Some of the parts of Hutchinson’s Bank are almost unrecognisable thanks to scrub clearance work undertaken by the Croydon local group, T2O volunteers and Old Surrey Downs project.
Earlier in 2011 the Old Surrey Downs project set up a new grazing paddock next to the permissive bridleway that runs along the bottom part of the reserve. The area was completely covered in mature scrub, which had to be cleared before sheep are introduced. It looked like a massive task when our devoted local group started clearing it last September. Soon Shaun and his volunteers joined in and scrub simply started to disappear! A massive amount of scrub was cut using silky and bow saws, and burned in controlled fire. With occasional help from OSD we are hoping to clear the whole paddock by the end of the winter conservation season.
If you wish to help restore chalk grassland sites, join us for practical conservation sessions that take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and some Sundays.
For detailed information please contact Shaun Marriott (Volunteer Development Officer) smarriott@wildlondon.org.uk