In a quiet corner of New Addington, Croydon, wildlife is flourishing thanks to a project funded by The Veolia Environmental Trust and London Wildlife Trust’s members. Over the next few weeks, local nature lovers are being encouraged to get stuck into some practical conservation work to complete the final stage of the project.
Over the autumn, London Wildlife Trust has been delivering work to protect the important chalk grassland habitat of Slimmings’ Down in Hutchinson’s Bank Nature Reserve. Hutchinson’s Bank is home to many diverse and rare species of insects, birds and plants, but has suffered significant scrub encroachment over recent years. The reserve's management objectives are now set on targeting prioritised clusters of scrub in order to increase the area of the Bank under grassland management regimes. The project has focused particularly on increasing the habitat available for a number of key species including the small blue and marbled white butterflies, and pyramidal and man orchids.
Since October, contractors have been manually clearing scrub and preparing the reserve for a new management regime to restore and recreate the original chalk grassland landscape that was once common across this part of the country. This is helping the Trust contribute towards the targets of the London and Croydon Biodiversity Action Plans.
The work has been 
overseen by Ian Rappel, London Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Land Manager, who says:
“The fantastic work that has been supported by this project is completely transforming the reserve. Dense blankets of leggy scrub have been removed to reveal areas ripe for chalk meadow restoration. Moving in behind the contractors we were delighted to discover small pockets of wildflowers and chalk-loving grasses that were just hanging on amongst impenetrable thickets.”
Future management will largely comprise of grazing by the Trust's partner the Old Surrey Downs Project. This traditional technique, utilizing livestock such as sheep, goats, and ponies, offers significantly better conservation results than can be achieved by modern machinery. Over the next year The Trust will also be undertaking regular monitoring of the Bank in order to investigate potential future interventions to further enhance the reserve’s wildlife. By increasing the likelihood of spotting key orchids and butterflies, the work undertaken has also enhanced this unique site for local people to enjoy their local nature.
This project has been funded through a generous grant of £19,800 from The Veolia Environmental Trust, awarded through the Landfill Communities Fund, and £5,153 in donations from London Wildlife Trust members.
The Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Margaret Cobbold adds:
“The Trust supports community and environmental projects across the country. Projects such as this are vital in sustaining precious greenspace for future generations. It is great to hear the difference that has already been made at the reserve and I look forward to hearing how the volunteers get on in the final stages of this worthwhile project.”
Ian Rappel continues:
“To help us celebrate the achievements of the project and complement the scrub clearance undertaken by the contractors, we will be running a number of practical conservation volunteering sessions at Hutchinson’s Bank throughout January. If you want to get your hands dirty and experience this breathtaking site first hand, do come down and join us. All are welcome – no experience required! Contact Shaun Marriott on 07710 194268 or smarriott@wildlondon.org.uk.”