| What a lot of hedge! The beauty and biodiversity benefits of hedges are capturing media attention, thanks to a ground-breaking study—the most comprehensive map of hedgerows across England. This new map is crafted from aerial laser scanning of England’s entire landscape using Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) remote sensing data. Unlike previous analyses relying on scaled-up estimates from field surveys, this marks a significant leap forward in understanding the extent of this habitat. It’s revealed that England’s hedgerows would stretch almost ten times around the Earth if lined up end to end—an awe-inspiring revelation! Across the Coulsdon Commons, we oversee nearly 3.5km of hedges, ranging from those traditionally managed by hedge-laying to amenity hedges that soften boundaries between residential areas, and to recently planted hedges that will mature in years to come. Recently, Rangers and volunteers on Farthing Downs have been diligently completing the laying of a section of hedge near Drive Road on New Hill. With the laying now finished, stakes firmly embedded, and hazel binders securing the hedge’s crown, this marks the culmination of several years’ worth of effort. There’s still more planned for this hedge, and the Rangers will return to extend it with new native trees like hazel and hawthorn, ready for future laying. |
| Nofence grazing on Farthing Downs and Kenley Common During February and March, Sussex cattle will be grazing 13acre Bury and New Field on New Hill (Farthing Downs), as well as areas of Bunker Bank, to the East of the perimeter track around the airfield on Kenley Common. On both sites, the cattle will be utilizing Nofence technology, meaning there will be no physical fences. Nofence virtual fencing technology relies on cattle using their sense of hearing to detect fencing boundaries, instead of relying on sight. By utilizing GPS technology while the cattle wear a Nofence collar, we can set virtual pastures and track the cattle using a mobile app. The ability to see the live location of our livestock is one of the system’s best features. You can see this here (Just remember to turn on location settings). We’ve added a QR code link to posters on-site, allowing you to scan it with your smartphone. Crucially, these virtual grazing areas eliminate the need for internal fences, enabling us to expand grazable areas and better manage grassland habitats for wildlife. Grazing with livestock helps us improve grasslands by controlling scrub, breaking up tough grasses, and creating tussocks of differing heights and structures that encourage the growth of various wildflowers. In turn, this creates microhabitats for different animals, including birds, invertebrates, and reptiles. If you are walking in these areas with dogs, please keep your dog under close control and on a lead if you are unsure how your dog will react. |
| Bird of the month: Long-tailed tit The Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus) is easily recognizable with its distinctive blush, black, and white colouring. It also boasts a tail that is larger than its body, along with a bouncing flight. Sociable and noisy residents, Long-tailed Tits are typically observed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds flitting between trees and hedgerows. Due to their small size, Long-tailed Tits are susceptible to harsh weather conditions, leading to fluctuations in their numbers. However, these birds have a particular strategy for coping with cold nights by huddling together, often lining up on a single branch to keep warm! |
| Volunteer dates & events for your diary To be added to the mailing list for volunteering and updates on where to meet and times etc., please sign up here. Riddlesdown – Thursday 8 February 10am-3pm Kenley Common – Tuesday 13 February 10am-3pm Farthing Downs – Thursday 29 February 10am-3pm Coulsdon Common – Thursday 7 March 10am-3pm Fire and Food – Kenley Common – Friday 16 February 10am-12pm Join the Rangers this half-term and learn how to make a fire using strikers and natural materials. Then build your own fire and cook up a feast! £5 per child. Booking via Eventbrite. Fire and Food – Kenley Common – Friday 16 February 1pm-3pm Join the Rangers this half-term and learn how to make a fire using strikers and natural materials. Then build your own fire and cook up a feast! £5 per child. Booking via Eventbrite. Heritage Walk – Farthing Downs – Friday 8 March 10am-Noon Discover the fascinating history of Farthing Downs and its many uses from Iron Age farm to Anglo Saxon cemetery and WWII defensive position. £3 per person. Booking via Eventbrite. |
