Flora and Fauna

 Why is Walden Woods Important?

80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s. Decreases in butterfly populations on this scale are a huge cause for concern as butterflies are an integral part of the UK ecosystem and their precipitous decline is a clear warning signal of the wider biodiversity crisis.

We are lucky enough to have a unique space where butterflies and pollinators thrive. It’s called Walden Woods

At the back of the woods is a huge area filled with thick brambles which is impenetrable by us humans and our four legged companions. But this is one of the most important parts of the woods.

In spring the brambles come alive with insects courting and laying their eggs on the bramble leaves

Wren, dunnock and wood pigeon have all been found in this area and are on the RSPB amber list. These birds along with robins, thrushes, blackbirds, warblers and finches will nest in bramble and small mammals such as hedgehogs and dormice will use it for protection from predators.

In the summer these brambles are filled with bees bumblebees and butterflies. Their open flowers are an important source of nectar. You will also see butterfly and moth caterpillars munching their way through the leaves this time of year.

Finally, in the autumn and winter the juicy blackberries are a lifeline for birds and butterflies alike. Even the small mammals inhabiting the bramble area will enjoy them

With the nearest large bramble area being over a mile away in Elmstead woods we feel it is important to keep this space safe. It will enable future generations to enjoy the many pollinators which are set for extinction without places like this.

We have long been wanting to create a biodiversity learning area in the woods. Teaching children the lifecycle of pollinators, which pollinators to spot in the area and how to help them thrive. We still hope to do this but await the report from the DfE contractors and news about the possible encroachment on our woods to build a SEN school. A site which according to Bromley council is a “site of Importance for Nature Conservation”.

Yorkshire Fog

How do I get rid of Yorkshire fog, is the first thing that comes up if you Google this beautiful softly hairy perennial grass which grows in our bee corridor in Walden Rec. It is a great food plant for caterpillars, and we think it lovely for that reason alone
Yorkshire fog grass was given the name because, from a distance, it resembles the smoke that once billowed from the chimneys of northern factories.

Cat’s Ear

When you walk through Walden Rec. you will see an abundance of the tall yellow flowers in our bee corridor

These tall wildflowers are called Cat’s Ears and are not to be confused with dandelions. They are much taller, and the leaves resembles a cat’s ear and are often covered in fine silvery / white hairs on both the top and underneath. These lovely flowers have been given the prestigious RHS Perfect for Pollinators mark which is only given to plants that support pollinating insects in gardens. Bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, and many others will visit these flowers to feed on their nectar and pollen.

All parts of the cat’s ear plant are edible, and the leaves can be eaten raw in salads, steamed, or used in stir-fries.