Bookham Commons - see video! (see below)
Bookham Commons - see video! (see below)
Bookham Commons volunteering is on the morning of the second Tuesday of the month from 10.00am meeting at Merritts Cottage. There is also the weekly all day Wednesday helpers day. For more details of these and other helping days in the area call Ian on 07770 887683. On a BBC Website there is a glorious video of Bookham Common and the Blue Emporer Butterfly! - www.bbc.co.uk/nature/species/Purple_Emperor#p008d8c2
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As with all publications the Bulletin has a deadline and I am writing this as the country mourns the England football team’s miserable performance in the World Cup. However, the residents of the Bookhams have the benefits of the Commons to help restore their spirits. There is so much going on and the hot sun brings out the colours and smells - newly cut hay at Chasemoor Farm and the honeysuckle and limes on the Commons are particularly noticeable, as too is the smell of the Isle of Wight enjoying the traditional 'pondy' smell all generations will recognise. The five main ponds are contrasting in appearance although man made. In the 17th century the Isle of Wight was used for stocking fish but this pond has changed in the last decade or so with its lower water level and the removal of the fish with plants including iris, water mint and bull rushes taking their place in the pond. A hole in the dam in 1998 meant the removal of the fish which made the water clearer with more sunlight for plants to flourish. The sides of the pond have been changed and are now gradual as opposed to the previous steep sides which caused erosion by the lapping water.
The next pond up in the line is Lower Hollow and this was also previously stocked but has silted up and is almost inaccessible due to brambles and willows on it’s banks. The third pond is the Upper Hollow which was cleared in 1977 and is due to a further clearance operation in the near future. This will include a re-profiling of the banks due to damage by dogs and it is currently the home of a coote and its young which nested on the pond. The fourth pond is the Lower Eastern and could be described as ' overgrown' although it has its benefits to wildlife with reed mace and the skullcap beetle as well as a good number of plants providing nectar. In many ways the jewel in the crown is the Upper Eastern which has been subject to much change and work to put it back to the condition it was many decades ago. The benefits will be seen over the next few years but even now we are seeing a number of visitors.
Warden Ian Swinney said, "the Bookham Commons National Trust volunteers have provided a wonderful new bird hide which enables visitors to get closer to wildlife. Situated beside the newly restored Upper Eastern pond the hide is proving to be a very popular place to observe the antics of the ducks, coote and moorhens. There is also a nesting pair of little grebe. Mallard are rearing a second brood and the pond is attracting the Emperor dragonfly. We are grateful for the carpentry volunteers from Landbarn Farm, near Westcott, who made the frame from oak thinnings harvested from the Commons. The site was prepared by the Bookham midweek volunteers who also cut the hazel for hurdle screens as well as finishing the main hide seating. A visit was made by Rosie Norris, of the Disabled Ramblers Association, who helped us to make sure the correct measurements for wheelchair and mobility vehicle access. The National Trust are very keen to promote access for everyone. We hope you enjoy this peaceful haven for people and wildlife."