Quarterly Land Management Update - S1

Summer 1 (S1) – April, May, June

This quarter marks the start of our summer season – Engage and Observe

School Visits

The influx of school sessions begins to increase as part of our environmental and outdoor education strategy, reaching around 4 days a week in late May and June. Providing this space for children to learn about nature, ecology, and their connection to it, is vital as they grow and form the next generation of researchers, councillors, CEOs.

Invasive Species Control

As the borough begins to burst with life and leaves, we must undertake invasive species control for plants such as Hemlock (pictured), Japanese Knotweed, and Himalayan Balsam. This is important, as without this management, these species would outcompete our natives and can cause a decline in biodiversity.

Bird Nesting Season

We are well into the nesting season for many UK native birds. Hedgerows are an important habitat during this time with over 30 species using various hedge heights and types for nesting; Robins prefer nests on, or close to, the ground and Bullfinches favour nests over the 4m mark. Therefore, it is crucial to leave hedgerows uncut during this time (March – August), with active birds’ nests protected by law under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. We do not cut our hedgerows during this period, and you must check carefully for active nests either side of the season.