and Nightjars. Wide ‘rides’ through the forest and blocks where the trees have been harvested, plus areas set aside for wildlife, all contribute to the mosaic of habitats you’ll find here.

An area of Buttersteep Forest that’s been set aside for heathland wildlife

It was cold and cloudy today, so butterflies weren’t in evidence, but we learnt that Silver-studded Blues are doing well in the open areas, and White Admirals and Purple Emperors are often reported in the forest. We saw a few of the ponds created in recent seasons, some close to the paths for people to enjoy and some off the beaten track, where wildlife can thrive. In the afternoon, we had a look at the impressive veteran trees in Swinley Park and heard about the ongoing management of these important trees.

Wide ‘rides’ are maintained as corridors for wildlife and are home to species like the Silver-studded Blue butterfly

Thank you to the team at The Crown Estate for hosting such an enjoyable and informative day.

Sarah
Thames Basin Heaths Partnership