Our Wild Things Columnist Eric Brown recalls a productive meeting on Chislehurst Common and suggests a visit to sample the magic of nature with the last of the summer butterflies, dragonflies and birds.
Record high September temperatures left me sweltering, sweating and hankering for a return to more comfortable conditions for seeking out wildlife.
When I decided on a walk at Chislehurst Common in February it was 12C, warm for the time of year but ideal for a winter stroll. Leaves crunched underfoot and the sun peeped through tree branches leaving interesting shadows on the woodland floor.
With Christmas and New Year excesses still lingering it was marvellous to be out walking but with a purpose.
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Chislehurst Common hosts unusual plants as well as birds, mammals, amphibians and insects. Birds include a population of firecrests. These sprites are among Britain's smallest birds and while not uncommon they can be tricky to locate.
The RSPB estimates the British breeding firecrest population at 2,000 pairs and increasing.
But when you are looking for a bird smaller than house sparrows that never seems to keep still for more than a few seconds it can be difficult to spot them. Especially when their high-pitched song is above your hearing range.
I was floundering when a lady came up the path and asked what I was looking for. She said she was involved with the common's management and although she had not seen firecrests herself she pointed me towards a place where others had. Thanks, Mary.
Within minutes I'd reached the spot and picked out the fantastic head patterns on three different firecrests which distinguishes them from the similar but less spectacular goldcrest. They were busily seeking out small insects with darting flights around holly and conifer bushes.
The 180-acre Chislehurst Common, combined with Petts Wood Common, includes woods, grassland, heathland and several ponds.
There's also an historic cricket pitch where I played many enjoyable matches. Chislehurst Common's privately-owned lands in Bromley were preserved for the community under an 1888 Act of Parliament which awarded management rights to a voluntary board of trustees operating as a charity.
The common is criss-crossed by a network of roads, paths and bridleways and maintained by volunteers alongside two full-time salaried keepers. Upkeep costs of £100,000 a year are met by grants and charitable donations.
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To help raise cash a Magic of Nature event was staged between Watts Lane, School Road and Church Row on Saturday (September 23) from 1pm to 5pm. Heaps of creative fun at stalls offering a variety of art and craft activities including face painting. Other attractions included photographic and art competitions, while a tea tent proved to be popular. All proceeds will go towards maintaining the commons.
More information about this event and other Chislehurst Common happenings can be found on its excellent website which also features a map of the area. While there, why not check out the wildlife? In good weather, there should still be butterflies around, dragonflies over the ponds and plenty of birds.
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