An update from Tom Thorn
In our last update we reported that we’d been given two young elm trees from the Elms4London project. The project aims to bring back these magnificent trees to the 32 London Boroughs and the City of London.
We’re pleased to report that these disease-resistant Elms planted in February appear quite happy in Well Wood. We’ve been keeping an eye on them and watering them sporadically through the summer.
In the spring we put up some bird and bat boxes, to make up for the lack of aging trees which have cracks and crevices. Older trees often need to be felled by the council due to potential dangers to people using the footpaths. With the ever increasing network of paths this problem can only get worse. Don’t forget, sticking to the paths is the simplest way to support our wildlife.
Happily all four tit boxes had blue tits nesting. As for the two bat boxes, it is unknown if they became desirable property. The other boxes in the wood have been surveyed by a licensed surveyor, but alas no bats were present. Bats have used these boxes in the past, but I think this was the first time they had been checked for a number of years.
The group has also been fortunate to receive the kind donation of various notebooks. They give details of the flora and fauna found in the woods through the ’80s and ’90s. We’re investigating these further and should be able to tell you more history of Well Wood soon.
Get involved!
The Friends of Well Wood meet at 10am in Layhams Road car park, on the third Saturday of the month. For two to three hours they carry out tasks which benefit and enhance the wood for wildlife and visitors.