WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS
ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT 2017
THANKS ARE DUE TO EVERYONE WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED RECORDS FOR THIS REPORT; TO THE WILLING VOLUNTEERS; FOR THE SUPPORT OF WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION FORUM MEMBERS; AND FOR THE RECIPROCAL ENTHUSIASM OF WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS STAFF. A SPECIAL THANK YOU GOES TO ANGELA EVANS-HILL FOR HER HELP WITH PROOF READING, CHASING MISSING DATA AND ASSISTANCE WITH THE FINAL FORMATTING, COMPILATION AND PRINTING OF THE REPORT.
CONTENTS
Page Context 1
A. Systematic Recording 5 Results 7 Reflections and Recommendations 27
B. BioBlitz 29 Reflections and Recommendations 34
C. References 35
List of Tables
Table 1 Mowing Dates for the Conservation Zone of the Plain 2008-2017 4 Table 2 Summary of Systematic Recording in 2017 and Recent Years 6 Table 3 Recording Effort and Overall Plant Species Counts on The Plain 10 2014-17 Table 4 The Habitat Patches (for detailed records see Appendix 3b) 10 Table 5 Confirmed Bird Records for The Plain, March-September, 2017 12 Table 6 Comparison of the Most Abundant Butterfly Species Recorded 14 2015, 2016, 2017 Table 7 Dragonfly and Damselflies Species Found at the Standard 17 Sampling Locations 2017 Table 8 Locations and Site Descriptions of Refugia 20 Table 9 Summary of Frogs and Toads Sightings Reported 2nd March and 21 8th March 2017 Table 10 Mammals Sighted on Wimbledon and Putney Commons 2017 22 Table 11 Fauna at Putney Lower Common, January – December 2017 25 Table 12 Wet and Dry Periods as Revealed by Raynes Park (SW20) Rainfall 27 Data Table 13 Summary of BioBlitz Sightings, 2017 32
List of Figures
Figure 1 Location of The Plain on Wimbledon and Putney Commons 3 Figure 2 The Variable Height ‘Grassy’ Sward with Cut Bramble in the 8 Formerly Uncut Area Figure 3 Bee Orchid amidst Yellow Rattle and Ribwort Plantain 9 Figure 4 Autumn Hawkbit flourishing in the late summer mowed sward 9 Figure 5 Trifid Bur Marigold and Marsh Pennywort on the Exposed 11 Marginal Areas of Bluegate Pond Figure 6 Stonechat 13 Figure 7 Holly Blue 15 Figure 8 Black Darter at Bluegate Pond 16 Figure 9 Double Line Moth 18 Figure 10 Common Lizards Sightings on Wimbledon Common and Putney 20 Heath 2017 Figure 11 One of 9 Common Lizards seen on Heathland during a Scrub- 21 bashing Session Close to the Junction of Ladies Mile and Inner Park Ride 20th May 2017 (Map area 13 on Figure 10) Figure 12 Leccinum melaneum 24 Figure 13 BioBlitz Route 2017 29 Figure 14 The BioBlitz Blackboard 2017 30 Figure 15 Oak Processionary Moth Nest 31 Figure 16 Honey Bee on Bird’s-foot Trefoil 33 Figure 17 WPC’s Dog Waste Challenge 33
List of Appendices
Appendix 1 a. Forum and volunteers etc 36 b. Dave Wills Obituary 37 Appendix 2 WPC Wildlife and Conservation Events 2017 and Associated 38 W&C Forum Activities Appendix 3 Plants 3a Floral Records for The Plain 39 3b BioBlitz Plant Communities - Beyond the Main Area of The Plain – The 44 Habitat Patches Appendix 4 Butterflies 4a The Long-established Transect 46 4b Wimbledon Common SW and Fishponds Wood 47 Appendix 5 Dragonflies and Damselflies 48 Appendix 6 Moths 49 Appendix 7 Fungi 62 Appendix 8 Rainfall data 66 Appendix 9 BioBlitz Flyer 67 Appendix 10 Woodland and Meadow Mini-Beasts 68 Appendix 11 BioBlitz Fauna 70
Wimbledon and Putney Commons ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AT WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS
2017
CONTEXT
2017 has been a challenging year. Diverse events conspired to disrupt monitoring activities. Most significantly, the sudden illness and death of the lead bird recorder, Dave Wills (Appendix 1); exceptional and untimely mid-summer pressures on some staff and Conservators, who are regular contributors to recording, relating to the appointment and fact-finding activities of an Interim Manager for the Wimbledon and Putney Commons; and conflicting major family commitments of some key recorders. In mid-April, fire affected two heathland areas and disrupted some reptile and amphibian monitoring sites as well as impacting on the habitats concerned more generally.
Consequently, there are no systematic bird records for The Plain for 2017; the proposed high-summer, pre-mowing, floral survey of The Plain did not take place; and plans to extend the field survey to a wider heathland area linked to the NVC report were put ‘on hold’. Only occasional anecdotal reports of people pressures and environmental conditions are available. Since a key aim of the volunteer monitoring activity is to gather reliable data that can inform management, the loss of data that has been available in previous years, and hopefully years to come, is unfortunate. But what it does highlight is the need to have a larger pool of volunteers with the necessary skills and this must be a priority moving forward.
Very positively, however, from among the regular volunteer bird watchers on the Commons, a new lead bird expert, Adrian Podmore (AP), came forward. Thus the programme of bird walks, bird monitoring at the BioBlitz, and the regular Annual Bird Report have all still been achieved. Furthermore, working with other Forum members, notably Les Evans-Hill (LE-H), a fuller and more seasonally extensive series of bird walks and workshops has been established for 2018. Consideration is being given to new public- information materials drawing on the increasing pool of systematic data that has emerged during the recent monitoring push (2014 to date). As a trial, brief notes on butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies have been incorporated into the 2017 Bird Report following the style of the long-established bird reporting. Work to make recent historical records for these species more readily available in a form compatible with the new records has been started.
Despite the challenges, much was achieved in 2017 (Appendix 2). A second Wildlife and Conservation Forum (W&C Forum) Winter Talk was held in February, this time on the theme of Hedgehog Conservation. The 2017 guest speaker was Dr Nigel Reeves. Around 80 guests attended. The topic was especially pertinent since, though under threat in London’s Park and across Greater London generally, Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) had recently been spotted at Putney Lower Common. Dr Reeve subsequently visited Putney Lower Common with the Head Ranger (Bill Rowland) and Peter Haldane (Conservation and Engagement Officer (C&EO)) and made site evaluations of potential Hedgehog habitat at the same time
1 giving helpful advice for maintenance of Hedgehog presence in that area. Later in the year a Hedgehog was also reported in a staff garden on Wimbledon Common. These are the first reported sightings for the Commons for many years and, given the well-documented nationwide decline in Hedgehog populations (BTO, 2018; The Guardian 2018; PTES & BHPS, 2011), their presence is particularly pleasing and their conservation needs to be promoted. All maintenance staff involved with regular sward mowing in the grassy areas of Putney Lower Common now first beat and search to ensure no Hedgehogs get injured in this process (C&EO report to W&C Forum, 2017).
The National Vegetation Classification Survey and Habitat Assessment Report (NVC Report) on the key habitats of Wimbledon and Putney Commons was received in January 2017 (PAA, 2016). It affirmed that current conservation activities, such as mowing regimes on The Plain and other grassy areas, were indeed appropriate and if maintained could lead to improved conservation status for the Commons. It also highlighted where further beneficial intervention could be considered. The report forms the basis for linking monitoring to specific habitat units and for targeted habitat improvements. It is an essential baseline against which to regularly monitor change on the Commons.
In mid-summer, the BioBlitz was well supported despite a sudden switch in weather to heat wave ◦ conditions (over 30 C by mid-day). Building on the success of the small mammal pilot survey in autumn 2016, a fuller survey was incorporated into the 2017 BioBlitz. A lunch-time talk on Bee-Keeping and Bee behaviour was another new and much-liked addition to the programme.
A programme of wildlife and conservation-management themed walks with the public was offered throughout the year enriching the co-learning opportunities. A noteworthy popular addition was the high-summer butterfly, damselfly and dragonfly walk. Seasonal walks with the staff management team have proved popular and the Walks for Health programme became increasingly well supported and in all weather conditions. Fun activities for children at Easter and Halloween have brought families onto the Commons who were not previous visitors and are potentially generating their active engagement in future volunteering and recording events.
Meanwhile, the ‘scrub bashers’ volunteer group maintained momentum clearing invasive scrub from the heathland areas. Their activities are supported by follow-through work from the Maintenance Team poisoning tree stumps and removing the excess woody materials generated. New mid-week volunteer programmes were under development by late 2017. These will allow a greater diversity of volunteering opportunities from estates and simple grounds maintenance work such as litter picking, post painting, etc. through to data sorting and wildlife monitoring. For the latter some training will be offered. These activities will be overseen by the C&EO and will dovetail to reflect management needs in relation to the new Land Management Plan to be developed in 2018 under the review of the W&C Forum.
Monitoring priorities for 2017 were to:-
• Consolidate further the records for The Plain (Figure1) as initiated in 2014 using, as far as possible, the same methodology as previously described in Monitoring the Plain, Summer 2014 and Wimbledon and Putney Commons Monitoring Report Spring/Summer 2015; Ibid 2016. • Continue to review the impact, if any, of use of an earlier summer mowing date for The Plain as adopted in summer 2014 (Table 1) on ground nesting song bird species and flora and fauna more generally. A particular concern for 2017, highlighted in the 2016 report, was the potential impact of the early August mowing date on key elements of the floral sward, such as Yellow Rattle
2 (Rhinanthus minor) which in the cool and very wet conditions of spring and early summer 2016 had flowered some three weeks later than had previously been seen and appeared suppressed by the vigorous grass growth experienced in 2016. • Review the impact of the changed location of the area left un-mowed in 2016. • Continue to monitor public response to the Conservation Zone of The Plain (Table 1, Footnote 1). • Note general environmental features such as soil conditions and weather. • Whenever practicable, incorporate wider recording activity led by specialist groups such as the London Wildlife Trust (LWT) so that a fuller picture of the Commons’ wildlife emerges. • Continue to engage and enhance public participation in wildlife observation through a weekend of ‘BioBlitz’ activities. • Maintain and develop further a programme of year-round public participation activities through staff, volunteer, and visiting expert-led walks and other activities. • Offer opportunities to participate in the ecological management of the Commons under the guidance of the C&EO or his delegate.
Figure 1 The Location of The Plain on Wimbledon and Putney Commons
The report has two main sections; the systematic recording by assorted expert volunteers and the BioBlitz records derived from the weekend of nature events with the public. Systematic wildlife and environmental recording is mainly focused on The Plain and nearby areas, for reasons outlined in previous reports (Footnote 2) and was undertaken from March to October 2017 by assorted volunteers coordinated through the W&C Forum. However, regular monitoring now also includes records from the
3 two standard butterfly transects for the Commons, which cover a wider range of habitats, and dragonfly and damselfly records from six ponds on Wimbledon Common, Farm Bog and The Plain. Moth monitoring takes place throughout the year at 1 Thatched Cottage, a staff residential property on Wimbledon Common, and an autumn Fungal Foray supplied data mainly from heathland and woodland areas to the west and south sides of The Plain. BioBlitz records and the preparation for this event yield useful additional records from the Habitat Patches identified close to The Plain and along the main BioBlitz route.
Table 1 Mowing Dates for the Conservation Zone of the Plain 2008-2017
Year Date mowed Year Date Mowed 2008 September 27th 2013 September 20th 2009 September17th 2014 August 7th Experimental earlier mowing designed to promote a longer sward the following spring 2010 August 24th 2015 August 8th Repeated early mowing; larger un-mowed zone reserved since some ground nesting song-birds still present. 2011 August 25th 2016 August 4th Repeated early mowing; changed location of un- mowed area since previous location was becoming heavily invaded with tree seedlings and saplings. Linked area to small patch of taller heather to give slightly larger contiguous uncut area. 2012 August 30th 2017 August 4th Repeated early mowing; reverted back to make the un-mowed area equivalent to that for 2014 and 2015. The small patch of taller heather was left unmowed since this includes valuable additional habitat of mature, and in places, approaching degenerate-stage heather Note: work under the Higher Level Stewardship agreement started in 2008 and finished in 2016. Future heathland and grassland operations will be carried out under the umbrella of the new Countryside Stewardship scheme.
1.The principal management element is late-summer mowing of the target conservation area (9.7 ha, about 4/5ths of the total area of The Plain, 11.7ha,) with (hitherto) 1 hectare left uncut as a refuge of longer grass-herb sward for the benefit of ground nesters and making an overwintering refuge for some insect species, small mammals and reptiles e.g. lizards. From spring roughly 1/5th of The Plain experiences a regular mowing regime to maintain its suitability for general recreational use; the remainder, the Conservation Zone, is left uncut until late summer except for three mown pathways to allow the public to traverse the area. Annually, this un-mown area is declared a temporary restricted access zone to all users and especially to dog walkers and their dogs from 1st March to 31st July to protect breeding birds from disturbance.
2. As alluded to in Table 1 and Footnote 1, monitoring focuses on The Plain since in recent years this has been identified as the key location for breeding skylarks (Alauda arvensis) on the Commons. Skylarks are declining nationally, mainly due to changing farm practice. Remnant acid grassland under traditional management, such as The Plain, offers a potential refuge. The acid grassland habitat of The Plain is also important in terms of its floral and wider faunal diversity. Until 2016 The Plain was managed under a Higher Level Stewardship agreement for the Commons. It is now a focal area for the Commons new Country Stewardship agreement. It is important element for the SSSI status of the Commons.
4 A. SYSTEMATIC RECORDING
For most organism groups, monitoring in 2017 followed procedures adopted in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The principal difference is in the bird records. Thanks to the hard work of the new volunteer bird coordinator (AP), it has been possible to collate the records of occasional observers into a 2017 Bird Report in the same style as that produced for many years by DW (Podmore, 2017). However, there was no focused observational summer record for The Plain. The ‘bird recording group’, has yet to decide its approach to this area for 2018. Given the SSSI status of the area and its relevance for Countryside Stewardship support, it would be beneficial to re-instate this count.
Flora, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies and moths were recorded by the same volunteers as in 2015 and 2016 and in the case of flora and butterflies 2014. The C&EO again conducted a reptile and amphibian survey building on data from 2015 and 2016. The small mammal survey piloted in 2016 was extended as part of BioBlitz activities in 2017. Similarly bat records were obtained from this date and an earlier public event as has been done in previous years. In 2017, data on fungi were received from the autumn expert-led, public survey event and are these are included with the monitoring report for the first time. Data for 2016 were not received in time for that report. These and earlier data are now available from the Ranger’s Office.
The focal recording area was again The Plain, a key location for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and formerly in the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. Wider records from other habitats at Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath are included, most notably those from the butterfly transects, as established in 2015, and from the pond locations routinely sampled in dragonfly and damselfly recording. Most fungi data are from scrub-invaded heathland and woodland areas near The Plain. No systematic records are available for Putney Lower Common despite requesting help from regular walkers on the Common. The C&EO has, however, continued his informal monthly walks building a valuable diary of seasonal change and wildlife at Putney Lower Common.
On-site environmental data are limited to anecdotal records from the assorted floral, bird, and insect recorders and from staff and some wider observations from volunteers on walks around The Plain. However, new rainfall data spanning 2005-17 became available from garden recordings made nearby (roughly 2.5 miles) in Raynes Park (PF). These valuably corroborate the casual observations of other volunteer recorders and staff. A brief survey of sward heights was conducted alongside the first floral monitoring. An overview of monitoring activities since 2014 is shown in Table 2.
5 Table 2 Summary of Systematic Recording in 2017 and Recent Years
Organism Group / 2014 2015 2016 2017 Locations Comments BioBlitz records Environmental Topic available Birds DW DW DW - The Plain Also ‘spot’ records from all volunteers observers in Annual Bird Reports. Wimbledon and Putney Heath only Y Butterflies DW SR1 SR1 SR1 DW on The Plain With input from Butterfly Conservation SR established a Y (GC) DW and and SR1 Woodland, SW Wimbledon Common new more woodland- focused transect in 2016 (SR) SR2 SR2 SR2 GC re-developed and extended transect Dragonflies and - BB BB BB 7-post, Bluegate, Hookhamslade and Ravine Mainly BB with ad hoc additions from SR Damselflies SR ponds; Farm Bog, Queensmere, Rushmere, The BB has now analysed previous data sets from Ron Kettle Y Plain 1993-2005 Moths - LE-H LE-H LE-H Mainly at Thatched Cottage; some from BioBlitz Predation problem in 2016 Y AE-H AE-H AE-H and other public events near The Plain Full year records except BioBlitz Other insect groups DS LNHM LNHM - The Plain and nearby heaths and woody area Heathland areas used were mainly those running Y major volunteer northeast to Kingsmere and A3 surveys Reptiles and - PH PH PH The Plain and adjacent heath areas Disrupted by fire in 2017 Y Amphibians Flora US US US US The Plain and BioBlitz Habitat Patches Reconnaissance survey on Heath in 2016; aiming to give Y RT RT RT RT detail to units identified by NVC
Fungi (AO)* (AO)* AO AO In heathland with scrub and secondary woodland Autumn forays in mid-September and October Y west and south of The Plain Mammals London JT JT JT (bats) Queensmere (Bats) Variable in 2017 mainly around BioBlitz time Y Bat & Huma Group (Bats) Pearce AL (small Habitat fringes of The Plain (small mammals) BioBlitz time only (Bats) mammals) Throughout WPC (others) Anecdotal records from keepers sightings Environmental data RT - BB PF Nearby in Raynes Park Monthly records Y pH pond rainfall 2.5miles from the Ranger’s Office 2005 to date nutrients Sward height RT RT RT (RT) The Plain Early season records only April-May N Public use of The JW JW (JW) (JW) The Plain Much supplementary anecdotal information Plain and seasonal Need a back-up for JW Y change Notes: See Appendix 1 for recorders Identifications Additional verifiable records are periodically available from London Natural History Society visitors; from training events for London Natural History Museum entomologists; and from WPC Keepers and other staff and public casual observations. (RT), (JW) Brackets indicate only a partial record is available on that occasion. * indicates data only recently retrieved.
6 RESULTS
Sward Height In 2017, only occasional measurements of sward height were taken during the first full floral survey in 10th May. Experience from the previous 3 years of monitoring showed that cutting the sward earlier in August the preceding year was beneficial in allowing the sward time to recover and grow in late summer. Renewed growth in spring varied with weather conditions. A cold dry spring following a late summer cut risks a sward too short in early summer to entice ground nesting birds. Nesting is similarly deterred by wet winter and spring conditions such as prevailed in 2016 when extensive areas of The Plain were under water well into the summer period (early June). In terms of ground-nesting species, the condition of the sward by May is likely to be key.
In 2017 spring weather was cool and dry (see also environmental data). There were no standing water pools on The Plain and, unlike 2016, neither Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) nor Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were seen on The Plain during plant recording. Weather did not turn warm until late May and again in mid-June when there was a sudden switch to heat wave conditions. As in the previous two years in April and early May sward height in the cut areas was patchy often reflecting minor differences in drainage. Some Heather (Calluna vulgaris) was very short, 6cm, resembling pioneer-stage plants (Gimingham, 1972; Webb, 1986; Symes and Day, 2003) other areas had building-phase Heather at 15- 20cm. Rushes (Juncus spp.) were typically 10-15cm tall. New shoots on perennial grasses, such as Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), were typically around 7-10cm long except in wetter locations where the grass took an almost tussocky form with tussock bases 10-15cm tall. In the uncut area dead flowering heads of Purple Moor-grass were measured at 85cm. Dead flowering heads of Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) were also frequently observed varying around 80cm tall. In the uncut Heather Patch (adjacent to the main uncut area) the Heather was typically about 70-75cm high comprising mainly mature phase plants some of which were starting to collapse into classic degenerate-phase Heather. By mid-May the main sward area averaged around 15-20cm tall.
In summary the mosaic of height conditions was good, offering a variety of habitat opportunities. However, having the main uncut area adjacent to the area of taller Heather was thought by the bird recorders (Wills, personal communication) to be less likely to attract ground-nesting species, and especially the hoped-for Skylarks (Alauda arvensis), than the previous more central and floristically variable area. It was also closer to a footpath across The Plain. This change in mowing pattern had been necessitated by the increasing amount of woody plants establishing in the previously unmown patch. However, since this had now been rectified by cutting this area in 2016, it was agreed to return to the original uncut location for the mowing in summer 2017.
7 Figure 2 The Variable Height ‘Grassy’ Sward with Cut Bramble in the Formerly Uncut Area - 10th May 2017
Flora The full floral records for The Plain are shown in Appendix 3a. These are complemented by records taken for the associated ‘Habitat Patches’ used in the BioBlitz event but separately recorded in detail ahead of the event and in late summer (Appendix 3b). On The Plain, 73 species were noted overall. The usual seasonal trend was evident with 49 species recorded on 10th May rising to 62 noted 15th June. By June, however, several of the earliest flowering species, such as Adders Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum) were no longer visible. Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) was, as noted in previous years, only seen flowering in the May survey. A solitary specimen of Lady’s Smock (Cardamine pratensis) was observed by JW when on a casual walk-about in early June. This was noted in a disturbed area where there had been tree-felling and stump-grinding in the previous two years and may be an opportunist coloniser from nearby heathland.
In the previous year, 2016, when the spring and early summer especially were very wet and conditions were generally cool through to early summer, the flowering time for most plants was typically 3 weeks later than usual giving concerns that some species might not have had time to set seed before the summer mowing took place. An especial concern was Yellow Rattle which is a key element of the flora since by its hemi-parasitic nature it suppresses grass vigour and thereby promotes wider floral diversity. However, Yellow Rattle was again prolific in 2017. Vetches too (Vicia spp.) were much more evident than in 2016 when the later date of peak flowering and the more vigorous grass growth appeared to suppress these species.
For 2017, the former uncut area of 2014-16 had been mowed following flowering in 2016. This area could now be more fully explored. The area showed numerous tree seedlings and despite the presence of some Purple Moor-grass clumps it was much drier than previously experienced. The Raynes Park record showed that rainfall in early a summer 2017 was less than half that of same period in 2016 and the 3rd
8 driest year since 2005. However, the previously recorded patch of Southern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) (2016) was still evident with 10 individuals noted.
A definite highlight in 2017 was the presence of Bee Orchid (Orphrys apifera) with 6 specimens found in mid-June near the most easterly mown pathway across The Plain (Figure 3). Though a solitary specimen was recorded the initial 2014 survey, Bee Orchids were not seen in 2015 and 2016. Overall by the BioBlitz date (17-18th June) The Plain was a typical mosaic of colour and floral diversity. As noted in the late summer survey in 2016, Autumn Hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis) was characteristically prevalent and flowering by late August (Figure 4). Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) were also flowering abundantly in the late summer, post-mowing, sward.
Figure 3 Bee Orchid Amidst Yellow Rattle and Ribwort Plantain - The Plain, 16th June 2017
Figure 4 Autumn Hawkbit Flourishing in the Late Summer Mowed Sward - The Plain 31st August 2017
9 Table 3 reveals a consistent pattern of species diversity. There are inevitable variations year to year due to the interplay of seasonal weather differences and recording dates. As is also well known in ecological survey work the extent of recording effort will influence the total species found. By 2016 the general nature of The Plain’s floral composition was understood and recorders turned their extra efforts to the Habitat Patches, the nearby vegetation units to be visited during the BioBlitz. This was consolidated further in 2017. Species not found in the 2016 and 2017 surveys in particular reflect peripheral woody and scrub zones from the southern edge of The Plain and include Hop Trefoil (Trifolium campestre), Clustered Dock (Rumex conglomeratus), St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), and Speedwells (Veronica chamaedris, V.hirsuta).
For the next, 2018, recording season it is proposed to keep this pattern of verifying surveys on The Plain, so that any key changes will be spotted, and to add in each year plant recording at a new habitat. Farm Bog is proposed for 2018.
Table 3 Recording Effort and Overall Plant Species Counts on The Plain 2014-17
Year 2014 2015 2016 2017 Number of full visits 6 4 3 2 Number of rapid back up visits 3 2 2 2 Number of species recorded 79 80 75 73
The Habitat Patches Plant surveys were conducted ahead of the BioBlitz at the likely stopping points on the general walks with the public (Table 4; Appendix 3b). The areas were also revisited in late summer to review the impact of the near drought summer conditions on the areas and to confirm identifications of late flowering species. Although Bluegate Pond and environs was not part of the 2017 BioBlitz route the area was also visited in late summer for comparative purposes. At both Bluegate and Hookhamslade Ponds, water levels were low by late summer. At Hookhamslade a very extensive area of Branched Bur Reed (Sparganium erectum) had colonised the shallow margins. At Bluegate, extensive marginal areas had become exposed. Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) was widespread and Trifid Bur-marigold (Bidens tripartita) was colonising (Figure 5). On the island area the invasive garden escape, Michaelmas Daisy (Aster (now Symphyotrichum) novi-belgii), was in flower.
Table 4 The Habitat Patches (for detailed records see Appendix 3b)
Habitat Patch Number of Additional Total Plant Species Plant Species to The 2017 only 2014-17 Plain 2017 Hogweed Patch 4 25 31 Nettle Patch 3 18 22 Heath Patch 1 22 24 Around Hookhamslade Pond 5 15 21 Secondary Woodland 7 16 17 Wayside area Near the Wood Pile 6 (1 in common with 15 15 Nettle Patch) Bluegate Pond and surrounds 3 Not - recorded
10
Figure 5 Trifid Bur Marigold and Marsh Pennywort on the Exposed Marginal Areas of Bluegate Pond 31st August 2017
Public Use of The Plain - Disturbance Factors Systematic recording of public use of The Plain was again not possible in 2017. From the casual observations of staff, W&C Forum members and visits from the plant recorders, public use was similar to 2016. Most people respected the temporary restriction area established to protect ground nesting birds during the breeding season and kept to the mown pathways with their dogs, usually, on-lead. In the early season where the restriction was new, there were still some breaches until revised behavioural patterns established as the sward grew. It did not seem that the new notices set up in late summer 2016, highlighting the general importance of The Plain for the wildlife, had majorly influenced behaviour. In general, however, the plant recorders rarely encountered members of the public when in the Conservation Zone of The Plain except in marginal areas. Most problems are seen close to the public pathway adjacent to the west side of The Plain. Here dogs frequently run from the pathway into the restricted area and often owners seem unaware of the signage since they are not actually on The Plain. Perennial Rye-grass (Lolium perenne) is a significant component of the sward in this area which may reflect this extra pressure. The dog presence brings with it the potential for nutrient enrichment of this area as well as direct disturbance factors affecting wildlife.
During a plant recording visit in May, a school group was noted exercising in the SW area of The Plain. This area has been disturbed by scrub clearance in recent years and while it is good to see young people enjoying the Commons, it is disappointing that the school concerned had not notified the Office of their visit. This simple act could have led to relocation of their activity to the recreational zone of The Plain. It would also have enabled staff to back up the visit with safety advice and medical emergency assistance, if needed, and it might have given a chance to share conservation news with these new visitors.
11 WPC staff plan to increase the occasional presence of Keepers in this area during the spring and early summer nesting period and there are proposals to recruit volunteer dog wardens who could explain conservation objectives to the public through informal conversation and thus encourage more support for the temporary restriction. More reporting of public activity should become available from these sources during 2018.
Birds As noted previously, there were no systematic records taken for birds on The Plain in 2017 due to the illness and death of the regular and much-valued recorder, Dave Wills (DW). Reported here are observations made during plant recording, RT; noted occasionally by staff, mainly PH, and other volunteer bird recorders, mainly AP, JW, JWcz, and LE-H, and by DW in spring; or spotted during the BioBlitz and other expert-led walks. For consistency with earlier monitoring reports, the records shown here cover the period from 1st March to 30th September 2017. They are arranged in seasonal order to give a snapshot of change through spring, summer and early autumn (Table 5).
Table 5 Confirmed Bird Records for The Plain, March-September, 2017
Common Name Scientific Date of record Comments Name Carrion Crow Corvus corone Ever present RT, more than 20 noted on former uncut area Most abundant on 10th May species European Saxicola March and DW, singles Stonechat rubicola September AP, JW, LE-H 3+ near Heather patch Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes March DW, JWcz, Heather patch on The Plain, singles minimus Linnet Linaria March AP cannabina Jackdaw Corvus May 1 noted 10th May RT monedula Kestrel Falco BioBlitz in June AP, JWcz, PH tinnunculus Skylark Alauda BioBlitz in June BioBlitz RT, AP, singles arvensis and August Common Swift Apus apus July AP; JWcz, PH 20 over The Plain in July Reed Bunting Emberiza July AP and PH 2+ probably breeding schoeniclus Common Sylvia July AP, Somerset Ride (southern border of The Whitethroat communis Plain), 3 fledglings Swallow Hirundo July, August JWcz, PH, AE-H rustica Northern Oenanthe August AP single female and JW single male Wheatear oenanthe House Martin Delichon August AP 20 moving through and feeding on The Plain urbicum Whinchat Saxicola September JW, Heather patch on The Plain rubetra Meadow Pipit Anthus September AP, 32 in one hour moving SW over The Plain pratensis
12 Mallard and Canada Geese were not recorded on The Plain in 2017 which was unsurprising given the much drier conditions compared with 2016. Mallards were in the top 10 for observational frequency on The Plain in 2014 (7th) and 2016 (8th) both wet years but were absent in 2015 which, like 2017 was drier. Skylarks, though again present in 2017, did not breed. Swallows (Hirundo rustica) and Swifts (Apus apus) were a noticeable high summer presence swirling above The Plain when in full bloom and buzzing with insect life. The European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) evidently relished Heather on the Plain and nearby during its spring and autumn migrations. However, in the absence of regular recording effort on The Plain very few inferences can reliably be made. It is hoped regular recording can resume in 2018. DW made over 50 visits to The Plain each spring-summer season for the records presented in 2014-16.
A fuller picture of the bird population on the Commons in 2017 is available from the Annual Bird Report, this year collated by AP (Podmore, 2017). Disappointingly, and very pertinent to the acid grassland – heathland areas and SSSI status, the Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata) noted on gorse and the heather area nearby at Ladies Mile in autumn 2016, though seen again in spring 2017, did not re-appear in the autumn. This area was affected by fire in April 2017 and, though similar habitat is found nearby, this may have been a disruptive factor. Long-tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus) which also favour this area were noted nest-building early in the year (DW in February) but there is no subsequent information on their numbers here following the fire.
Figure 6 Stonechat
13 Butterflies The same two transects were recorded in 2017 as were recorded fully in 2016 and established mid-season in 2015. No records specific to The Plain were made in 2017 though the long-established transect now extended onto the plateau areas gives a reasonable insight into species and their abundance on The Plain. Anecdotally, all meadow species (which are typically those found on The Plain) seemed to do well in 2017 (Riley, personal communication). Overall 26 species were recorded; 23 were recorded on the long-established transect and 18 were seen in the new woodland transect (Appendix 4). This compares with 29 species overall in 2016. Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) was a new record in 2017 but Brown Hairstreak (Thecia betula), Purple Emperor (Apatura iris), Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) and Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus) were not recorded in 2017. Butterfly abundance, however, was noticeably greater than in 2016 when it would seem the prolonged cool and damp conditions may have depressed numbers. The increased abundance was most marked for the long-established transect where 901 individuals were recorded. This may in part have been a reflection of floral changes in the meadow areas, such as The Plain where the very wet cool spring and early summer in 2016 changed the balance of plant species and led to delayed flowering times. Total records from the woodland transect were similar to 2015 with 254 individuals noted.
Variation in abundance of the most frequently observed butterfly species 2015-17 on the two, now routine, transects is shown in Table 6. On the long-established transect, Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) and Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) are clearly the most commonly encountered species. Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) was much less abundant in 2016 when it was recorded just 5 times, while Comma (Polygonia c-album) was much less common in 2015, with just 3 records, than in the following two years. On the woodland transect Meadow Browns are still very abundant though other species, Small White (Pieris rapae), Peacock (Inachis io) and Gatekeeper are all abundant. On the woodland transect, Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) which showed 19 records in 2015 dropped to just 3 in 2016 and 5 in 2017. This species may have been affected by the holly clearance programme in part of the woodland area though it is known to be very variable in occurrence (UK Butterflies).
Variations in the butterfly records both in terms of presence and abundance do need cautious interpretation. Presence or absence of a particular species will reflect the interplay of recording visit dates with prevailing weather conditions at the time and well as longer term trends in habitat change and year to year variation in weather. Nevertheless, this growing data bank from consistently recorded walks gives a valuable insight into the Wimbledon Common butterfly populations.
Table 6 Comparison of the Most Abundant Butterfly Species Recorded 2015, 2016, 2017
6a Re-established Long-term Transect (Gay Carr and Now Including Plateau Sites including The Plain)
2015 2016 2017 Species in order Number Species in order Number Species in order Number of abundance seen of abundance seen of abundance seen
Meadow Brown 184 Meadow Brown 131 Meadow Brown 405 Gatekeeper 96 Gatekeeper 77 Gatekeeper 203 Small / Essex 23 Small White 27 Speckled Wood 41 Skipper Common Blue 19 Specked Wood 22 Small/Essex 36 Skipper Large Skipper 15 Small Skipper 14 Ringlet 32
14 Speckled Wood 14 Ringlet 13 Large Skipper 24 Small White 24 Small Heath 13 Comma 10 Comma 19
Purple Hairstreak 6 Small Heath 9 Common Blue 18 Ringlet 6 Total recorded 407 Total all records 343 Total Records 901
6b New Transect Wimbledon Common SW and Fishponds Wood
2015 2016 2017 Species in order Number Species in order Number Species in order Number of abundance Seen of abundance seen of abundance seen Peacock 40 Meadow Brown 19 Meadow Brown 136 Meadow Brown 39 Small White 19 Small white 30 Gatekeeper 34 Comma 16 Peacock 20 Brimstone 34 Holly Blue 23 Gatekeeper 14 Comma 14 Green-veined 20 Peacock 9 Red Admiral 11 White Comma 13 Speckled Wood 7 Brimstone 10 Small Copper 7 Orange Tip 10 Small 6 Speckled Wood 6 Tortoiseshell Orange Tip 6 Small White 7 Brimstone 5 Holly Blue 5 Total recorded 255 Total recorded 121 Total recorded 254
Note: The value of these readily retrievable long-term records and inter-year comparisons was clearly shown when it was realised that the record for 27 abundances had been wrongly attributed to Green-veined White in the 2016 report. Revisiting the records showed it was Small White with an abundance of 27.
Figure 7 Holly Blue
15 The 2017 Bird Report also includes a listing of all (not solely 2017) butterfly species recorded on Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath, 2015-17. The overall 30 species seen to date suggest the Commons are a top location for butterfly observation in the Greater London area (Riley, personal communication). Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) is very occasionally reported though it has not been recorded on the transect routes. Given another year of similar recording, it may be possible to build a picture of seasonal change in the butterfly populations.
Dragonflies and Damselflies 18 dragonfly and damselfly species were recorded during the regular surveys in 2017 (Appendix 5). Additionally, Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) was recorded at Beverley Brook by SR during a butterfly walk and Black Darter (Sympetrum danae) was sighted at Bluegate Pond in August by David Element. This Black Darter sighting was the first record for Wimbledon Common since 2009. Formerly, 1990s to early 2000s, there was a significant breeding population on the Common but currently the nearest other known site is Esher Common, Surrey about 12 miles SW (Budd, personal communication).
Work has started (BB) analysing earlier records for dragonflies and damselflies on The Commons which run from 1993 to 2005. These were recorded by Ron Kettle and co-workers. These records show 59 sightings of Black Darter which peak at 14 in 1998 but with just 1 recorded in the last year available, 2005. During the period 1993-2005 the species was seen once at 7-Post pond, once ‘away from water’, 29 times at Bluegate Pond, on 24 occasions at Hookhamslade Pond, and 5 times at Kingsmere. The most frequently observed species in this early record were in decreasing order Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum), Azure/Common Blue Damselfly (identification needs further work to clarify), Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) and Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa), all with over 100 records. Black Darter was the 6th most frequently recorded species from 22 noted overall. More work on these earlier records is still needed to verify details in terms of occasional identification uncertainties and understanding the recording effort in terms of frequency of site visits and their duration. The records are, though, a very valuable addition to, and reference point for, current observations.
Figure 8 Black Darter at Bluegate Pond, August 2017 © David Element
16 In 2017 overall 20 species were found on The Commons. This compares with 19 species in 2016 and 17 in 2015 noted by the same recorders visiting the same locations. Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis), a highlight in 2015 and 2016, was again recorded at Bluegate Pond. Most abundant were Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella), Common Darter, Emerald Damselfly, Large-Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula), Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum) and Small Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion tenellum) which were all noted in abundances 6-20 (Appendix 5). The most ubiquitous were Emperor Dragonfly, found at 5 locations; Azure Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum), Broad- bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa), and Large Red Damselfly all seen at 4 locations and Common Darter found at 3 locations. The best sites for finding diverse and relatively abundant populations of Dragonflies and Damselflies were Bluegate Pond, Hookhamslade Pond and Queensmere (Table 7).
Table 7 Dragonfly and Damselfly Species Found at the Standard Sampling Locations 2017
Location Species Found Number of different species noted 7-Post Pond Azure Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly 2
Bluegate Pond Azure Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Broad- 11 bodied Chaser, Common Darter, Emerald Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Large Red Damselfly, Migrant Hawker, Willow Emerald Damselfly Farm Bog Broad-bodied Chaser, Large Red Damselfly 2
Hookhamslade Azure Damselfly, Broad-bodied Chaser, Common Darter, Emperor 9 Pond Dragonfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Hairy Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Ruddy Darter, Southern Hawker Queensmere Azure Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Brown 10 Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly, Common Darter, Emperor Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, Small Red-eyed Damselfly Ravine Pond Emperor Dragonfly 1
Rushmere Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser 2
The Plain Black-tailed Skimmer, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly 3
Rainfall in late summer and autumn 2016 and spring and early summer 2017 was less than normal (see environmental data) and by August 2017 Bluegate, which is a very shallow pond, was much reduced in area and, as noted when discussing flora, terrestrial plants were colonising areas normally underwater. Concerns have been expressed that this valuable site, in terms of dragonflies and damselflies, is under stress. This needs fuller investigation. Exploring the newly available earlier dragonfly and damselfly records alongside the recently supplied rainfall record which extends from 2005 to present would be a sensible first step.
A listing of all the dragonflies and damselflies recorded on the Commons in 2017, with brief notes on each species, has been included, on a trial basis, in the Wimbledon Common and Putney Commons Annual Bird Report for 2017.
17 Moths 504 moth species were recorded in 2017 mainly at 1 Thatched Cottage, a staff residence on Wimbledon Common (Appendix 6). Recording was made on a regular weekly basis throughout the year. Unlike 2016, when the moth recording had to be suspended, predation was not a serious issue. For a brief period a Hornet (Vespa crabro) nest in a neighbour’s bird nesting box caused a minor problem but this was removed before any serious disruption to moth recording occurred. The total species number was very similar to 2015, the last year when a full record was made and 484 species were recorded. Of some concern, however, was the seeming drop in abundance across all species. While this is anecdotal observational information based on recorder impressions rather than robust data, it would be worth monitoring this tendency more closely in future years. It could be that the local moth populations are being depressed by the targeted spraying for Oak Processionary (Thaumetopoea processionea) since many species are in their larval stages the same time that Oak Processionary is being targeted; however, it could also be due to variation in climatic conditions during the year.
2017 was a very poor year for primary migratory moths with virtually no Silver Y (Autographa gamma) being recorded at all; other migratory species recorded albeit in low numbers included Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella), European Corn-borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) (recorded during the Bioblitz), Rusty- dot Pearl (Udea ferrugalis), Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella), Vestal (Rhodometra sacraria) and Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon).
Figure 9 Double Line Moth
Double Line (Mythimna turca) continues to be recorded annually; this moth which is normally associated with the SW of England has a small stronghold here on Wimbledon Common along with Richmond Park. A partial 2nd brood of Buff Ermine (Spilosoma lutea) was a possibility with an individual emerging on 16th October, indicative of favourable climate conditions; this moth is normally single-brooded between May and July. A new site record of Hornet Moth (Sesia apiformis) was taken at a pheromone lure on 20th June
18 along Memorial Ride and during the Bioblitz Orange-tailed Clearwing (Synanthedon andrenaeformis) also came to a pheromone lure as witnessed by many members of the public.
A few examples of a new pest species recently introduced into the UK, the Box-tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) were taken during the year, and noted quite often moving across The Plain. However, in nearby Putney, it was noted on the local SW15 forum as a major problem with widespread local infestations and hundreds of larvae found on the food plant.
Other Insects Some additional adhoc records for other insects; e.g. bees, wasps, ladybirds, grasshoppers and beetles were noted during plant recording activities and especially during the BioBlitz. They are collated with the BioBlitz account. In addition, local entomological expert, David Element, recorded Pantalon Bee (Dasypoda hirtipes) along the edge of The Plain near Parkside and Bee Wolf (Philanthus triangulum) en route from the main car park to Queensmere both on 6th August 2017.
As in recent years (since 2014) the C&EO collated reports of Stag Beetle sightings (Lucanus cervus) supplied by members of the public in response to a general appeal for information. The abundance of Stag Beetles in the Wimbledon area, and on the Commons especially, is a key reason for the WPC designation as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). In 2017 there were 19 reports Stag Beetle sightings from the levy paying area of which 3 were from the Commons; one from Putney Lower Common on the Beverley Brook tow path, and two from Wimbledon Common at Westside and near Springwell Cottage. The overall numbers are similar to 2016 but, as noted then, reported sightings have been steadily declining (73 in 2014; 34 in 2016; 20 in 2016). While it is thought this may reflect ‘reporter fatigue’ rather than a real decline in this important species (Haldane, personal communication), it would be helpful to make a more concerted effort to garner reports directly from the Commons areas next year and in particular to review the success, if any, in promoting Stag Beetles, of loggeries established around the Commons in 2017 (Appendix C2, Taylor, 2016).
Other Fauna A reptile survey was set up by the C&EO following the same methodology as 2015 & 2016. Ten corrugated metal sheets (refugia) were established in areas close to, and just south of, The Plain on Wimbledon Common and in the extensive heathland area to the north of this area on Putney Heath (Table 8; Figure 10). Additional observations were made while walking between the refugia. Overall walks and searching under and around the refugia lasted between 1-2hours. Though it was planned to record throughout the summer season, unfavourable weather and conflicting work pressure meant that just 3 formal surveys were completed. Some useful extra information was gathered through public reports and observations on volunteer workdays. Fire in early and mid-April meant that refugia 2 near Memorial Ride had to be relocated. No sightings of Common Lizards (Lacerta Zootoca vivipara) were reported near Memorial Ride during 2017.
19 Figure 10 Common Lizard Sightings on Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath 2017
Note: The map only shows the areas where Common Lizards were sighted during 2017 and is not a map a of the refugia locations. The locations of the metal sheets refugia are kept as secret as possible to avoid unwanted disturbance. General grid references for sample sites are given in Table 8.
Table 8 Locations and Site Descriptions of Refugia
Refugia Grid Site description Refugia Grid Site description number reference number reference 1 TQ2314 WC Close to Memorial Ride 6 TQ23239 PH Overgrown heathland 71469 Heather and grass 72800 with bracken and invading scrub 2 TQ2300 WC Memorial Ride, south of refugia 1 7 TQ23233 PH Close to refugia 6 in 71451 72809 similar vegetation 3 TQ2340 WC Wooded clearing – small meadow 8 TQ23428 PH Edge of heathland near 71456 area close to Centre Path 72959 diagonal path leading to 7- Post Pond 4 TQ2334 WC Woodland opposite the south side 9 TQ2316 PH Close to Ladies Mile 71966 of The Plain and close of Somerset Ride 72808 near Gorse bushes 5 TQ2328 PH Close to a large dead tree on 10 TQ23022 PH Close to Roehampton 72757 heathland 72815 Ride in grass near Gorse
Note: WC = Wimbledon Common; PH = Putney Heath
Overall 28 sightings of Common Lizard were reported between 18th April and 29th September 2017. The most active area for sightings was near the junction of Ladies Mile and Inner Park Ride.
20
Figure 11 One of 9 Common Lizards Seen on Heathland during a Scrub-bashing Session Close to the Junction of Ladies Mile and Inner Park Ride - 20th May 2017 (Map area 13)
Several sightings of Amphibians were reported from around the pond locations on Wimbledon and Putney Heath and from the gardens of staff residences on the Commons. Newts (Lissotriton vulgaris, Frogs (Rana temporaria) and Toads (Bufo bufo) were all noted (Table 9). At the ponds, it was clear that the presence of marginal vegetation was important for spawning. Toads were only found at Queensmere and Scio Pond which are both deeper than others on the Commons. In general, Toads prefer deeper ponds. Reports of Common Newts were all from gardens at residences on the Commons. Frogs seemed common throughout except at Queensmere where they were not recorded. This may reflect predation or lack of appropriate marginal vegetation and shallow water. Toads were quite abundant at this site.
Table 9 Summary of Frogs and Toads Sightings Reported 2nd March and 8th March 2017
Location Species seen Comments 7-Post pond 1 adult Frog Large clumps of Frog spawn seen amongst New Frog spawn Zealand pigmyweed (Crassula helmsii) on 8th March Hookhamslade Frog spawn Frog spawn is among thick vegetation at pond Pond edge Bluegate Pond Frog Spawn Frog spawn in narrow channel separating two sections of this pond Rushmere Frog Spawn Small clumps of Frog spawn found nestled along marginal vegetation at the northern edge of the pond Ravine Pond Frog Spawn One clump of Frog spawn seen amongst a section of waterlogged vegetation along the edge of the pond Curling Pond Frog Spawn Large clumps of Frog spawn visible but water level very how and hence survival of the spawn unlikely unless rain occurs soon Queensmere Multiple sightings of mating Toads, No Frogs or Frog spawn seen Toad spawn Toad spawn was wrapped around the
21 submerged roots of Alder trees (Alnus glutinosa) growing at the edge of the pond Kingsmere Frog spawn One clump of Frog spawn seen amongst Flag Iris (Iris pseudocorus) near the outlet of the pond. Very little marginal vegetation occurs around the edge of this pond Scio Pond Frog spawn and Toad spawn Frog and Toad spawn seen amongst pond Multiple sightings of mating Toads marginal Flag Iris Heathland Frog spawn found in two flooded Unlikely to survive unless further rainfall occurs temporary pools pools Farm Bog Frog spawn in a small pool No other information
Additional public sightings in 2017 included Common Newts in the gardens of staff residences. 2 were reported in April at The Bungalow; 8 in early June, again at The Bungalow; and 1 at Queensmere Cottage in June. Numerous reports of Frogs came from assorted heath areas where volunteers were scrub bashing and ditches on Wimbledon Common and records for Toads came from staff gardens, Roehampton Mounds, Westside and Southside Common.
In 2017 a small mammal capture-release survey was carried out in June as part of the BioBlitz activities with the public. 47 Longworth traps were set distributed, 10 along the woodland margins near Somerset Ride to the south of The Plain, 10 in a small area of Willow (Salix caprea) on The Plain and 27 in scrub vegetation with Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and Nettles (Urtica dioeca) and assorted long grasses also on the south of The Plain. The traps were set as dusk approached and revisited early the following morning around 6am.
3 wood mice were found in the traps in the scrub area and a bank vole was captured in a woodland clearing from a site with Ivy (Hedera helix) and bramble cover. The night was very warm and this may partially account for the limited numbers of traps found occupied. It is planned to repeat this survey in 2018 which will help to build a fuller picture of the small mammal populations in the vicinity of The Plain.
From general observations during field surveys, the BioBlitz event and the May expert-led Bat walk with the public, several other mammal reports were received for Wimbledon Common. Additional species were also noted at Putney Lower Common during the C&EO’s regular monthly walks (Table 10).
Table 10 Mammals Sighted on Wimbledon and Putney Commons 2017
Species – Common Scientific Name Location Comment name Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus Queensmere, WC Bat walk in May pipistrellus BioBlitz Bat Monitoring by London Bat Group in May Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus Queensmere, WC Bat walk in May pygmaeus BioBlitz Bat Monitoring by London Bat Group in May Nathusius Pipistrelle Pipistrellus Queensmere, WC Bat Monitoring by London Bat nathusii Group in May Daubenton’s Bat Myotis Queensmere, WC Bat walk in May daubentonii BioBlitz
22 Bat Monitoring by London Bat Group in May Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Queensmere, WC Bat Monitoring by London Bat Group in May Bank Vole Clethrionomys The Plain, WC BioBlitz glareolus Wood Mouse Apodemus The Plain, WC BioBlitz sylvaticus Rabbit Oryctolagus The Plain, WC Field survey on The Plain cuniculus More abundant than in 2016 Weasel Mustela rivalus Between Manor Cottage One report at BioBlitz time and Queensmere, WC European Hedgehog Erinaceus Staff garden Manor Report from SL in April europaeus Cottage, WC Dead PLC hedgehogs reported in PLC but both dead May and September (Bill Rowland) Fox Vulpes vulpes PLC & WC May at PLC Various report- WC Grey Squirrel PLC & WC Recorded throughout the year
Rat Rattus novegicus PLC April and October
Common Vole Microtus arvalis PLC August record from Bill Rowland
Muntjac Deer Muntiacus reevesi REMPF & Sunset Road Reported by John Shipton (Sunset Road) on 17.07.17 & by AE-H on 27.01.17 Badger Meles meles Several reports of live Two badgers seen in the garden of Badgers on WC Cross Road Cottage (13.03.17)
Dead Badgers also seen One badger seen crossing Windmill at Parkside near Road (24.03.17) Bluegate Gravel Pit, at Parkside, opposite Active Setts: Parkside Hospital and at On 21.03.17, 14 Badger setts were Queensmere (all in visited by PH around the March) Commons. 10 out of the 14 known Telegraph Road Badger setts were found to have (November) signs of active digging.
Note: WC = Wimbledon Common; PLC = Putney Lower Common
Fungi New for 2017 are fungal records supplied by Andy Overall, who periodically leads fungal forays on Wimbledon Common. Two visits took place in autumn 2017 on 17th September, an advertised WPC public event, and on 21st October. Most records come from the later date. The main locations studied were the wooded area west of The Plain and the Hogweed and Nettle Patches (e.g. TQ23087218) near the Heathland Patch to the southwest of the Plain (e.g. TQ23117198), the wooded area north of Hookhamslade Pond (e.g. TQ23147193) and the area of secondary woodland stretching from the south of The Plain towards Bluegate Pond (e.g. TQ23407191). Almost all records are from locations near or under Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) or Silver Birch (Betula pendula) (Appendix 7). Over 100 different fungi were found. These included Leccinum melaneum (a black chestnut mushroom very similar to Brown Birch Bolete), L.schitophyllum (Bog Bolete), L.cyaneobasileucum (Greyshank Bolete)
23 and Russula persicina (no agreed English name ) none of which had previously been recorded from the Common by AO or his co-surveyors. Brittlegills, (Russula spp.), with 7 different species found, MiIkcaps (Lactarius spp.) also with 7 different species recorded and Boletes (Leccinum spp.) with 5 species noted were especially prominent in the fungal record.
Figure 12 Leccinum melaneum
Putney Lower Common Most of the routine monitoring takes place at the larger contiguous area of Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath. There are few reliable records for the small and separate area of Putney Lower Common and no volunteers are currently actively recording at this location. Desk survey work for the NVC Report revealed 6 significant plant records from 1995-99 based on data from GiGL (GreenSpace Information for Greater London). These are two ‘nationally scarce’ species, Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Sickle Medic (Medicago sativa subsp. falcata) and 4 species which are of local conservation concern, Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium pratensis), Blubell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Burnet Rose (Rosa spinosissima) and Creeping Willow (Salix repens). Several species of concern under the London Invasive Species Initiative were reported to occur on Putney Lower Common including a range of Cotoneasters (Cotoneaster spp.), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens grandulifera) (PAA, 2016). During associated field surveys by the NVC surveyors, it was confirmed that Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam are indeed both present on the banks of Beverley Brook as it passes through Putney Lower Common.
In the GiGL reports, the area north of Richmond Road is classified mainly as semi-improved grassland and south of this road as amenity grassland. The NVC surveyors list this as neutral (MG) and neutral/acid grassland (U) using the national (NVC) terminology (PAA, 2016). A small area (about 1ha according to the
24 NVC Report) of native and non-native broad-leaved woodland is listed recorded in the north west of the site and scattered trees and scrub and tall herbs occur throughout the site. Along the Beverley Brook riverine corridor is wet habitat described as NVC A and S and Phase1 G (Appendix 2, PAA, 2016).
Re-development work associated with the former Putney Hospital site means the area is publicly very sensitive, and a fuller picture of its ecology would be a valuable aid to sensitive management of the area and better public understanding of this asset. The C&EO has instigated routine monthly ‘walk-about’ visit recording fauna. Between January and December 2017 23 bird; 20 invertebrates; and 5 mammal species were noted (Table 11; for mammals see Table 10).
For 2018 it would be would be instructive to add some floral records and to build in some habitat information for the faunal species. A local volunteer to assist with making the record, possibly drawn from among the regular walkers on the site, would be a huge bonus in this respect. Linking any new information to the habitat parcels noted by the NVC surveyors would be helpful since it would put the data into a context directly relevant future management plans. While it is accepted that some herb species can be challenging to identify, an inventory of the tree species occurring within the small woodland area and an update on the species of local nature conservation concern should be readily achievable. This is especially pertinent to, for example, the woodland ground flora where priority species such as Bluebell may be affected by the presence of the Little Forest Folk, who are new users of the Common.
Putney Lower Common does pose some extra challenges for volunteer recorders who don’t live locally; parking is difficult, and there are no back-up facilities of any kind. Another potential source of recording help might be ‘nature conservation’ excursions with staff and pupils from the new school.
Table 11 Fauna at Putney Lower Common, January - December 2017
Birds When noted Invertebrates When noted Magpie All year Orange Tip March Parakeet All year Brimstone March Blackbird All year Speckled Wood May, July Mallard All year Meadow Brown June Teal January, February and Small White June November Robin All year Comma July Canada Goose Abundant nearby Red Admiral July and August Wren All year Gatekeeper July Great Tit All year Small Tortoiseshell July Carrion Crow All year Common Blue July Long-tailed Tit August Large White July Blue Tit March, April, August Banded Demoiselle May Moorhen Beverley Brook, March, Jersey Tiger Moth July April November Grey Heron Beverley Brook April, Rustic Sailor Beetle May, June December Great-spotted April Thick-Legged Flower Beetle May Woodpecker Blackcap March, August Plant Bug May Calocoris stysi? Jay July, August, November, Oak Processionary Moth June December, (caterpillars)
25 Starling July, August Long Horn Beetle June (Strangulata maculata?) Goldfinch July Hornet Hoverfly July Kingfisher Beverley Brook, November Grasshopper July Chaffinch November Kestrel July Jackdaw March
Environment Data Some soil sampling was undertaken as part of the new Countryside Stewardship application. Limited feedback is available for this report. One target area for future work was identified. This lies between Memorial Ride and the Southern Pound. The area currently has small amounts of Heather and Ant hills as well as tall grasses and scrub. Its pH at 5.1 is not sufficiently acid for inclusion in the current Stewardship Scheme but it was thought the area had the potential to become eligible for inclusion as an acid grassland and heathland mosaic when the current scheme is due for renewal in 5 years’ time. Recommended is cutting and removing vegetation on an annual or biennial basis together with selective removal of undesirable species such as Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Thistles (Cirsium spp.)
Rainfall information from a nearby private recording station was made available this year for the first time. It covers the period 2005 to date (Appendix 8) and is from a location in Raynes Park about 2.5 miles distant from the Ranger’s Office. The data are usefully broken down into seasonal as well as annual totals. From the record, 2011 was the driest recent year (522mm) and 2007 the wettest (803mm); the average annual rainfall for the neighbourhood of the Commons is 651mm. Considerable variation from year to year is a characteristic feature. The data set invites fuller analysis and statistical testing. Much could be learnt of considerable management value most obviously in relation to the Commons ponds, mires and small wetland habitats but also for more pragmatic concerns such as footpath maintenance. Very relevant to wildlife and conservation management are the linked autumn and following spring totals reflecting the period of soil water replenishment. Looking at (Table 12) the low rainfall totals for winter 2016 and spring 2017 are immediately evident though they are not the most extreme; these were 2011/12 followed by 2005/06. However though 2011/12 is the lowest overwintering rainfall total it is followed by good early summer rainfall (April to June) whereas in 2005/06, and now again in 2016/17, the early summer rainfall was low. The lowest overwintering to early summer rainfall total is seen for 2016/17.
A further particular value of this data set is the potential to cross reference it with new on-site recording near the Ranger’s Office which it is proposed to start in 2018. Adding in temperature records would be another enhancement.
26 Table 12 Wet and Dry Periods as Revealed by Raynes Park (SW20) Rainfall Data
Over winter Rainfall Rank Following early Overall winter Drought or period summer rainfall and early summer flood years rainfall Driest to Driest to mm Wettest mm mm Wettest 05/06 260 2 137 397 2 06/07 413 10 161 574 11 07/08 341 8 167 505 7 08/09 323 6 88 411 3 09/10 442 11 84 526 9 10/11 304 4 110 414 4 11/12 189 1 268 457 6 12/13 404 9 109 513 8 13/14 523 12 183 706 12 14/15 340 7 86 426 5 15/16 310 5 259 569 10 16/17 263 3 103 366 1
REFLECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It was a challenging year but the monitoring team proved resilient. The support and endeavour of the volunteer recorders and the back-up from key staff members, notably PH (the C&EO) and AE-H has been impressive. It motivates the volunteers. A valuable data base continues to be established and can contribute to day-to-day management practice; it has the potential to support funding bids with outside agencies. New work on linking in older records has started and should prove very insightful in terms of understanding longer-term trends, if any. The ‘bird community’ have met and re-established the long- term standard bird walks and the process of analysing the long-term records building on the existing 2009 Bird Report (Dawson, 2009) is underway. And, very pleasingly, some local rainfall data has been made available. Already its value for understanding exceptional weather conditions and their periodicity has been shown.
Some key points emerging from this year’s systematic monitoring are highlighted below. Looking back at the 2016 report and its predecessors in 2015 and 2014 some common issues persist and these too are indicated.
1. Recording is very dependent on volunteers and the pool of expert volunteers is small. It is heavily biased towards retired and older people. The C&EO’s new initiative to set up midweek volunteer opportunities for Estate Management tasks and, proposed for during 2018, to offer some training for wildlife monitoring assistance needs support. As well as his time this may need some small financial input for monitoring equipment e.g. for soil and water testing.
2. The monitoring focus on The Plain needs to continue since it directly supports the acid grassland / heathland SSSI and hence the Countryside Stewardship Scheme funding.
27 3. There needs to be closer integration of the NVC and Phase1 Habitat Units into the monitoring. This can be achieved by mapping e.g. the butterfly transects and then relating key locations to the habitat units and vegetation types. Such integration could be assisted by an ‘in-office’ volunteer working in liaison with each of the expert recorders.
4. It is important to keep previous recommendations in mind: for example, fuller investigation into the potential use of seasonal grazing; the benefits of on-site weather recording; the need for more analysis of soil and water quality; inclusion of more associated wildlife information; the potential impacts of air pollution; and eutrophication associated with the heavy use of the area for dog walking. It is pleasing to note, however, that two new volunteers for water quality monitoring have come forward so this area may be progressed during 2018.
5. It would be beneficial to continue to integrate older records, where available, and link these to current survey activities. This has been started for dragonflies and damselflies. It needs further development for birds, building on the long-term standard walks, and for flora, where appropriate base-line information is also available, e.g. Farm Bog where a 1991 list of plants is authoritatively available.
6. Closer links with London Wildlife Trust (LWT) and a routine system for retrieval of their data for Farm Bog and the Management Plan are needed. The planned MoU with LWT has yet to be realised despite discussions with the LWT Director of Conservation at a W&C Forum meeting.
7. Consider again the possibility of links with GiGL which were deferred after initial investigation and meetings. This was partly a matter of finance but also genuine concerns about what GiGL could beneficially input to work at WPC. Nevertheless, WPC currently remains isolated from GiGL’s extensive data bank, though some volunteer recorders do independently feed their information into the GiGL data base. Data for Putney Lower Common has been extracted second hand via the NVC report rather than directly from GiGL.
8. A more fruitful immediate term approach for WPC (rather than GiGL partnership) might be a short-term half-time appointment to work on collation and sharing of records, and undertaking research and preparation of materials for external funding bids. The post-holder could also support the C&EO pump-priming coordination of volunteers, especially for monitoring purposes and establishing a sustainable long-term strategy. This has been discussed during the year and, assuming financial pressures ease, could be revisited and, if agreed, integrated into the Charity’s Business Plan.
9. Establishing some systematic recording at Putney Lower Common and building a data base of ecological information for this area should be considered.
28 TH TH B. BIOBLITZ 17 -18 JUNE 2017
2017 saw the 4th WPC BioBlitz. As in previous years, all the activities were well supported. There were two new additions to the programme compared with previous years; small mammal trapping led by Alex Learmont (AL) from the Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) and a lunch time talk on Bee-Keeping by local expert and W&C Forum member, Alison Pelican (APel) (Appendix 9). Building on the very positive response to the inclusion of pond dipping in 2016 the same route was used again (Figure 13). This encompasses a diverse range of habitats found on the Commons and so encourages people to ‘see more’ when strolling on the Commons. Participants in the general wildlife walks were given guide sheets for meadow and woodland mini-beasts (Appendix 10) and the floral lists (based on Appendices 3a and 3b), indicating what might be found, for all the Habitat Patches to be visited and The Plain. Unlike 2016 when the weather had been very wet, 2017 was dry and sunny and hot, over 30◦C for most of the day time events. Additional water was ferried out to the general walk participants who could then re-hydrate themselves in the shadier areas around Hookhamslade Pond. This revitalised people for the pond dipping and the walks back to base through woodland and across The Plain where the Bee Orchids were in bloom.
Figure 13 The BioBlitz Route
WPC BioBlitz is as much about engaging people with ecology and wildlife management as searching and listing and counting as many different organisms as possible during the target weekend. When experts in particular organism groups join the event, then the hunt for rarities can really take off as in 2015 when a contingent from the London Natural History Museum entomology section joined in the searching. In 2017, however, extra specialist help was not available and the focus was very much on public engagement. For the W&C Forum members involved in monitoring activities throughout the summer it is
29 very rewarding to share and explain the special, and indeed the regularly expected, wildlife of summertime on the Commons.
As usual Quekett Microscopical ran complementary activities in the Information Centre. Pond samples and leaf galls could be explored under a range of magnifications which captured the imagination of several young visitors. A member from their team also joined in the general walks and an excellent overview of the event is available on the Quekett website (http://www.quekett.org/about/reports/2017- wimbledon-bioblitz-public ).
As in previous years records of all the fauna seen on walks were entered on a BioBlitz Blackboard (Figure 14). In addition to these species were the BioBlitz plants, the full list being available from surveys conducted the on June 15th in preparation for the event (Appendices 3a and 3b). The full faunal list is given in Appendix 11 which also shows the species recorded in 2016 so a comparison can be made. It includes additions from various participants notebooks sent in to the C&EO in the week following the event and from the Quekett photographical record of the walks, notably Honey Bee (Apis mellifera), and Bumble Bee (Bombus sp.) and Iris Sawfly (Radinoceraea micans) which was seen near Hookhamslade by John Lock, an ecological expert who participated in the walks.
Figure 14 The BioBlitz Blackboard
30 Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) as caterpillars was noted on the general walk on a tree near the junction of the Heather Patch and the secondary woodland north-east of Hookhamslade Pond and the concerns related to its presence were explained by the C&EO (Figure 15)
Figure 15 Oak Processionary Moth Nest - 18th June 2017 (Quekett)
Overall, in 2017, 188 species were recorded during BioBlitz activities (Table13). However, for moths it should be noted the total on the 2017 Blackboard, viz 15, is a small snap-shot of those seen that weekend. It includes moths from the evening event with the public and a selection of the more interesting specimens from the overnight trapping at 1 Thatched Cottage which were shared with the public. Overall in the warm conditions prevalent at the BioBlitz weekend 101 different night flying moth species were recorded, mainly in the moth trap at 1 Thatched Cottage (Appendix 6). Looking back to previous BioBlitz records the impact of weather conditions on the ‘spot’ moth records is very evident. In the cooler conditions of 2016 all 19 ‘overnight’ moths were recorded on the Blackboard; in 2015 rain prevented overnight moth recording; in 2014, 42 extra overnight moths were noted (with a further independent record submitted). Thus there are some challenges in interpreting the BioBlitz data. In general, however, the records mirror previous years showing that for the time available for exploration with the public fairly consistent numbers of different species are found. The slight upward trend reflects growing knowledge of the ecology along the routes explored and hence the walk leaders’ opportunities to guide the public search. The special additions, such as the moths this year and the bees and beetles in 2015, are important for understanding the overall ecology of the Commons and enrich the systematic recording records.
31 Table 13 Summary of BioBlitz Sightings, 2017
Organism Total Reported Activity Equivalent totals from previous years Group on the BioBlitz Blackboard and 2016 2015 2014 to the CE&0 Mammals 8 Evening Bat walk 5 6 7 Small mammal trapping General walks Birds 30 Bird walk and extras from the 32 33 33 Bat survey and general walks Butterflies 15 General walks Dragonflies and 10 General walks Damselflies Moths 15 Public night trapping and (101) demonstration (+ overnight extras) Other insects 16 General walks and Quekett photos and JL Reptile 1 General walks Amphibians 1 General walks Crustaceans 1 General walks Gastropods 1 General walks Annelids 2 General walks Total Fauna 100 Total Flora 88 Survey and General walks 78 82 71*
Total BioBlitz 188 186 158 151
+ 86 extra No extras +124 +43 moths moths in the noted expert 194 overnight trap insect + 44 expert records insect extras
(274) (280) (238) Note:* No separate Habitat Patches record was made before the general walks.
Among the highlights in 2017 was being able to show participants the Bee Orchids on The Plain; that a skylark was seen rising from the formerly uncut area of The Plain even though no successful breeding took place in 2017; and that the small mammal survey showed that were both Bank Vole and Wood Mouse present whereas in the preceding autumn only Wood Mouse was found. The lunchtime Bee-Keeping talk was a well-received addition to the programme and very appositely a Honey Bee was spotted visiting Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) during the general ecological walks (Figure 16).
32 Figure 16 Honey Bee on Bird’s-foot Trefoil - The Plain 18th June 2017 (Quekett)
The biggest downside was finding a dog waste bag which had been thrown into the Hogweed Patch and was clearly visible at head height (Figure 17). That along with the very evident faecal contamination along the footpath cut through the Hogweed Patch demonstrated all too clearly the ‘dog problem’ on the Commons.
Figure 17 WPC’s Dog Waste Challenge is Clearly Seen at the Hogweed Patch - 18th June 2017 (Quekett)
33 REFLECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Each year the W&C Forum review the BioBlitz event. Some of the main thoughts emerging from the 2017 BioBlitz are outlined below.
• Adding a lunch-time talk was a definite bonus and an equivalent event should be repeated for future years. • As has been remarked on previously, the afternoon general walk is typically more subdued compared with the morning event. In 2017, as in 2016, more time was given to the general walks than in the 2014 and 2015. This allowed for more searching for species and gave better opportunities for interaction with the public participants, all of whom are very keen to find things. It also caters better for those who walk slowly. This approach, though much better than hurrying people along, does make for a very long day for the walk leaders. It is suggested that in 2018 there should be just one general walk. This could then incorporate a slightly longer break (rest) at Hookhamslade and would allow for relaxed searching and photography at all the habitats. • Following this extended walk with refreshments, an appropriate talk or demonstration would nicely conclude the weekend of events. • This revised formula should help to encourage more use of the ID texts and other information on display at basecamp. It should also encourage more use of stands and exhibits brought by associate participants such as the Wildlife Trusts. It would enable clarification of all data to the BioBlitz Blackboard or other agreed format to ensure consistency of records from year to year. • Consideration should be given to relocating the base camp to the main car park area to promote more passing interest. However, at the same time, this must ensure adequate facilities for the Quekett Microscopy team who add a valuable special dimension to the WPC BioBlitz. • Adding a further specialist search event for butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, as has been proposed, would be a sensible addition. It would add depth and reliability to this section of the BioBlitz data record and allow a second opportunity for searching should reverting to a single Sunday walk prove inconvenient for potential participants and also, indeed, should weather conditions on either day suppress activity of these species.
In previous years a short BioBlitz Report for the general public, as a pamphlet, and more recently as a web report has been issued in the week following the event. This was not achieved in 2017 due to competing work pressures in the following week. It is very strongly recommended that this is re-instated next year, even if a volunteer is needed to help put together the account. Asking for all ancillary observations to be fed in via the C&EO worked well and should be continued. These two records, Quekett and that from the C&EO, have been invaluable in assembling this account.
34 C. REFERENCES
BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) (2018) British hedgehogs are in decline: different surveys tell the same story. https://www.bto.org/science/monitoring/hedgehogs accessed February 2018 Dawson, D. (2009) Wimbledon Common Bird Monitoring. Available from the Ranger’s Office GiGL http://www.gigl.org.uk/london-bap-priority-species/ accessed March 2018 Gimingham, C. H. (1972) Ecology of Heathlands. London: Chapman & Hall The Guardian (2018) (07.02.18) Hedgehog numbers plummet by half in UK countryside since 2000. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/07/hedgehog-numbers-plummet-by-half-in-uk- countryside-since-2000 accessed February 2018 PAA (Penny Anderson Associates Ltd) (2016) Wimbledon and Putney Commons National Vegetation Classification and Habitat Assessment. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office Podmore, A (Ed.) (2017) The Birds of Wimbledon and Putney Commons 2017 Incorporating the Butterfly and Dragonfly Reports for 2017. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office PTES & BHPS (People’s Trust for Endangered Species and British Hedgehog Preservation Society) (2011) The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs, 2011. Available as a pdf https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u12/state_of_hedgehog.pdf accessed February 2018 Quekett Microscopical Club (2017) Wimbledon Common BioBlitz: Sunday 18th June 2017, http://www.quekett.org/about/reports/2017-wimbledon-bioblitz-public accessed March 2018 Symes, N. C. and Day, J. (2003) A Practical Guide to the Restoration of Lowland Heathland. The RSPB, Sandy, UK Taylor, R. (2014) Monitoring on The Plain 2014. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office Taylor, R. (2015) Wimbledon and Putney Commons Monitoring Report Spring/Summer 2015. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office Taylor, R. (2016) Wimbledon and Putney Commons Monitoring Report Spring/Summer 2016. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office UK Butterflies Holly Blue. www.ukbutterflies.co.uk accessed February 2018 Webb, N. (1986) Heathlands. The New Naturalist Series. London: Collins
35 Appendix 1 A THE WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION FORUM AND VOLUNTEER RECORDERS 2017
a. Membership of the Wildlife and Conservation Forum (W&C Forum)
Role with WPCC Participant Contributing Expertise Initial Field recorder for identifier The Plain PM Key external affinity in text BioBlitz BB Other WPC activity O Chief Executive Simon Lee Environmental overview SL BB
Conservation and Peter Haldane General ecology and wildlife PH PMBBO Engagement Officer management, reptiles and amphibians
house staff house Chief Operations Manager Steve Bound General ecology and data SB O -
In management PA to the Chief Executive Angela Evans - Moths, wildlife, AE-H BBO Hill communication Conservator Derek Birds, natural history DF a
Frampton
tors Conservator Ros Taylor Plants, general ecology and RT PMBBO
Conserv W&C Forum Chair environment monitoring Volunteer Bill Budd Dragonflies and damselflies BB BB, (PM) O
Volunteer Peter Fischer Trees, volunteer ‘scrub PF O Local street tree warden basher’, rainfall monitoring Volunteer Les Evans-Hill Butterflies and moths, LE-H BBO Butterfly Conservation (birds), data management
Volunteer Alison Pelikan Small mammals, engaging APel BBO Formerly children’s nature young people club leader, local bee keeper Volunteer Jane Plant Trees, volunteer ‘scrub JP O Local street tree warden basher’ Volunteer Adrian Birds AP BBO New Coordinator for Annual Podmore Bird reports Volunteer Simon Riley Butterflies SR BBO
Volunteermember s Volunteer Duncan Sivell Insects especially flies and DS Natural History Museum link beetles Volunteer Una Sutcliffe Plants US PMBB Wimbledon Mires expert Volunteer Dave Wills Birds DW Died early summer 2017 Coordinator Annual Bird See obituary in Reports for Wimbledon Appendix 1b Common and Putney Heath Volunteer Jan Wilczur Birds JWcz O Richmond Park link
b. BioBlitz expert walk leader Alex Learmont (AL) Small mammal surveys - Surrey Wildlife Trust John Tovey (JT) - London Bat Group - Bat expert
c. Other key volunteers John Weir (JW) - Retired volunteer, seasonal changes in vegetation, birds and environmental conditions on The Plain; public activities on The Plain Derek Coleman (DC) - Caddisfly recorder at Farm Bog Andy Overall (AO) - Fungal Foray leader Martin Brown (MB) - New butterfly recorder assisting SR Quekett Microscopical Club (Q) - Regular contributors to the BioBlitz event
Forum members can be contacted through the Ranger’s Office Tel: 020 8788 7655 E-mail: [email protected] www.wpcc.org.uk
36 Appendix A1 B OBITUARY DAVE WILLS
Obituary
David Leonard Wills - 7th August 1939 – 22nd June 2017
Alongside E.D. McMillan and R.H. Kettle, part of the legacy that Dave Wills has left behind has been a record of bird reports that spans 42 years of bird life on Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath.
In addition to the species lists that he provided, each annual report would also contain an introductory passage where Dave would highlight certain significant bird sightings that had been made during the year, weather patterns that had affected the bird life on the Commons or the effects that certain habitat management had had on specific species.
Dave once said “one of the pleasures of compiling the Commons’ annual bird report is that no two years are ever quite the same” and while some things such as the level of disturbance that effected the ground nesting birds on the plateau remained a particular concern for Dave, reading through past bird reports there were obviously many other things that provided a great deal of delight for him.
Never slow to thank the contributions made by those he called the Commons’ ‘dependable team of contributors’, some of the many highlights that have been mentioned during the course of Dave’s annual bird reports have included the eighth successful year (2008) that Hobbys nested on the Commons, the return of nesting Skylarks to The Plain in 2015, the return of the Dartford Warbler to the heathland in 2016 after an absence of almost 78 years and the first time in which the Commons achieved the recording of over 100 birds (101 to be accurate) in a single year (2010).
Due to his unwavering enthusiasm, the number of people who benefited over the years from Dave’s expertise and knowledge of the Commons’ bird life is impossible to estimate but reading through the bird reports from 1999, there is perhaps one passage that highlights so much about the way he felt about the area that he affectionately referred to as ‘his patch’.
“All things considered we have much to be grateful for. Thanks to careful management, the Commons continues to host a rich variety of habitats and can boast a wildness that few places so close to the centre of London can equal, and, of course, it unfailingly attracts a wide range of birds, usually between 80 and 90 species each year. For those of us who do much of our bird watching in its heather clad plateau or its woodland glades, the Common and its birds are inseparably linked: for us, it is a special place, a place where the disappointment of the odd, unproductive visit is easily tempered by its prevailing qualities, or where, conversely, the occasional highlight, perhaps in the form of a Firecrest or a Wheatear or the flushing of a snipe, instils an elation that is infinitely greater for having occurred on this well-trodden patch of ours.”
Peter Haldane, Conservation & Engagement Officer
Dave's shoes will be hard to fill - last year alone he put in over 500 hours on the Commons watching our bird life. He also participated in the Wildlife and Conservation Forum, sharing his insightful long-term knowledge of the Commons. Fittingly Dave’s ‘Commons’ dependable team of contributors’ has stepped in to ensure his work recording the Commons birds continues. A long-time friend of Dave's, Adrian Podmore, has very kindly offered to co-ordinate these volunteers’ observations and all the bird data and to join in the planning and monitoring work of the Wildlife and Conservation Forum.
37 Appendix 2 WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION EVENTS AT WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017 AND ASSOCIATED W&C FORUM AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Date Event January NVC Survey and Habitat Assessment Report received W&C Forum meeting February Winter Talk - Hedgehog Conservation March Annual Bird Report published W&C Forum meeting April Spring Walk with Senior Management Team at Putney Lower Common Monitoring Report, 2016 published May Bird Walk Bat Walk W&C Forum meeting with LWT attending June BioBlitz 17 & 18 June July Summer Evening Walk with Senior Management Team Butterfly, Dragonfly and Damselfly Walk W&C Forum meeting August Annual Mowing - on The Plain on 04.08.17 September W&C Forum meeting Fungal Foray October Autumn Walk with Senior Management Team - Putney Heath November W&C Forum meeting December -
Volunteer Activities:
Two Saturday morning Scrub Bashing events were held during each month throughout 2017. Approximately 360 hours were provided by this group with an additional 500 hours of extra volunteer contribution provided by local schools and organisations on areas including the heathland and Farm Bog. The number for Saturday Scrub Bashers is down from 2016 due to regulating the group size to a maximum of 15 volunteers as opposed to the much more open method of attendance that was employed previously.
Overall the total number of volunteering hours for 2017 mirrored that of 2016 as the Commons maintained a steady number of volunteers who were involved in diverse activities such as litter picking, wildlife recording, administration and events. Thus the total number of volunteering hours for 2017 was in the region of 3500 hours.
Mid-week Volunteer Estate Team: In December 2017, the Commons’ mid-week Volunteer Estate Team (VETs) formed with the intention of undertaking a wide range of tasks required for the upkeep of the Commons. Meeting on a Wednesday morning every three weeks, the group began with some woodland thinning at the Brickfield Cottages site.
Walking for Health events continued on a fortnightly basis during 2017. The highest number of walkers to attend a single event during 2017 was 24. (This number was subsequently beaten in January 2018 when 27 walkers attended.)
38 Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017
Appendix 3a Floral Records for The Plain: Wimbledon and Putney Commons 2017 10th May 17 7th June17 15th June 17 tbc July 31st August Recorders: Ros Taylor (RT); Una Sutcliffe (US); John Weir (JW) Comments RT RT JW RT US RT US Duration search (hours) 3hours short walks only 3hours not achieved 3hours s denotes confirmed presence in 2017 Blank means recorded in 2014 and /or 2015 and /or 2016 or noted 2017 but not on a survey date Spring Early summer BioBlitz Pre- mowing Post mowing Ferns (and mosses) preview walk about Dryopteris felix-mas male fern main elements only Ophioglossum vulgatum adderstongue s s
Pines and allies
Flowering plants Dicotyledons Achillea millefolium yarrow s s s s Anthriscus sylvestris agg. cow parsley s s Arctium minus lesser burdock Betula sp. birch seedling or sapling s s s s Calluna vulgaris ling (heather) s s s s Cardamine hirsuta hairy bittercress Cardamine pratensis lady's-smock s (JW) Centaurea nigra knapweed s s s Cerastium fontanum common mouse-ear s s s Chamerion angustifolium rosebay willowherb s? Cirsium arvense creeping thistle s s s Convolvulus arvensis field bindweed Dactylorhiza maculata heath spotted orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa southern marsh orchid s (JW) s (photo) Epilobium montanum broad-leaved willowherb s? Epilobium parviflorum hoary willowherb Erica tetralix crossed-leaved heath Filaginella uliginosa (Gnaphalium uliginosum) marsh cudweed Galega officinalis goat's rue s s s s Galium aparine common cleavers s Galium saxatile heath bedstraw s (photo) Galium verum lady's bedstraw
39 Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017
Geranium pratense meadow crane's-bill Heracleum sphondylium hogweed s s s s Hypericum perforatum agg. perforate St John's-wort Hypochaeris radicata common catsear s s s s Lamium purpureum red deadnettle Lathyrus nissolia grass vetchling s s s Lathyrus pratensis meadow vetchling s s Leontodon autumnalis autumn hawkbit s gain Lotus corniculatus bird's-foot trefoil s s s s Lysimachia vulgaris yellow loosestrife Medicago lupulina black meddick Narcissus spp. daffodil (garden escape) Ophrys apifera bee orchid s (photo) Plantago lanceolata ribwort plantain s s s s Populus tremula poplar(aspen) seedlings Potentilla anserina silverweed Potentilla erecta tormentil s s s s Polygonum persicaria redshank s Quercus cerris turkey oak seedlings s s s Quercus robur oak saplings / seedlings s s s s Ranunculus acris meadow buttercup s s s Ranunculus bulbosus bulbous buttercup s Ranunculus ficaria lesser celandine Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup s s s s Rhinanthus minor yellow rattle s s s Rosa canina dog rose s Rubus fruticosus agg. bramble s s s Rumex acetosa common sorrel s s s Rumex acetosella agg. sheep's sorrel s s s Rumex conglomeratus clustered dock Rumex crispus curled dock s Salix caprea agg. goat willow s s s Salix repens creeping willow s s Senecio jacobea ragwort s Sorbus aucuparia rowan sapling s Stellaria graminea lesser stitchwort s (photo) Taraxacum officinalis dandelion s s s
40 Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017
Tilia cordata small-leaved lime sapling Trifolium campestre hop trefoil Trifolium dubium lesser trefoil s gain Trifolium pratense red clover s s s s Trifolium repens white clover s s s s Urtica dioica stinging nettle s s s Veronica chamaedrys germander speedwell Veronica persica common field-speedwell Vicia cracca tufted vetch s Vicia hirsuta hairy tare s? Vicia sativa agg. common vetch s s s Vicia tetrasperma smooth tare s
Monocotyledons Agrostis capillaris (tenuis) common bent s s s Agrostis stolonifera creeping bent Alopecurus pratensis meadow foxtail s s Anthoxanthum odoratum sweet vernal-grass s s s Arrhenatherum elatius false oat-grass s Carex sp. (distachia?) possibly brown sedge Carex elata tufted sedge Carex hirta hairy sedge s Carex nigra common sedge s s Carex ovalis oval sedge s Carex sp. tbc Dactylis glomerata cocksfoot s Deschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass s Festuca arundinacea tall fescue s s s Festuca ovina agg. sheep's fescue s s Festuca rubra red fescue s s Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog all over hairy s s s Holcus mollis creeping soft-grass rhizomes and 'hairy knee's Juncus bufonius toad rush verified by archive specimen Juncus conglomeratus compact rush s s Juncus effusus soft rush s s s Juncus squarrosus heath rush s Juncus tenuis slender rush s
41 Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017
Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass s Luzula campestris field wood-rush s s Luzula multiflora heath wood-rush s s Molinia caerulea purple moor-grass s s s Nardus stricta mat grass s s s Poa annua annual meadow-grass recreation zone mainly Poa trvialis rough meadow-grass s
Number of species noted-full surveys 49 (+1) 62
Cummulative total 49 50 70 2 autumn survey
BioBlitz public event additonal records 1 BioBlitz public event Overall 73
NOTES 10/5/17 first floral search rt UK winter totals less than 50% of average: local recorder showed only 3mm rainfall in April The main plants flowering are Dandelion, Taraxacum officinalis , by now mainly seed heads, with Tormentil, Potentilla erecta, starting to flower Common Mouse-ear, Cerastium fontanum, is in bloom and widespread though occasional; all 3 Buttercups, Ranunculus bulbosus , R. repens, R.acris in flower; occasional Common Vetch, Vicia sativa agg. in bloom and Cow Parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris Some Yellow Rattle leaves, Rhinanthus minor , are starting to show. Field Wood-rush, Luzula campestris, is very fequent and flowering; similarly Sweet Vernal Grass, Anthoxanthum odoratum; occasional Mat Grass, Nardus stricta , in bloom. Sward is beginning to increase in height but still typically 15-20cms,except in uncut area Willows, Salix spp., are in flower GPS not used but general walk routes noted - 15 stops in 2-3 hours plus a search at the Hogweed patch and subsequently on SSE side looking for Speedwells, Veronica spp., but none were found. Adders Tongue Fern, Ophioglossum vulgatum, was hard to find; seen just starting to show near the line of tall Fescues. These Fescue clumps have again increased in number Few signs of rabbit grazing in south area but droppings evident patchily in SW Heather, Calluna vulgaris , is present across The Plain- mainly pioneer and building phase except for taller area linked to new uncut area which is predominantly mature phase Saw an orange beetle; brown moth and white butterfly
07.06.17 rt very short survey on 07/June/17 ; and jw occasional records from walkabouts on 04/05/06/ June /17 Lady's-smock, Cardamine pratensis, a single specimen noted in area where there has been tree felling and stump grinding during last two years - plant may have colonised from nearby heathland triangle (JW) One Southern Marsh Orchid, Dactylorhiza praetermissa, (JW) seen when searching in the vicinity of the SW side of the previously uncut area of 2016 the location of previous 20+ colony
42 Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017
Some Yellow Rattle is in bloom; also Bird's-foot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus
General comment Dry and cool No nesting skylarks to date
15.06.17 recent weather cool and dry, turning very hot at time of recording Yellow rattle is now flowering abundantly 10+ Southern Marsh Orchids found - flowers fading Bee orchid, Ophrys apifera, flowering - 6 specimens near eastern mown path (path nearest access road to Ranger's Offfice complex) Vetches, Vicia spp,. more abundant than in the equivalent (pre-BioBlitz) 2016 survey ; This possibly reflects the drier conditions and reduced grass vigour.
31.08.17 Post cutting survey Follows heatwave conditions from BioBlitz time (mid June) Autumn Hawbit, Leontodon autumnalis, is the predominant flowering plant with also very evident Dandelion and Red Clover, Trifolium pratense No sign of Cross-leaved Heath, Erica tetralix Also re-visited Hookhamslade and Bluegate ponds and the Heathland Patch SW of The Plain Confirmed no Hazel, Corylus avellana , around Hookham slade, this must be an error in Quekett report, suspect was Alder, Alnus glutinosa Bluegate margins are greatly dried back; Trifid Bur-Marigold, Bidens tripartita, is colonising exposed area Also very evident is Marsh Pennywort, Hydrocotyle vulgaris; Michalemas Daisy, Aster novi-belgii, is flowering on the island At Hookham slade there is a large extent of Branched Bur-Reed, Sparganium erectum Rosebay Willowherb, Chamerion angustifolium, is flowering in the cleared area near Bluegate and on the Heath Patch to the SW of The Plain
43 Appendix 3b BIOBLITZ PLANT COMMUNITIES - BEYOND THE MAIN ATREA OF THE PLAIN - 2017
Appendix 3b Bioblitz Plant Communities - beyond the main area of The Plain - 2017 y denotes plant recorded and verified (US / RT) 2016 (blanks indicate species yet to be re-confirmed (in 2017) at a specific site) s denotes plant recorded and verified (US / RT) 2017 a denotes plant species not recorded on The Plain to date in 2017 but noted in a Habitat Patch
2017 2016 Extras to The Plain 2017 record Hogweed patch TQ2305972261 Acer pseudoplatanus sycamore s BioBlitz a Agrostis capillaris (tenuis) common bent s Anthriscus sylvestris agg. cow parsley s y in May Arrhenatherum elatius false oat-grass s y Bromus sterilis barren brome BioBlitz Cardamine hirsuta hairy bittercress s y Cardamine pratensis lady's smock / cuckoo flower s y Chamerion angustifolum rosebay willowherb s not seen to date Cirsium arvense creeping thistle s y Cirsium vulgare spear thistle s Convolvulus arvensis field bindweed s y Dactylis glomerata cocksfoot s y Deschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass y Equisetum arvense field horsetail s y a Galium aparine common cleavers s y Geranium dissectum cut-leaved crane's-bill s y a Heracleum sphondylium hogweed s y Lamium album white deadnettle s BioBlitz a Lamium purpureum red deadnettle y Lathyrus pratensis meadow vetchling y Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass s y Plantago lanceolata ribwort plaintain s y Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup s y Rubus fruticosus agg. bramble s y Rumex acetosa common sorrel y Scilla non-scripta / S.hispanica Bluebell - English & Spanish y in May a not recorded in 2017 Trifolium repens white clover s y Urtica dioica stinging nettle s y Vicia cracca tufted vetch s y Vicia sativa common vetch s y Vicia tetrasperma smooth tare s BioBlitz
Nettle Patch TQ2312472169 Artemesia vulgaris mugwort s y a Betula pendula silver birch seedling s y Chamerion angustifolum rosebay willowherb s y Cirsium arvense creeping thistle y Cirsium vulgare spear thistle s y a Dactylis glomerata cocksfoot s Dryopteris felix-mas male fern s Epilobium hirsutum great willowherb s a Galium aparine common cleavers/ goosegrass s y Geranium pratense meadow crane's bill s BioBlitz Holcus lanatus yorkshire fog y Heracleum sphondylium hogweed s y Lathyrus pratensis meadow vetchling s Quercus robur pedunculate oak seedling y Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup s y Rubus fruticosus agg. bramble s y Rumex acetosa common sorrel y Trifolium dubium lesser trefoil s a seen on Plain in late sumer survey Trifolium repens white clover s y Urtica dioica stinging nettle s y Vicia cracca tufted vetch s y Vicia sativa common vetch s
Heath Patch Near Reptile Refuge TQ2320772002 Betula pendula silver birch sapling s y Calluna vulgaris heather/ ling s y Chamerion angustifolium rosebay willowherb s y Dactylis glomerata cocksfoot s Deschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass s y Epilobium montanum broad-leaved willowherb s Festuca rubra red fescue s Holcus lanatus yorkshire fog s y Juncus bufonius toad rush y Juncus effusus soft rush s y Juncus squarrosus heath rush s y Juncus tenuis slender rush s y Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass s y Luzula campestris field wood-rush s y Molinia caerulea purple moor-grass s y Potentilla erecta tormentil s y Pteridium aquilinum bracken s Quercus cerris turkey oak sapling s y Quercus robur pedunculate oak sapling s y Rosa arvensis field rose s? confirm when flowering y a
44 Appendix 3b BIOBLITZ PLANT COMMUNITIES - BEYOND THE MAIN ATREA OF THE PLAIN - 2017
Rubus fruticosus agg. bramble s y Salix repens creeping willow y Vicia cracca tufted vetch s Vicia sativa common vetch s
Around Hookhamslade TQ2321371794 Alnus glutinosa alder s y a Betula pendula silver birch s y Chamerion angustifolium rosebay willowherb s Deschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass y Epilobium montanum broad-leaved willowherb Epilobium parviflorum hoary willowherb Glyceria maxima reed sweet-grass y Holcus lanatus yorkshire fog y Iris pseudacorus yellow flag s y a Juncus effusus soft rush s y Juncus tenuis slender rush s y Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass s Molinia caerulea purple moor-grass s y Nymphaea alba white water lily s y a Pteridium aquilinum bracken s y Populus tremula aspen (poplar) s Quercus robur pedunculate oak y Rubus fruticosus agg. bramble s y Salix caprea goat willow s y Sorbus aucuparia rowan s y a Sparganium erectum branched bur-reed s a BioBlitz
Secondary woodland - short route TQ2331271865 Betula pendula silver birch s Carex pendula pendulous sedge s y Castanea sativa sweet chestnut s on 2015 route a Deschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass s y Fagus sylvatica beech (copper) s y a Geum urbanum herb bennet (wood avens) s y a Hedera helix ivy s a Ilex aquilinum holly s y a Juncus tenuis slender rush s y Molinia caerulea purple moor-grass s y Populus tremula poplar s on 2015 route a? Prunus avium wild cherry on 2015 route Quercus cerris turkey oak s y Quercus robur pedunculate oak s y Rubus fruticosus bramble s y Sorbus aucuparia rowan / mountain ash s y Taxus baccata yew s y a
Wayside Area Near Wood Pile TQ2303572253 Arrhenatherum elatius false oat-grass s y Artemesia vulgaris mugwort s y a (repeats Nettle Patch) Capsella bursa-pastoris shepherd's purse s a Chamomilla recutita /Matricaria recutita scented mayweed s y a Cirsium vulgare spear thistle s Dactylis glomerata cocksfoot s y Heracleum sphondylium hogweed s y Hordeum murinum wall barley s y a Lapsana communis nipplewort s y a Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye daisy s y a Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass s y Plantago lanceolata ribwort plantain s y Taraxacum officinalis dandelion s Trifolium repens white clover s Urtica dioica stinging nettle s
Plant species recorded on The Plain by BioBlitz date in 2017 70 Plant species in pre-BioBlitz survey of The Plain on 15th June 2017 62 Plant species noted on The Plain by 31.8.17 73 Additional plants recorded along BioBlitz route 2017 (BioBlitz time ) 25 Additions on BioBlitz public walks plus 1 26 Overall 'BioBlitz' record to date (from pre-survey of The Plain and additional Habitat Patches) and BioBlitz event 88
Final tally 31.08.17 Branched Bur-reed noted above and including 3 additions from Bluegate Trifid Bur-Marigold, Bidens tripartita , Marsh Pennywort, Hydrocotyle vulgaris and Michaelmas Daisy, Aster novi-belgii 73 The Plain Minus Lesser Trefoil, Trifolium dubium, which has since has been confirmed on The Plain 26 minus 1 Extras from the Habitat Patches 3 Bluegate
101
45 Appendix 4a BUTTERFLIES RECORDED ON THE LONG-ESTABLISHED TRANSECT - WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017
Appendix 4a 2017 TRANSECT SUMMARY Transect Name: Wimbledon Common (2015 route)
Week Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Total Date 1/4/17 8/4/17 15/4/17 22/4/17 29/4/17 6/5/17 13/5/17 20/5/17 27/5/17 3/6/17 10/6/17 17/6/17 24/6/17 1/7/17 8/7/17 15/7/17 22/7/17 29/7/17 5/8/17 12/8/17 19/8/17 26/8/17 2/9/17 9/9/17 16/9/17 23/9/17 Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Small/Essex Skipper Small/Essex Skipper 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 15 11 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 3 2 6 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Large White Pieris brassicae 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Small White Pieris rapae 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 4 0 3 0 1 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 24 Green-veined White Pieris napi 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 0 10 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Purple Hairstreak Neozephrus (Quercusia) que 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 7 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 18 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 8 Painted Lady Vanessa (Cynthia) cardui 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Peacock Inachis io 1 0 1 4 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 Comma Polygonia c-album 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 2 0 2 0 2 1 1 1 3 0 0 19 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 3 4 3 5 1 3 5 7 41 Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 27 66 42 30 12 8 4 0 0 0 0 0 203 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina 0 0 0 0 0 2 15 22 89 99 27 22 48 1 34 14 10 13 8 1 0 0 0 405 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 1 6 9 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 8 1 0 0 1 40 Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 18 8 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32
Total (Summary) 2 4 0 0 0 6 12 14 9 22 29 118 153 70 64 131 47 80 29 28 31 24 8 6 6 8 901
Recorder: Simon Riley
46 Appendix 4b BUTTERFLIES RECORDED ON THE NEW WOODLAND TRANSECT - WIMBLEDON COMMON SW AND FISHPONDS WOOD 2017
Appendix 4b 2017 TRANSECT SUMMARY Transect Name: Wimbledon Common SW and Fishponds Wood
Week Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Total Date 1/4/17 8/4/17 15/4/17 22/4/17 29/4/17 6/5/17 13/5/17 20/5/17 27/5/17 3/6/17 10/6/17 17/6/17 24/6/17 1/7/17 8/7/17 15/7/17 22/7/17 29/7/17 5/8/17 12/8/17 19/8/17 26/8/17 2/9/17 9/9/17 16/9/17 23/9/17
Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 Small White Pieris rapae 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 6 6 1 0 0 5 2 0 2 0 30 Green-veined White Pieris napi 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines 1 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 White Admiral Limenitis camilla 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 Painted Lady Vanessa (Cynthia) cardui 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 Peacock Inachis io 2 2 0 1 9 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 Comma Polygonia c-album 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 5 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 6 Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 19 6 40 21 23 11 2 3 1 0 3 0 0 136 Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
Total (Summary) 10 4 0 9 14 6 2 4 0 0 15 33 9 49 28 32 15 0 3 4 10 2 0 3 2 0 254
Recorder Simon Riley
47 Appendix 5 DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017
Appendix 5 DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017
RecorderDeterminerLocality Grid Ref. VC No. Date Record Type Species Name Ad Co Ov La Ex Em Comment LNHS areaSent to LNHSLWT area Sent to GiGLSurrey VC17Sent to BDSSutton Sent to DaveWimbledon WarburtonSent Common to LesMorden Hill HallWandle Park Valley
BB BB 7-post Pond TQ2373 17 18/06/2017 field Azure Damselfly + Y Y Y Y Y Y Bill BuBB 7-post Pond TQ2373 17 18/06/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017-06/07/2017 field Azure Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 10/06/2017-17/06/2017 field Black-tailed Skimmer 2-5 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 29/07/2017 field Blue-tailed Damselfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017-17/06/2017 field Broad-bodied Chaser 2-5 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 25/07/2017-06/10/2017 field Common Darter 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 17/06/2017-29/07/2017 field Emerald Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017-06/07/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017-17/06/2017 field Four-spotted Chaser + Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017-10/06/2017 field Large Red Damselfly 6-20 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 02/09/2017 field Migrant Hawker + Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 13/09/2017 field Willow Emerald Damselfly 2-5 Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Farm Bog TQ223712 17 09/05/2017-15/06/2017 field Broad-bodied Chaser 1 Female Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Farm Bog TQ223712 17 09/05/2017-23/05/2017 field Large Red Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017-18/06/2017 field Azure Damselfly + Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017-06/07/2017 field Broad-bodied Chaser 2-5 Male Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 10/06/2017-06/07/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017-06/07/2017 field Four-spotted Chaser + Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017 field Hairy Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017 field Large Red Damselfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 02/09/2017 field Ruddy Darter + Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 29/07/2017-02/09/2017 field Southern Hawker 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 26/05/2017-29/07/2017 field Azure Damselfly + Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 25/07/2017 field Black-tailed Skimmer + 2 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 17/06/2017 field Blue-tailed Damselfly + Y Y Y N Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 17/06/2017-02/09/2017 field Brown Hawker 2-5 Y Y Y N Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 17/06/2017-02/09/2017 field Common Blue Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y N Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 06/10/2017 field Common Darter + Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 17/06/2017-25/07/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 2-5 Y Y Y N Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 21/05/2017-25/07/2017 field Large Red Damselfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 26/05/2017 field Red-eyed Damselfly 2-5 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 25/07/2017-02/09/2017 field Small Red-eyed Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Ravine Pond TQ228720 17 17/06/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Rushmere TQ235710 17 06/07/2017 field Black-tailed Skimmer 2 Male Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB Rushmere TQ235710 17 06/07/2017 field Broad-bodied Chaser 1 Male Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB The Plain TQ2372 17 18/06/2017 field Black-tailed Skimmer 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB The Plain TQ2372 17 18/06/2017 field Brown Hawker 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y BB BB The Plain TQ2372 17 18/06/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y
Recorder Bill Budd (BB)
48 Appendix 6 MOTHS RECORDED ON WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017
Taxon Code Recommended Taxon Name Recommended Common Name Comment 2.001 Dyseriocrania subpurpurella Common Oak Purple 2.008 Eriocrania sangii Large Birch Purple 3.001 Triodia sylvina Orange Swift 3.002 Korscheltellus lupulina Common Swift 4.025 Stigmella nylandriella Common Rowan Pigmy 4.034 Stigmella tityrella Small Beech Pigmy 4.045 Stigmella aurella Golden Pigmy 5.001 Opostega salaciella Sorrel Bent-wing 6.003 Heliozela sericiella Oak Satin Lift 7.001 Nemophora degeerella Yellow-barred Long-horn 7.006 Adela reaumurella Green Long-horn 7.015 Nematopogon swammerdamella Large Long-horn 8.002 Incurvaria masculella Feathered Bright 10.001 Tischeria ekebladella Oak Carl 10.003 Coptotriche marginea Bordered Carl Bioblitz 11.006 Taleporia tubulosa Brown Smoke 11.012 Psyche casta Common Sweep 12.010 Morophaga choragella Large Clothes 12.012 Triaxomera parasitella Large Brindled Clothes 12.020 Nemapogon variatella Pale Corn Clothes 12.032 Tinea semifulvella Fulvous Clothes 12.033 Tinea trinotella Bird's-nest Moth 12.037 Monopis weaverella Carrion Moth 12.038 Monopis obviella Yellow-backed Clothes 13.002 Roeslerstammia erxlebella Copper Ermel 15.003 Caloptilia populetorum Clouded Slender 15.005 Caloptilia betulicola Red Birch Slender 15.008 Caloptilia alchimiella Yellow-triangle Slender Bioblitz 15.014 Gracillaria syringella Common Slender 15.015 Aspilapteryx tringipennella Ribwort Slender 15.034 Phyllonorycter harrisella White Oak Midget 15.039 Phyllonorycter quercifoliella Common Oak Midget 15.040 Phyllonorycter messaniella Garden Midget 16.001 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine Bioblitz 16.014 Pseudoswammerdamia combinella Copper-tipped Ermel 16.015 Swammerdamia caesiella Birch Ermel 16.017 Swammerdamia pyrella Little Ermel 16.020 Paraswammerdamia nebulella Hawthorn Ermel
49 16.021 Cedestis gysseleniella Gold Pine Ermel 17.003 Ypsolopha dentella Honeysuckle Moth 17.005 Ypsolopha scabrella Wainscot Smudge 17.008 Ypsolopha alpella Barred Smudge 02/08/2017 17.010 Ypsolopha parenthesella White-shouldered Smudge 17.011 Ypsolopha ustella Variable Smudge 17.012 Ypsolopha sequella Pied Smudge 18.001 Plutella xylostella Diamond-back Moth Migrant 18.003 Plutella porrectella Grey-streaked Smudge 18.007 Eidophasia messingiella Bitter-cress Smudge 20.007 Argyresthia cupressella Cypress Tip Moth 20.011 Argyresthia brockeella Gold-ribbon Argent Bioblitz 20.018 Argyresthia spinosella Blackthorn Argent 20.019 Argyresthia conjugella Apple Fruit Moth 20.023 Argyresthia albistria Purple Argent 21.001 Lyonetia clerkella Apple Leaf Miner Bioblitz 22.002 Prays fraxinella Ash Bud Moth 25.001 Scythropia crataegella Hawthorn Moth Bioblitz 27.001 Oegoconia quadripuncta Four-spotted Obscure 28.009 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House-moth 28.010 Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown House-moth 28.012 Borkhausenia fuscescens Small Dingy Tubic 28.014 Crassa unitella Golden-brown Tubic 28.015 Batia lunaris Lesser Tawny Tubic Bioblitz 28.019 Esperia sulphurella Sulphur Tubic 28.022 Alabonia geoffrella Common Tubic 28.024 Tachystola acroxantha Ruddy Streak Bioblitz 29.001 Diurnea fagella March Tubic 31.001 Carcina quercana Long-horned Flat-body Bioblitz 32.007 Agonopterix ocellana Red-letter Flat-body 32.017 Agonopterix arenella Brindled Flat-body 32.031 Agonopterix alstromeriana Brown-spot Flat-body 32.039 Depressaria daucella Dingy Flat-body 32.052 Telechrysis tripuncta Treble-spot Tubic 35.012 Anacampsis blattariella Birch Sober 35.0191 Anarsia innoxiella 35.020 Anarsia spartiella Small Crest 35.028 Brachmia blandella Gorse Crest 35.031 Helcystogramma rufescens Orange Crest
50 35.038 Bryotropha domestica House Groundling 35.040 Bryotropha terrella Cinerous Groundling 35.049 Bryotropha similis Obscure Groundling 35.056 Metzneria lappella Burdock Neb 35.058 Metzneria metzneriella Meadow Neb Bioblitz 35.093 Mirificarma mulinella Gorse Groundling 35.099 Gelechia senticetella Cypress Groundling 35.109 Scrobipalpa acuminatella Pointed Groundling 35.123 Scrobipalpa costella Winter Groundling 35.143 Teleiodes luculella Crescent Groundling Bioblitz 35.147 Carpatolechia decorella Winter Oak Groundling 35.152 Pseudotelphusa scalella Black-spotted Groundling 35.157 Recurvaria leucatella White-barred Groundling 35.160 Stenolechia gemmella Black-dotted Groundling 35.161 Parachronistis albiceps Wood Groundling Bioblitz 37.048 Coleophora mayrella Meadow Case-bearer 37.063 Coleophora albicosta Gorse Case-bearer 38.037 Elachista canapennella Little Dwarf 38.045 Elachista utonella Bog Dwarf 39.001 Blastodacna hellerella Hawthorn Cosmet 40.008 Mompha subbistrigella Garden Cosmet 40.010 Mompha epilobiella Common Cosmet 40.011 Mompha langiella Clouded Cosmet 41.002 Blastobasis adustella Dingy Dowd 41.003 Blastobasis lacticolella London Dowd 44.001 Alucita hexadactyla Twenty-plume Moth or Many-plumed Moth 45.008 Gillmeria pallidactyla Yarrow Plume 45.010 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla Beautiful Plume 45.030 Pterophorus pentadactyla White Plume 45.044 Emmelina monodactyla Common Plume Bioblitz 47.005 Epermenia chaerophyllella Garden Lance-wing 48.001 Anthophila fabriciana Nettle-tap Bioblitz 49.004 Ditula angustiorana Red-barred Tortrix 49.005 Epagoge grotiana Brown-barred Twist 49.013 Archips podana Large Fruit-tree Tortrix Bioblitz 49.014 Archips crataegana Brown Oak Tortrix Bioblitz 49.015 Archips xylosteana Variegated Golden Tortrix 49.018 Choristoneura hebenstreitella Great Twist 49.023 Pandemis cinnamomeana White-faced Twist
51 49.024 Pandemis corylana Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix 49.025 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix Bioblitz 49.026 Pandemis heperana Dark-barred Fruit-tree Tortrix Bioblitz 49.026 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix 49.028 Syndemis musculana Dark-barred Twist 49.029 Lozotaenia forsterana Large Ivy Twist Bioblitz 49.038 Clepsis consimilana Privet Twist 49.039 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth Bioblitz 49.044 Tortricodes alternella Winter Shade 49.050 Cnephasia stephensiana Grey Tortrix 49.059 Tortrix viridana Green Oak Tortrix Bioblitz 49.060 Aleimma loeflingiana Yellow Oak Button Bioblitz 49.062 Acleris forsskaleana Maple Button 49.069 Acleris sparsana Ashy Button 49.071 Acleris emargana Notch-wing Button 49.076 Acleris cristana Tufted Button 49.078 Acleris aspersana Ginger Button 49.080 Acleris hastiana Sallow Button 49.083 Acleris ferrugana Rusty Oak Button 49.084 Acleris notana Rusty Birch Button 49.086 Acleris logiana Grey Birch Button 49.087 Acleris literana Lichen Button 49.090 Eulia ministrana Brassy Twist 49.091 Pseudoargyrotosa conwagana Yellow-spot Tortrix Bioblitz 49.091 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana Yellow-spot Tortrix 49.109 Agapeta hamana Hook-marked Straw Moth Bioblitz 49.110 Agapeta zoegana Knapweed Conch 49.120 Aethes smeathmanniana Yarrow Conch 49.127 Aethes cnicana Thistle Conch 49.128 Aethes rubigana Burdock Conch 49.133 Cochylis nana Birch Conch 49.139 Cochylis atricapitana Black-headed Conch 49.144 Eudemis profundana Diamond-back Marble 49.149 Apotomis turbidana White-shouldered Marble 49.150 Apotomis betuletana Birch Marble 49.155 Hedya salicella White-backed Marble Bioblitz 49.156 Hedya nubiferana Marbled Orchard Tortrix 49.157 Hedya pruniana Plum Tortrix Bioblitz 49.161 Celypha striana Barred Marble
52 49.166 Celypha lacunana Common Marble Bioblitz 49.215 Ancylis achatana Triangle-marked Roller 49.216 Ancylis mitterbacheriana Red Roller 49.223 Rhopobota naevana Holly Tortrix Bioblitz 49.224 Spilonota ocellana Bud Moth 49.225 Spilonota laricana Larch-bud Moth 49.231 Epinotia brunnichana Large Birch Bell Bioblitz 49.240 Epinotia immundana Common Birch Bell 49.254 Epinotia bilunana Crescent Bell 49.255 Epinotia nisella Grey Poplar Bell 49.260 Zeiraphera isertana Cock's-head Bell 49.265 Eucosma cana Hoary Belle Bioblitz 49.266 Eucosma hohenwartiana Bright Bell 49.269 Eucosma campoliliana Marbled Bell 49.279 Gypsonoma dealbana Common Cloaked Shoot Bioblitz 49.288 Epiblema foenella White-foot Bell 49.289 Epiblema costipunctana Ragwort Bell 49.292 Notocelia cynosbatella Yellow-faced Bell 49.294 Notocelia uddmanniana Bramble Shoot Moth Bioblitz 49.297 Notocelia rosaecolana Common Rose Bell 49.304 Clavigesta purdeyi Pine Leaf-mining Moth 49.306 Rhyacionia pinicolana Orange-spotted Shoot 49.325 Cydia ulicetana Grey Gorse Piercer 49.338 Cydia pomonella Codling Moth 49.341 Cydia splendana Marbled Piercer 49.342 Cydia fagiglandana Large Beech Piercer 49.345 Lathronympha strigana Red Piercer 49.367 Pammene fasciana Acorn Piercer 49.376 Pammene aurita Sycamore Piercer 49.379 Pammene aurana Orange-spot Piercer 49.381 Strophedra weirana Little Beech Piercer 49.382 Strophedra nitidana Little Oak Piercer 50.002 Zeuzera pyrina Leopard Moth Bioblitz 52.002 Sesia apiformis Hornet Moth 52.010 Synanthedon andrenaeformis Orange-tailed Clearwing Bioblitz 62.001 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth Bioblitz 62.006 Galleria mellonella Wax Moth 62.007 Cryptoblabes bistriga Double-striped Knot-horn 62.029 Phycita roborella Dotted Oak Knot-horn
53 62.034 Acrobasis repandana Warted Knot-horn 62.035 Acrobasis advenella Grey Knot-horn 62.038 Acrobasis consociella Broad-barred Knot-horn 62.042 Myelois circumvoluta Thistle Ermine 62.054 Homoeosoma sinuella Twin-barred Knot-horn Bioblitz 62.058 Phycitodes binaevella Ermine Knot-horn Bioblitz 62.065 Ephestia unicolorella Ephestia unicolorella Bioblitz 62.070 Synaphe punctalis Long-legged Tabby 62.072 Pyralis farinalis Meal Moth 62.074 Aglossa pinguinalis Large Tabby 62.075 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle Bioblitz 62.076 Hypsopygia glaucinalis Double-striped Tabby 62.077 Endotricha flammealis Rosy Tabby 63.005 Pyrausta despicata Straw-barred Pearl 63.006 Pyrausta aurata Small Purple & Gold 63.018 Anania coronata Elder Pearl 63.025 Anania hortulata Small Magpie Bioblitz 63.028 Ostrinia nubilalis European Corn-borer Bioblitz-migrant 63.031 Udea ferrugalis Rusty-dot Pearl Migrant 63.034 Udea prunalis Dusky Pearl 63.037 Udea olivalis Olive Pearl Bioblitz 63.038 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 63.052 Nomophila noctuella Rush Veneer Migrant 63.054 Cydalima perspectalis Box-tree Moth 63.057 Evergestis forficalis Garden Pebble 63.062 Scoparia subfusca Large Grey 63.063 Scoparia basistrigalis Base-lined Grey 63.064 Scoparia ambigualis Common Grey 63.066 Scoparia pyralella Meadow Grey 63.067 Eudonia lacustrata Little Grey Bioblitz 63.069 Eudonia angustea Narrow-winged Grey 63.074 Eudonia mercurella Small Grey Bioblitz 63.075 Eudonia pallida Marsh Grey 63.077 Chilo phragmitella Reed Veneer 63.079 Calamotropha paludella Bulrush Veneer 63.080 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer Bioblitz 63.081 Crambus pascuella Inlaid Grass-veneer 63.086 Crambus lathoniellus Hook-streak Grass-veneer Bioblitz 63.088 Crambus perlella Satin Grass-veneer
54 63.089 Agriphila tristella Common Grass-veneer 63.090 Agriphila inquinatella Barred Grass-veneer Bioblitz 63.092 Agriphila selasella Pale-streak Grass-veneer 63.093 Agriphila straminella Straw Grass-veneer 63.095 Agriphila geniculea Elbow-stripe Grass-veneer 63.099 Catoptria pinella Pearl Grass-veneer 63.102 Catoptria falsella Chequered Grass-veneer 63.109 Pediasia contaminella Waste Grass-veneer 63.112 Platytes alpinella Hook-tipped Grass-veneer 63.114 Elophila nymphaeata Brown China-mark 63.115 Acentria ephemerella Water Veneer 63.116 Cataclysta lemnata Small China-mark 63.119 Musotima nitidalis Musotima nitidalis 65.001 Falcaria lacertinaria Scalloped Hook-tip 65.002 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-tip 65.005 Drepana falcataria Pebble Hook-tip 65.008 Thyatira batis Peach Blossom Bioblitz 65.009 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches Bioblitz 65.010 Tethea ocularis subsp. octogesimea Figure of Eighty 65.014 Cymatophorina diluta subsp. hartwiegi Oak Lutestring 65.015 Polyploca ridens Frosted Green 65.016 Achlya flavicornis subsp. galbanus Yellow Horned 66.001 Poecilocampa populi December Moth 68.001 Saturnia pavonia Emperor Moth 69.002 Smerinthus ocellata Eyed Hawk-moth 69.003 Laothoe populi Poplar Hawk-moth 69.007 Sphinx pinastri Pine Hawk-moth Bioblitz 69.016 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth 70.004 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 70.006 Idaea fuscovenosa Dwarf Cream Wave Bioblitz 70.008 Idaea seriata Small Dusty Wave 70.011 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave 70.012 Idaea trigeminata Treble Brown Spot Bioblitz 70.013 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave Bioblitz 70.016 Idaea aversata Riband Wave Bioblitz 70.018 Idaea straminata Plain Wave 70.024 Scopula imitaria Small Blood-vein 70.029 Timandra comae Blood-Vein 70.032 Cyclophora albipunctata Birch Mocha
55 70.036 Cyclophora punctaria Maiden's Blush Bioblitz 70.037 Cyclophora linearia Clay Triple-lines 70.038 Rhodometra sacraria Vestal Migrant 70.045 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-bar 70.049 Xanthorhoe fluctuata subsp. fluctuata Garden Carpet 70.051 Xanthorhoe spadicearia Red Twin-spot Carpet 70.053 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 70.054 Xanthorhoe montanata subsp. montanata Silver-ground Carpet 70.059 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 70.061 Epirrhoe alternata subsp. alternata Common Carpet Bioblitz 70.067 Anticlea derivata Streamer 70.074 Hydriomena furcata July Highflier 70.079 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet 70.081 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet 70.084 Plemyria rubiginata subsp. plumbata Blue-bordered Carpet 70.086 Electrophaes corylata Broken-barred Carpet 70.087 Cosmorhoe ocellata Purple Bar 70.089 Eulithis prunata Phoenix 70.090 Eulithis testata Chevron 70.092 Eulithis mellinata Spinach 70.093 Gandaritis pyraliata Barred Straw 70.094 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 70.095 Chloroclysta siterata Red-Green Carpet 70.097 Dysstroma truncata subsp. truncata Common Marbled Carpet Bioblitz 70.100 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 70.106 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth 70.114 Hydrelia flammeolaria Small Yellow Wave 70.126 Horisme vitalbata Small Waved Umber 70.137 Perizoma albulata subsp. albulata Grass Rivulet 70.138 Perizoma flavofasciata Sandy Carpet 70.141 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 70.144 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug Bioblitz 70.156 Eupithecia abbreviata Brindled Pug 70.157 Eupithecia dodoneata Oak-tree Pug 70.160 Eupithecia tripunctaria White-spotted Pug 70.168 Eupithecia nanata Narrow-winged Pug 70.171 Eupithecia indigata Ochreous Pug 70.173 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Pug 70.183 Eupithecia vulgata Common Pug Bioblitz
56 70.184 Eupithecia exiguata Mottled Pug Bioblitz 70.190 Eupithecia subfuscata Grey Pug Bioblitz 70.198 Lobophora halterata Seraphim 70.199 Pterapherapteryx sexalata Small Seraphim 70.200 Acasis viretata Yellow-barred Brindle 70.203 Archiearis parthenias Orange Underwing 70.204 Boudinotiana notha Light Orange Underwing 70.207 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border Bioblitz 70.211 Macaria notata Peacock Moth 70.222 Petrophora chlorosata Brown Silver-line Bioblitz 70.224 Plagodis dolabraria Scorched Wing Bioblitz 70.226 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth Bioblitz 70.231 Apeira syringaria Lilac Beauty 70.235 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn 70.236 Ennomos erosaria September Thorn Bioblitz 70.237 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn 70.239 Selenia tetralunaria Purple Thorn 70.241 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak 70.243 Ourapteryx sambucaria Swallow-tailed Moth 70.244 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 15/09/2017 - early date. 70.245 Alsophila aescularia March Moth 70.246 Apocheima hispidaria Small Brindled Beauty 70.247 Phigalia pilosaria Pale Brindled Beauty 70.248 Lycia hirtaria Brindled Beauty 70.251 Biston strataria Oak Beauty 70.252 Biston betularia Peppered Moth Bioblitz 70.253 Agriopis leucophaearia Spring Usher 70.255 Agriopis marginaria Dotted Border 70.256 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 70.257 Menophra abruptaria Waved Umber 70.258 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 70.265 Alcis repandata subsp. repandata Mottled Beauty Bioblitz 70.267 Hypomecis roboraria Great Oak Beauty Bioblitz 70.268 Hypomecis punctinalis Pale Oak Beauty 70.270 Ectropis crepuscularia Engrailed 70.277 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave Bioblitz 70.278 Cabera exanthemata Common Wave Bioblitz 70.280 Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver Bioblitz 70.282 Theria primaria Early Moth
57 70.283 Campaea margaritaria Light Emerald Bioblitz 70.299 Geometra papilionaria Large Emerald Bioblitz 70.300 Comibaena bajularia Blotched Emerald Bioblitz 70.305 Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald Bioblitz 71.001 Thaumetopoea processionea Oak Processionary 71.005 Furcula furcula Sallow Kitten 71.011 Drymonia ruficornis Lunar Marbled Brown 71.012 Notodonta dromedarius Iron Prominent 71.013 Notodonta ziczac Pebble Prominent 71.017 Pheosia tremula Swallow Prominent 71.018 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 71.020 Pterostoma palpina Pale Prominent 71.021 Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent 71.025 Phalera bucephala Buff-tip 71.027 Clostera curtula Chocolate-tip 72.001 Scoliopteryx libatrix Herald 72.002 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 72.003 Hypena proboscidalis Snout Bioblitz 72.010 Lymantria monacha Black Arches 72.011 Lymantria dispar Gypsy Moth 72.015 Calliteara pudibunda Pale Tussock 72.017 Orgyia antiqua Vapourer 72.019 Spilosoma lutea Buff Ermine 16/10/2017 - partial 2nd brood 72.020 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine Bioblitz 72.022 Diaphora mendica Muslin Moth 72.024 Phragmatobia fuliginosa subsp. fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 72.030 Euplagia quadripunctaria Jersey Tiger 72.031 Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar Bioblitz 72.035 Miltochrista miniata Rosy Footman Bioblitz 72.042 Atolmis rubricollis Red-necked Footman 72.043 Eilema depressa Buff Footman 72.044 Eilema griseola Dingy Footman 72.045 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 72.046 Eilema complana Scarce Footman 72.047 Eilema caniola Hoary Footman 72.049 Eilema sororcula Orange Footman Bioblitz 72.052 Macrochilo cribrumalis Dotted Fan-foot 72.053 Herminia tarsipennalis Fan-foot Bioblitz 72.055 Herminia grisealis Small Fan-foot Bioblitz
58 72.066 Parascotia fuliginaria Waved Black Bioblitz 72.069 Laspeyria flexula Beautiful Hook-tip Bioblitz 72.078 Catocala nupta Red Underwing 72.083 Euclidia glyphica Burnet Companion 73.001 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle 73.002 Abrostola triplasia Dark Spectacle 73.012 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass 73.015 Autographa gamma Silver Y Migrant 73.024 Deltote pygarga Marbled White Spot Bioblitz 73.032 Colocasia coryli Nut-tree Tussock 73.040 Acronicta leporina Miller 73.045 Acronicta rumicis Knot Grass 73.047 Craniophora ligustri Coronet 73.052 Cucullia umbratica Shark 73.059 Calophasia lunula Toadflax Brocade 73.062 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing 73.063 Amphipyra berbera subsp. svenssoni Svensson's Copper Underwing 73.068 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 73.069 Xylocampa areola Early Grey 73.074 Heliothis peltigera Bordered Straw 73.082 Cryphia algae Tree-lichen Beauty 73.084 Bryophila domestica Marbled Beauty 73.092 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic 73.095 Caradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 73.099 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 73.101 Charanyca trigrammica Treble Lines 73.102 Rusina ferruginea Brown Rustic Bioblitz 73.105 Dypterygia scabriuscula Bird's Wing Bioblitz 73.107 Mormo maura Old Lady 73.109 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 73.113 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 73.114 Euplexia lucipara Small Angle Shades 73.120 Eremobia ochroleuca Dusky Sallow 73.123 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic 73.128 Amphipoea oculea Ear Moth 73.131 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 73.142 Coenobia rufa Small Rufous 73.144 Denticucullus pygmina Small Wainscot 73.147 Photedes minima Small Dotted Buff
59 73.154 Apamea remissa Dusky Brocade 73.158 Apamea sordens Rustic Shoulder-knot 73.162 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 73.163 Apamea lithoxylaea Light Arches 73.169 Mesapamea secalis Common Rustic 73.170 Mesapamea didyma Lesser Common Rustic 73.171 Litoligia literosa Rosy Minor 73.172 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor 73.176 Oligia fasciuncula Middle-barred Minor 73.179 Tiliacea citrago Orange Sallow 73.180 Tiliacea aurago Barred Sallow 73.181 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow 73.182 Cirrhia icteritia Sallow 73.189 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 73.190 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 73.192 Agrochola circellaris Brick 73.193 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 73.194 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 73.195 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut 73.197 Conistra rubiginea Dotted Chestnut 73.201 Lithophane socia Pale Pinion 73.202 Lithophane ornitopus subsp. lactipennis Grey Shoulder-knot 73.210 Eupsilia transversa Satellite 73.215 Cosmia affinis Lesser-spotted Pinion 73.216 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar 73.221 Parastichtis suspecta Suspected 73.224 Griposia aprilina Merveille du Jour 73.225 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green 73.231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart 73.233 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 73.242 Orthosia incerta Clouded Drab 73.243 Orthosia miniosa Blossom Underwing 73.244 Orthosia cerasi Common Quaker 73.245 Orthosia cruda Small Quaker 73.246 Orthosia populeti Lead-coloured Drab 73.249 Orthosia gothica Hebrew Character 73.250 Anorthoa munda Twin-spotted Quaker 73.252 Tholera cespitis Hedge Rustic 73.253 Tholera decimalis Feathered Gothic
60 73.254 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 73.261 Polia nebulosa Grey Arches Bioblitz 73.263 Lacanobia w-latinum Light Brocade 73.267 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 73.273 Hada plebeja Shears 73.288 Mythimna turca Double Line 73.291 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 73.293 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot Bioblitz 73.297 Mythimna albipuncta White-point 73.298 Mythimna ferrago Clay Bioblitz 73.301 Leucania comma Shoulder-striped Wainscot Bioblitz 73.317 Agrotis exclamationis Heart & Dart Bioblitz 73.319 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 73.320 Agrotis clavis Heart & Club Bioblitz 73.325 Agrotis puta subsp. puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 73.327 Agrotis ipsilon Dark Sword-grass 73.328 Axylia putris Flame Bioblitz 73.329 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder Bioblitz 73.333 Diarsia mendica subsp. mendica Ingrailed Clay 73.334 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 73.338 Lycophotia porphyrea True Lover's Knot 73.342 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing Bioblitz 73.343 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 73.345 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 73.348 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 73.353 Xestia baja Dotted Clay 73.357 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 73.358 Xestia sexstrigata Six-striped Rustic 73.359 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character Bioblitz 73.361 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 73.365 Eugnorisma glareosa Autumnal Rustic 74.002 Meganola albula Kent Black Arches 74.003 Nola cucullatella Short-cloaked Moth Bioblitz 74.004 Nola confusalis Least Black Arches 74.007 Bena bicolorana Scarce Silver-lines 74.008 Pseudoips prasinana subsp. britannica Green Silver-lines Bioblitz 74.009 Nycteola revayana Oak Nycteoline Bioblitz
Recorder Les Evans-Hill LE-H Main Location 1 Thatched Cottage, Wimbedon Common
61 Appendix 7 FUNGI RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017
Species Common name Site Grid ref Date Recorder Associated with Auricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear WC TQ23377236 17/09/2017 AO Elder Clitopilus prunulus The Miller WC TQ23207240 17/09/2017 AO Lime Agaricus arvensis Horse Mushroom WC TQ23207240 17/09/2017 AO Lime Xerocomellus cisalpinus Bluefoot Bolete WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Tricholoma sulphureum WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Scleroderma verrucosum Scaly Earthball WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Scleroderma areolatum Leopard Earthball WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Russula parazurea Powdery Brittlegill WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Russula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Polyporus leptocephalus Blackfoot Polypore WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Mycena galopus WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Lactarius quietus Oakbug Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Laccaria laccata Deceiver WC TQ23407191 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver WC TQ23397193 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak 17/09/2017 Inocybe geophylla WC TQ23407196 AO Pedunculate Oak Gymnopus dryophilus Russet Toughshank WC TQ23437197 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Cortinarius parvannulatus WC TQ23427193 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Cortinarius hinnuleus Earthy Webcap WC TQ234719 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Clitocybe gibba Common Funnel WC TQ23397235 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Chlorophyllum brunneum Brown Parasol WC TQ23327237 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Chlorociboria aeruginascens Green Elfcup WC TQ23267239 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Leccinum variicolor Mottled Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Leccinum schistophilum Bog Bolete WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Leccinum scabrum Brown Birch Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Leccinum melaneum Brown Birch Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Leccinum cyaneobasileucum Greyshank Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius vietus Grey Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius helvus Fenugreek Milkcap WC2 SU90884553 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Hapalopilus nidulans Cinnamon Bracket WC TQ23447198 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Ganoderma applanatum Artist's Bracket WC TQ234719 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Amanita fulva Tawny Grisette WC TQ23467185 17/09/2017 AO Silver Birch Mycena galopus WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO
62 Appendix 7 FUNGI RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017
Lycoperdon pyriforme Stump Puffball WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Tricholoma sulphureum WC3 TQ23037193 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Trametes versicolor Turkeytail WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Scleroderma verrucosum Scaly Earthball WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Scleroderma areolatum Leopard Earthball WC2 TQ23127190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Russula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill WC3 TQ23167193 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Russula atropurpurea Purple Brittlegill WC TQ23087218 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Pluteus salicinus Willow Shield WC TQ23037211 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Pluteus cervinus Deer Shield WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Otidea onotica Hare's Ear WC2 TQ23127189 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Mycena polygramma Grooved Bonnet WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Mycena galericulata Common Bonnet WC2 TQ23117190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Lepista nuda Wood Blewit WC3 TQ23157193 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver WC2 TQ23147190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Inocybe lacera WC3 TQ23137196 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Galerina marginata Funeral Bell WC TQ23137188 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Clitocybe gibba Common Funnel WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Paxillus obscurisporus WC4 TQ23177181 07/10/2017 AO Sallow Entoloma rhodopolium Wood Pinkgill WC TQ23137192 07/10/2017 AO Sallow Tricholoma fulvum Birch Knight WC3 TQ23147193 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Scleroderma citrinum Common Earthball WC3 TQ23067190 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Russula versicolor Variable Brittlegill WC3 TQ23127193 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Russula claroflava Yellow Swamp Brittlegill WC3 TQ23107194 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Russula betularum Birch Brittlegill WC3 TQ23147193 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore WC2 TQ23117189 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Phlebia tremellosa Jelly Rot WC2 TQ23117190 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Paxillus involutus Brown Rollrim WC2 TQ23177193 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Mycena epipterygia Yellowleg Bonnet WC3 TQ23157194 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Leccinum scabrum Brown Birch Bolete WC2 TQ23187192 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius turpis Ugly Milkcap WC2 TQ23147192 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius torminosus Woolly Milkcap WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius tabidus Birch Milkcap WC2 TQ23117190 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius pubescens Bearded Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius helvus Fenugreek Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch
63 Appendix 7 FUNGI RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017
Laccaria proxima Scurfy Deceiver WC3 TQ23137196 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Hypholoma fasciculare WC2 TQ23147190 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Hebeloma leucosarx Birch Poisonpie WC TQ23127196 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Daedaleopsis confragosa Blushing Bracket WC TQ23157205 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Cortinarius tabularis WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Chalciporus piperatus Peppery Bolete WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Amanita muscaria WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Amanita citrina False Deathcap WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Amanita fulva Tawny Grisette WC TQ23087221 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Mycena olivaceomarginata Brownedge Bonnet WC3 TQ23117193 07/10/2017 AO Mycena megaspora Rooting Bonnet WC3 TQ23107195 07/10/2017 AO Hygrocybe reidii Honey Waxcap WC TQ23127195 07/10/2017 AO Humaria hemisphaerica Glazed Cup WC TQ23137189 07/10/2017 AO Gliophorus laetus Heath Waxcap WC TQ23127196 07/10/2017 AO Entoloma sericeum WC TQ23107194 07/10/2017 AO Entoloma sericeum WC TQ23107195 07/10/2017 AO Cystoderma amianthinum Earthy Powdercap WC TQ23117194 07/10/2017 AO Xylaria hypoxylon Candlesnuff Fungus WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Tricholoma sulphureum WC2 TQ23037199 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Trametes versicolor Turkeytail WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Stereum subtomentosum Yellowing Curtain Crust WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Scleroderma citrinum Common Earthball WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Russula persicina WC2 TQ23127191 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Russula fragilis WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap WC2 TQ23117191 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Panellus stipticus Bitter Oysterling WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Mycena vitilis Snapping Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Mycena pura Lilac Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Mycena inclinata Clustered Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Mycena haematopus Burgundydrop Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Mycena galericulata Common Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Lepista flaccida Tawny Funnel WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Lactarius fulvissimus Tawny Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak
64 Appendix 7 FUNGI RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017
Hygrocybe coccinea Scarlet Waxcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Gymnopus dryophilus Russet Toughshank WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Grifola frondosa Hen of the Woods WC2 TQ23167186 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Ganoderma australe Southern Bracket WC TQ23077213 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Crepidotus cesatii Roundspored Oysterling WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Clitopilus prunulus The Miller WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Clitocybe nebularis Clouded Funnel WC2 TQ23167192 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Chlorophyllum rachodes Shaggy Parasol WC2 TQ23147189 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak Tricholoma fulvum Birch Knight WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Russula claroflava Yellow Swamp Brittlegill WC3 TQ23147193 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Russula betularum Birch Brittlegill WC3 TQ23147193 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Phlebia tremellosa Jelly Rot WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Leccinum scabrum Brown Birch Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius vietus Grey Milkcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius turpis Ugly Milkcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Lactarius tabidus Birch Milkcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Laccaria proxima Scurfy Deceiver WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Hypholoma fasciculare WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Amanita muscaria WC3 TQ23077218 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Amanita fulva Tawny Grisette WC2 TQ23227196 21/10/2017 AO Silver Birch Hygrocybe miniata Vermilion Waxcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Gliophorus laetus Heath Waxcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO
NOTES: Some nice records were picked up during the 2017 forays, some of which I've not recorded before from the Common They are as follows; Leccinum melaneum, Leccinum schistophyllum, Leccinum cyaneobasileucum and Russula persicina.
65 Appendix 8 RAINFALL FIGURES FOR SW20 8DX, 2005 to the present
ALL JAN. FEB. MCH. 3 MTH. APR. MAY JUNE 3 MTH. 6 MTH. JULY AUG. SEPT. 3 MTH. OCT. NOV. DEC. 3 MTH. 6 MTH. 12 MTH. FIGURES TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTALS IN MM.
2005 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 36 71 64 171 80 36 40 156 327 n/a
2006 17 46 41 104 39 75 23 137 241 31 66 82 179 81 62 70 213 392 633
2007 62 93 45 200 4 88 69 161 361 113 47 35 195 39 92 49 180 375 736
2008 67 11 83 161 61 71 35 167 328 62 49 48 159 40 78 40 158 317 645
2009 70 60 35 165 27 34 27 88 253 70 30 23 123 31 154 77 262 385 638
2010 51 98 31 180 30 34 20 84 264 7 94 51 152 91 38 38 167 317 581
2011 83 40 14 137 3 19 88 110 247 55 84 24 163 20 33 59 112 275 522
2012 42 18 17 77 116 27 125 268 345 101 38 48 187 100 66 105 271 458 803
2013 52 26 55 133 40 45 24 109 242 27 71 56 154 82 64 106 252 406 648
2014 156 87 28 271 38 101 44 183 454 44 90 13 147 76 107 29 212 359 813
2015 64 43 21 128 20 53 13 86 214 57 87 79 223 31 51 48 130 353 567
2016 73 38 69 180 37 60 162 259 439 21 20 28 69 36 94 7 137 206 645
2017 68 37 21 126 4 61 38 103 229 102 74 40 216 17 43 88 148 364 593
Averages 67 50 38 155 35 56 55 146 301 57 62 44 163 54 73 60 187 350 651 01/2006 – 12/2017 inclusive
n/a = not available Monthly averages: wettest – Nov/Jan/Aug/Dec/Jul/May/Jun/Oct/Feb/Sep/Mch/Apr – driest.
66 Wimbledon and Putney Commons 17th & 18th June 2017 Join us as we explore our wildlife at the Wimbledon Common BioBlitz Weekend of Nature
at the Ranger’s Office Full details at wpcc.org.uk
Bats and moths, birds, butterflies, bees and plants Join us for our weekend of nature, exploring the Commons with our team of experts!
67 Ranger’s Office, Manor Co age, Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common London SW19 5NR ‐ 020 8788 7655 ‐ rangersoffi[email protected] ‐ www.wpcc.org.uk ‐ Twi er @wimbledoncommon Identification Sheet 1 Woodland Minibeasts
Earthworm Slug Snail
Ladybird Ground beetle Beetle larva
Springtail Earwig Wasp
Blowfly Ant Bumble bee
Devil’s Coachhorse Harvestman Spider
Woodlouse Centipede Millipede
15
68 Illustrations by Graham Giddens © RBKC Ecology Service Identification Sheet 2 Meadow Minibeasts
Dragonfly Peacock butterfly Speckled wood butterfly
Damselfly Caterpillar Moth
Bumblebee Blowfly Ladybird
Wasp Cranefly Shield bug
Grasshopper Snail Spider
Cricket Slug Harvestman
16
69 Illustrations by Graham Giddens © RBKC Ecology Service Appendix 11 BIOBLITZ FAUNA AND OVERALL TOTALS FOR THE MAIN FAUNAL GROUPS 2017
Common English Name Species Scientific name Comments count (3) etc. denotes 2016 count (denotes 2016species not check √ denotes species also seen at at seen in 2017) BioBlitz 2016 Bats 3 (3) Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii √ Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus √ Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistellus pygmaeus √
Other Mammals 5 Fox Vulpes vulpes √ Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus √ Weasel Mustela nivalis Track from Manor Cottage to Queensmere Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus Secondary woodland edge Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus Bramble scrub south side of The Plain
Total Mammals 8 (5)
Birds - early morning walk 26 (28) Black Cap Sylvia atricapilla √ Blackbird Terdus merula √ Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus √ Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs √ Chiff Chaff Phylloscopus collybita √ Coal Tit Periparus ater Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis √ Carrion Crow Corvus corone √ Dunnock Prunella modularis Garden Warbler Sylvia borin √ Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis √ Great Tit Parus major √ Herring Gull Larus argentatus Jackdaw Corvus monedula √ Jay Garralus glandarius Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Magpie Pica pica √ Mallard Anas platyrhynchos √ Moorhen Gallinula chloropus √ Parakeet Psittacula krameri Robin Erithacus rubecula Song Thrush Turdus philomelos √ Starling Sturnus vulgaris Swallow Hirundo rustica √ Swift Apus apus √ Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus √ Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Mute Swan Cygnus olor Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Stock Dove Columba oenas Nuthatch Sitta europea Coot Fulica atra
70 Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Tree Creeper Certhia familiaris Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
Other Birds noted 4 4 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus √ Over The Plain Red Kite Milvus milvus Over Ladies Mile Robin Erithacus rubecula √ NE corner of The Plain- listed 2016 walk but not 2017 walk Skylark Alauda arvensis √ The Plain Tawny Owl Strix aluco √ Queensmere, Bat Walk
Total Birds 30 (32)
Insects Butterflies 15 (10) Comma Polygonia c-album Hogweed Patch Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus Unsure of Location Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus √ Nettle Patch and The Plain Large White Pieris brassicae Marbled White Melanargia galathea The Plain ( SR) Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina √ Mainly at The Plain and Nettle Patch Painted Lady Vanessa cardui √ Peacock Inachis io as caterpillars Purple Hairstreak Favonius quercus √ Unsure of location Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Nettle Patch near ant hills Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Unsure of location Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus √ The Plain Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae √ Nettle Patch and The Plain Small White Pieris rapae Unsure of exact location Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria √ Woodland Edge between Heath Patch and Hookhamslade White Admiral Limenitis camilla
Dragonflies / Damselflies 10 (5) Broad-Bodied Chaser Libellula depressa √ Hookhamslade Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis √ Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum √ Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator √ The Plain and surrounds and Hookhamslade Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata √ Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula Nr Ranger’s Office, bungalow garden Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella Hookhamslade Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa
Moths 15 Blotched Emerald Comibaena bajularia √ Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata √ Common Emerald Hemithen aestivaria √ Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella Garden Grass Veneer Chrysoteuchia culmella but on BB total moth list 2017
71 Great Oak Tortrix Tortrix viridana but on BB total moth list 2017 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba but on BB total moth list 2017 Lime Hawk-moth Mimas tiliae No 2017 record Maiden’s Blush Cyclophora punctaria but on BB total moth list 2017 Mottled Beauty Alcis repandata subsp. √ repandata Orange Footman Eilema sororcula but on BB total moth list 2017 Pammene Aurita No 2017 record Shuttle-shaped Dart Agrotis puta subsp. puta Silver Y Autographa gamma but on BB total moth list 2017 Spectacle Abrostola tripartita Straw Dot Rivula sericealis Treble Brown Spot Idaea trigeminata but on BB total moth list 2017 Vapourer Moth Orgyia antiqua Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria Buff Arches Habrosyne pyritoides Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Silver Lomographa temerata Giant (Great) Oak Beauty Hypomecis roboraria Large Emerald Geometra papilionaria Leopard Zeuzera pyrina Light Emerald Campaea margaritaria Oak Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea Oak Tree on woodland corner processionea beyond Heath Patch en route to Hookhamslade Orange-tailed Clearwing Synanthedon Hogweed Patch andrenaeformis Waved Black Parascotia fuliginaria
Other Insects 16 (23) Bishops Mitre Bug Aelia acuminata Click Beetle Prosternon tessellatum Click Beetle (red and black) Ampedus sanguinolentus Conopid fly Sicus ferruginalis Larva is a parasite of Bumblebees Cricket Pholidoptera √Species not confirmed, e.g. griseoaptera? Or Dark bush-cricket? Tettigonia viridissima? Great Green Bush Cricket? On The Plain in 2017 Dock Bug Coreus marginatus Ghost larva Chaoborus crystallinus √ Hookhamslade Greater Water Notonecta glauca Hookhamslade Boatman/backswimmer Honey Bee Apis mellifera √ (Q) Hoverfly Xylota segnis Ichneumon Wasp spp. Ichneumon spp. Parasitic wasp of other invertebrates Lesser Water Boatman Corixa punctata √ Hookhamslade Midge Larvae Chironomidae spp. (Red-tailed) Bumble bee Bombus (lapidarius ) sp. √ (Q) not lapidarius in 2017 Saw Fly Rhadinoceraea micans On Yellow Flag at Hookhamslade Scarab Beetle Scarabaeidaespp. No further information on ID Seven Spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata √ The Plain (RT), Hogweed Patch Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina Common Green? Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva ? Common Red? Soldier Fly Chloromyia formosa Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus
72 Thick-kneed flower beetle Oedemera nobilis √ Hogweed Patch Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris Common wasp? ID not confirmed Nettle Weevil Phyllobius pomaceus Common Green Grasshopper Omocestus viridulus The Plain Green Tortoise Beetle Cassida viridis Hogweed Patch Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis Hogweed Patch Longhorn Beetle Strangalia maculata Hogweed Patch Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata Hogweed Patch Adonis Ladybird? Adonia variegata The Plain Stink Bug/ Shield Bug Palomena prasina Bramble near Nettle Patch Summer Chafer Amphimallon solstitiale Grassland near windmill Yellow Meadow Ant Lasius flavus Heathland Patch
Total Insects 56 (57)
Others Arachnids 0 (2) Cucumber spider Araniella cucurbitina Tick Ixodes spp. Species not confirmed
Crustaceans 1 (2) Freshwater Shrimp Gammarus pulex √ Woodlouse Oniscus asellus Common shiny woodlouse? Not confirmed
Amphibians 1 (3) Froglet Rana temporaria Especially abundant in the heath patch pools Tadpoles at Hookhamslade Smooth Newt tadople Lissotriton vulgaris √ Toad Bufo bufo
Reptiles 1 Common Lizard Lacerta Zootoca vivipara √ Hogweed Patch and The Plain
Gastropods 1 (4) Ramshorn Snail Planorbarius corneus White-lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis Possible confusion in common names between years? Grove (Brown-lipped) Snail Cepaea nemoralis See above Slug Arion( Mesarion) subfucus Hedgehog Slug Arion intermedius
Annelids 2 (2) Bloodworm Glycera spp. √ Species not confirmed Leech Hirudinea spp. √Species not confirmed
Total fauna 100
Total Flora 88 Details in Appendix A4a (June) and A4b Habitat patches
Total BioBlitz 2017 188 (186)
73