WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS

ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT

2017

THANKS ARE DUE TO EVERYONE WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED RECORDS FOR THIS REPORT; TO THE WILLING VOLUNTEERS; FOR

THE SUPPORT OF WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION FORUM MEMBERS; AND FOR THE RECIPROCAL ENTHUSIASM OF

WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS STAFF. A SPECIAL THANK YOU GOES TO ANGELA EVANS-HILL FOR HER HELP WITH

PROOF READING, CHASING MISSING DATA AND ASSISTANCE WITH THE FINAL FORMATTING, COMPILATION AND PRINTING OF

THE REPORT.

CONTENTS Page Context 1 A. Systematic Recording 5 Results 7 Reflections and Recommendations 27 B. BioBlitz 29 Reflections and Recommendations 34 C. References 35

List of Tables

Table 1 Mowing Dates for the Conservation Zone of the Plain 2008-2017 4 Table 2 Summary of Systematic Recording in 2017 and Recent Years 6 Table 3 Recording Effort and Overall Plant Species Counts on The Plain 2014-17

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Table 4 The Habitat Patches (for detailed records see Appendix 3b) 10

Table 5 Confirmed Bird Records for The Plain, March-September, 2017 12 Table 6 Comparison of the Most Abundant Butterfly Species Recorded 2015, 2016, 2017

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Table 7 Dragonfly and Damselflies Species Found at the Standard Sampling Locations 2017

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Table 8 Locations and Site Descriptions of Refugia 20 Table 9 Summary of Frogs and Toads Sightings Reported 2nd March and 8th March 2017

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Table 10 Mammals Sighted on Wimbledon and Putney Commons 2017 22 Table 11 Fauna at Putney Lower Common, January – December 2017 25 Table 12 Wet and Dry Periods as Revealed by Raynes Park (SW20) Rainfall Data

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Table 13 Summary of BioBlitz Sightings, 2017 32

List of Figures

Figure 1 Location of The Plain on Wimbledon and Putney Commons 3 Figure 2 The Variable Height ‘Grassy’ Sward with Cut Bramble in the Formerly Uncut Area

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Figure 3 Bee Orchid amidst Yellow Rattle and Ribwort Plantain 9 Figure 4 Autumn Hawkbit flourishing in the late summer mowed sward 9 Figure 5 Trifid Bur Marigold and Marsh Pennywort on the Exposed Marginal Areas of Bluegate Pond

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Figure 6 Stonechat 13 Figure 7 Holly Blue 15 Figure 8 Black Darter at Bluegate Pond 16

Figure 9 Double Line Moth 18 Figure 10 Common Lizards Sightings on Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath 2017

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Figure 11 One of 9 Common Lizards seen on Heathland during a Scrub-bashing Session Close to the Junction of Ladies Mile and Inner Park Ride 20th May 2017 (Map area 13 on Figure 10)

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Figure 12 Leccinum melaneum 24 Figure 13 BioBlitz Route 2017 29 Figure 14 The BioBlitz Blackboard 2017 30 Figure 15 Oak Processionary Moth Nest 31 Figure 16 Honey Bee on Bird’s-foot Trefoil 33 Figure 17 WPC’s Dog Waste Challenge 33

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 a. Forum and volunteers etc b. Dave Wills Obituary

36 37

Appendix 2 WPC Wildlife and Conservation Events 2017 and Associated W&C Forum Activities

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Appendix 3 Plants 3a Floral Records for The Plain 3b BioBlitz Plant Communities - Beyond the Main Area of The Plain – The

Habitat Patches

39 44

Appendix 4 Butterflies 4a The Long-established Transect 4b Wimbledon Common SW and Fishponds Wood

46 47

Appendix 5 Dragonflies and Damselflies 48 Appendix 6 Moths 49 Appendix 7 Fungi 62 Appendix 8 Rainfall data 66 Appendix 9 BioBlitz Flyer 67 Appendix 10 Woodland and Meadow Mini-Beasts 68 Appendix 11 BioBlitz Fauna 70

CONTEXT

2017 has been a challenging year. Diverse events conspired to disrupt monitoring activities. Most significantly, the sudden illness and death of the lead bird recorder, Dave Wills (Appendix 1); exceptional and untimely mid-summer pressures on some staff and Conservators, who are regular contributors to recording, relating to the appointment and fact-finding activities of an Interim Manager for the Wimbledon and Putney Commons; and conflicting major family commitments of some key recorders. In mid-April, fire affected two heathland areas and disrupted some reptile and amphibian monitoring sites as well as impacting on the habitats concerned more generally.

Consequently, there are no systematic bird records for The Plain for 2017; the proposed high-summer, pre-mowing, floral survey of The Plain did not take place; and plans to extend the field survey to a wider heathland area linked to the NVC report were put ‘on hold’. Only occasional anecdotal reports of people pressures and environmental conditions are available. Since a key aim of the volunteer monitoring activity is to gather reliable data that can inform management, the loss of data that has been available in previous years, and hopefully years to come, is unfortunate. But what it does highlight is the need to have a larger pool of volunteers with the necessary skills and this must be a priority moving forward.

Very positively, however, from among the regular volunteer bird watchers on the Commons, a new lead bird expert, Adrian Podmore (AP), came forward. Thus the programme of bird walks, bird monitoring at the BioBlitz, and the regular Annual Bird Report have all still been achieved. Furthermore, working with other Forum members, notably Les Evans-Hill (LE-H), a fuller and more seasonally extensive series of bird walks and workshops has been established for 2018. Consideration is being given to new public-information materials drawing on the increasing pool of systematic data that has emerged during the recent monitoring push (2014 to date). As a trial, brief notes on butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies have been incorporated into the 2017 Bird Report following the style of the long-established bird reporting. Work to make recent historical records for these species more readily available in a form compatible with the new records has been started.

Despite the challenges, much was achieved in 2017 (Appendix 2). A second Wildlife and Conservation Forum (W&C Forum) Winter Talk was held in February, this time on the theme of Hedgehog Conservation. The 2017 guest speaker was Dr Nigel Reeves. Around 80 guests attended. The topic was especially pertinent since, though under threat in London’s Park and across Greater London generally, Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) had recently been spotted at Putney Lower Common. Dr Reeve subsequently visited Putney Lower Common with the Head Ranger (Bill Rowland) and Peter Haldane (Conservation and Engagement Officer (C&EO)) and made site evaluations of potential Hedgehog habitat at the same time

Wimbledon and Putney Commons ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AT

WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS

2017

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giving helpful advice for maintenance of Hedgehog presence in that area. Later in the year a Hedgehog was also reported in a staff garden on Wimbledon Common. These are the first reported sightings for the Commons for many years and, given the well-documented nationwide decline in Hedgehog populations (BTO, 2018; The Guardian 2018; PTES & BHPS, 2011), their presence is particularly pleasing and their conservation needs to be promoted. All maintenance staff involved with regular sward mowing in the grassy areas of Putney Lower Common now first beat and search to ensure no Hedgehogs get injured in this process (C&EO report to W&C Forum, 2017).

The National Vegetation Classification Survey and Habitat Assessment Report (NVC Report) on the key habitats of Wimbledon and Putney Commons was received in January 2017 (PAA, 2016). It affirmed that current conservation activities, such as mowing regimes on The Plain and other grassy areas, were indeed appropriate and if maintained could lead to improved conservation status for the Commons. It also highlighted where further beneficial intervention could be considered. The report forms the basis for linking monitoring to specific habitat units and for targeted habitat improvements. It is an essential baseline against which to regularly monitor change on the Commons.

In mid-summer, the BioBlitz was well supported despite a sudden switch in weather to heat wave

conditions (over 30◦C by mid-day). Building on the success of the small mammal pilot survey in autumn 2016, a fuller survey was incorporated into the 2017 BioBlitz. A lunch-time talk on Bee-Keeping and Bee behaviour was another new and much-liked addition to the programme.

A programme of wildlife and conservation-management themed walks with the public was offered throughout the year enriching the co-learning opportunities. A noteworthy popular addition was the high-summer butterfly, damselfly and dragonfly walk. Seasonal walks with the staff management team have proved popular and the Walks for Health programme became increasingly well supported and in all weather conditions. Fun activities for children at Easter and Halloween have brought families onto the Commons who were not previous visitors and are potentially generating their active engagement in future volunteering and recording events.

Meanwhile, the ‘scrub bashers’ volunteer group maintained momentum clearing invasive scrub from the heathland areas. Their activities are supported by follow-through work from the Maintenance Team poisoning tree stumps and removing the excess woody materials generated. New mid-week volunteer programmes were under development by late 2017. These will allow a greater diversity of volunteering opportunities from estates and simple grounds maintenance work such as litter picking, post painting, etc. through to data sorting and wildlife monitoring. For the latter some training will be offered. These activities will be overseen by the C&EO and will dovetail to reflect management needs in relation to the new Land Management Plan to be developed in 2018 under the review of the W&C Forum.

Monitoring priorities for 2017 were to:-

• Consolidate further the records for The Plain (Figure1) as initiated in 2014 using, as far as possible, the same methodology as previously described in Monitoring the Plain, Summer 2014 and Wimbledon and Putney Commons Monitoring Report Spring/Summer 2015; Ibid 2016.

• Continue to review the impact, if any, of use of an earlier summer mowing date for The Plain as adopted in summer 2014 (Table 1) on ground nesting song bird species and flora and fauna more generally. A particular concern for 2017, highlighted in the 2016 report, was the potential impact of the early August mowing date on key elements of the floral sward, such as Yellow Rattle

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(Rhinanthus minor) which in the cool and very wet conditions of spring and early summer 2016 had flowered some three weeks later than had previously been seen and appeared suppressed by the vigorous grass growth experienced in 2016.

• Review the impact of the changed location of the area left un-mowed in 2016. • Continue to monitor public response to the Conservation Zone of The Plain (Table 1, Footnote 1). • Note general environmental features such as soil conditions and weather. • Whenever practicable, incorporate wider recording activity led by specialist groups such as the

London Wildlife Trust (LWT) so that a fuller picture of the Commons’ wildlife emerges. • Continue to engage and enhance public participation in wildlife observation through a weekend

of ‘BioBlitz’ activities. • Maintain and develop further a programme of year-round public participation activities through

staff, volunteer, and visiting expert-led walks and other activities. • Offer opportunities to participate in the ecological management of the Commons under the

guidance of the C&EO or his delegate.

Figure 1 The Location of The Plain on Wimbledon and Putney Commons

The report has two main sections; the systematic recording by assorted expert volunteers and the BioBlitz records derived from the weekend of nature events with the public. Systematic wildlife and environmental recording is mainly focused on The Plain and nearby areas, for reasons outlined in previous reports (Footnote 2) and was undertaken from March to October 2017 by assorted volunteers coordinated through the W&C Forum. However, regular monitoring now also includes records from the

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two standard butterfly transects for the Commons, which cover a wider range of habitats, and dragonfly and damselfly records from six ponds on Wimbledon Common, Farm Bog and The Plain. Moth monitoring takes place throughout the year at 1 Thatched Cottage, a staff residential property on Wimbledon Common, and an autumn Fungal Foray supplied data mainly from heathland and woodland areas to the west and south sides of The Plain. BioBlitz records and the preparation for this event yield useful additional records from the Habitat Patches identified close to The Plain and along the main BioBlitz route.

Table 1 Mowing Dates for the Conservation Zone of the Plain 2008-2017

Year Date mowed Year Date Mowed 2008 September 27th 2013 September 20th 2009 September17th 2014 August 7th Experimental earlier mowing designed to

promote a longer sward the following spring 2010 August 24th 2015 August 8th Repeated early mowing; larger un-mowed zone

reserved since some ground nesting song-birds still present.

2011 August 25th 2016 August 4th Repeated early mowing; changed location of un-mowed area since previous location was becoming heavily invaded with tree seedlings and saplings. Linked area to small patch of taller heather to give slightly larger contiguous uncut area.

2012 August 30th 2017 August 4th Repeated early mowing; reverted back to make the un-mowed area equivalent to that for 2014 and 2015. The small patch of taller heather was left unmowed since this includes valuable additional habitat of mature, and in places, approaching degenerate-stage heather

Note: work under the Higher Level Stewardship agreement started in 2008 and finished in 2016. Future heathland and grassland operations will be carried out under the umbrella of the new Countryside Stewardship scheme.

1.The principal management element is late-summer mowing of the target conservation area (9.7 ha, about 4/5ths of the total area of The Plain, 11.7ha,) with (hitherto) 1 hectare left uncut as a refuge of longer grass-herb sward for the benefit of ground nesters and making an overwintering refuge for some insect species, small mammals and reptiles e.g. lizards. From spring roughly 1/5th of The Plain experiences a regular mowing regime to maintain its suitability for general recreational use; the remainder, the Conservation Zone, is left uncut until late summer except for three mown pathways to allow the public to traverse the area. Annually, this un-mown area is declared a temporary restricted access zone to all users and especially to dog walkers and their dogs from 1st March to 31st July to protect breeding birds from disturbance.

2. As alluded to in Table 1 and Footnote 1, monitoring focuses on The Plain since in recent years this has been identified as the key location for breeding skylarks (Alauda arvensis) on the Commons. Skylarks are declining nationally, mainly due to changing farm practice. Remnant acid grassland under traditional management, such as The Plain, offers a potential refuge. The acid grassland habitat of The Plain is also important in terms of its floral and wider faunal diversity. Until 2016 The Plain was managed under a Higher Level Stewardship agreement for the Commons. It is now a focal area for the Commons new Country Stewardship agreement. It is important element for the SSSI status of the Commons.

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A. SYSTEMATIC RECORDING

For most organism groups, monitoring in 2017 followed procedures adopted in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The principal difference is in the bird records. Thanks to the hard work of the new volunteer bird coordinator (AP), it has been possible to collate the records of occasional observers into a 2017 Bird Report in the same style as that produced for many years by DW (Podmore, 2017). However, there was no focused observational summer record for The Plain. The ‘bird recording group’, has yet to decide its approach to this area for 2018. Given the SSSI status of the area and its relevance for Countryside Stewardship support, it would be beneficial to re-instate this count.

Flora, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies and moths were recorded by the same volunteers as in 2015 and 2016 and in the case of flora and butterflies 2014. The C&EO again conducted a reptile and amphibian survey building on data from 2015 and 2016. The small mammal survey piloted in 2016 was extended as part of BioBlitz activities in 2017. Similarly bat records were obtained from this date and an earlier public event as has been done in previous years. In 2017, data on fungi were received from the autumn expert-led, public survey event and are these are included with the monitoring report for the first time. Data for 2016 were not received in time for that report. These and earlier data are now available from the Ranger’s Office.

The focal recording area was again The Plain, a key location for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and formerly in the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. Wider records from other habitats at Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath are included, most notably those from the butterfly transects, as established in 2015, and from the pond locations routinely sampled in dragonfly and damselfly recording. Most fungi data are from scrub-invaded heathland and woodland areas near The Plain. No systematic records are available for Putney Lower Common despite requesting help from regular walkers on the Common. The C&EO has, however, continued his informal monthly walks building a valuable diary of seasonal change and wildlife at Putney Lower Common.

On-site environmental data are limited to anecdotal records from the assorted floral, bird, and insect recorders and from staff and some wider observations from volunteers on walks around The Plain. However, new rainfall data spanning 2005-17 became available from garden recordings made nearby (roughly 2.5 miles) in Raynes Park (PF). These valuably corroborate the casual observations of other volunteer recorders and staff. A brief survey of sward heights was conducted alongside the first floral monitoring. An overview of monitoring activities since 2014 is shown in Table 2.

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Table 2 Summary of Systematic Recording in 2017 and Recent Years

Organism Group / Environmental Topic

2014 2015 2016 2017 Locations Comments BioBlitz records available

Birds

DW DW DW - The Plain Also ‘spot’ records from all volunteers observers in Annual Bird Reports. Wimbledon and Putney Heath only

Y

Butterflies

DW (GC) (SR)

SR1 DW

SR1 and SR2

SR1 and SR2

DW on The Plain SR1 Woodland, SW Wimbledon Common SR2 GC re-developed and extended transect

With input from Butterfly Conservation SR established a new more woodland- focused transect in 2016

Y

Dragonflies and Damselflies

- BB SR

BB BB 7-post, Bluegate, Hookhamslade and Ravine ponds; Farm Bog, Queensmere, Rushmere, The Plain

Mainly BB with ad hoc additions from SR BB has now analysed previous data sets from Ron Kettle 1993-2005

Y

Moths - LE-H AE-H

LE-H AE-H

LE-H AE-H

Mainly at Thatched Cottage; some from BioBlitz and other public events near The Plain

Predation problem in 2016 Full year records except BioBlitz

Y

Other insect groups DS LNHM major surveys

LNHM volunteer

- The Plain and nearby heaths and woody area Heathland areas used were mainly those running northeast to Kingsmere and A3

Y

Reptiles and Amphibians

- PH PH PH The Plain and adjacent heath areas Disrupted by fire in 2017 Y

Flora US RT

US RT

US RT

US RT

The Plain and BioBlitz Habitat Patches Reconnaissance survey on Heath in 2016; aiming to give detail to units identified by NVC

Y

Fungi (AO)* (AO)* AO AO

In heathland with scrub and secondary woodland west and south of The Plain

Autumn forays in mid-September and October Y

Mammals London Bat Group

JT (Bats)

JT & Huma Pearce (Bats)

JT (bats) AL (small mammals)

Queensmere (Bats) Habitat fringes of The Plain (small mammals) Throughout WPC (others)

Variable in 2017 mainly around BioBlitz time BioBlitz time only Anecdotal records from keepers sightings

Y

Environmental data RT pH

- BB pond nutrients

PF rainfall

Nearby in Raynes Park 2.5miles from the Ranger’s Office

Monthly records 2005 to date

Y

Sward height RT RT RT (RT) The Plain Early season records only April-May N Public use of The Plain and seasonal change

JW JW (JW) (JW) The Plain Much supplementary anecdotal information Need a back-up for JW

Y

Notes: See Appendix 1 for recorders Identifications Additional verifiable records are periodically available from London Natural History Society visitors; from training events for London Natural History Museum entomologists; and from WPC Keepers and other staff and public casual observations. (RT), (JW) Brackets indicate only a partial record is available on that occasion. * indicates data only recently retrieved.

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RESULTS Sward Height In 2017, only occasional measurements of sward height were taken during the first full floral survey in 10th May. Experience from the previous 3 years of monitoring showed that cutting the sward earlier in August the preceding year was beneficial in allowing the sward time to recover and grow in late summer. Renewed growth in spring varied with weather conditions. A cold dry spring following a late summer cut risks a sward too short in early summer to entice ground nesting birds. Nesting is similarly deterred by wet winter and spring conditions such as prevailed in 2016 when extensive areas of The Plain were under water well into the summer period (early June). In terms of ground-nesting species, the condition of the sward by May is likely to be key.

In 2017 spring weather was cool and dry (see also environmental data). There were no standing water pools on The Plain and, unlike 2016, neither Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) nor Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were seen on The Plain during plant recording. Weather did not turn warm until late May and again in mid-June when there was a sudden switch to heat wave conditions. As in the previous two years in April and early May sward height in the cut areas was patchy often reflecting minor differences in drainage. Some Heather (Calluna vulgaris) was very short, 6cm, resembling pioneer-stage plants (Gimingham, 1972; Webb, 1986; Symes and Day, 2003) other areas had building-phase Heather at 15-20cm. Rushes (Juncus spp.) were typically 10-15cm tall. New shoots on perennial grasses, such as Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), were typically around 7-10cm long except in wetter locations where the grass took an almost tussocky form with tussock bases 10-15cm tall. In the uncut area dead flowering heads of Purple Moor-grass were measured at 85cm. Dead flowering heads of Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) were also frequently observed varying around 80cm tall. In the uncut Heather Patch (adjacent to the main uncut area) the Heather was typically about 70-75cm high comprising mainly mature phase plants some of which were starting to collapse into classic degenerate-phase Heather. By mid-May the main sward area averaged around 15-20cm tall.

In summary the mosaic of height conditions was good, offering a variety of habitat opportunities. However, having the main uncut area adjacent to the area of taller Heather was thought by the bird recorders (Wills, personal communication) to be less likely to attract ground-nesting species, and especially the hoped-for Skylarks (Alauda arvensis), than the previous more central and floristically variable area. It was also closer to a footpath across The Plain. This change in mowing pattern had been necessitated by the increasing amount of woody plants establishing in the previously unmown patch. However, since this had now been rectified by cutting this area in 2016, it was agreed to return to the original uncut location for the mowing in summer 2017.

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Figure 2 The Variable Height ‘Grassy’ Sward with Cut Bramble in the Formerly Uncut Area - 10th May 2017

Flora The full floral records for The Plain are shown in Appendix 3a. These are complemented by records taken for the associated ‘Habitat Patches’ used in the BioBlitz event but separately recorded in detail ahead of the event and in late summer (Appendix 3b). On The Plain, 73 species were noted overall. The usual seasonal trend was evident with 49 species recorded on 10th May rising to 62 noted 15th June. By June, however, several of the earliest flowering species, such as Adders Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum) were no longer visible. Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) was, as noted in previous years, only seen flowering in the May survey. A solitary specimen of Lady’s Smock (Cardamine pratensis) was observed by JW when on a casual walk-about in early June. This was noted in a disturbed area where there had been tree-felling and stump-grinding in the previous two years and may be an opportunist coloniser from nearby heathland.

In the previous year, 2016, when the spring and early summer especially were very wet and conditions were generally cool through to early summer, the flowering time for most plants was typically 3 weeks later than usual giving concerns that some species might not have had time to set seed before the summer mowing took place. An especial concern was Yellow Rattle which is a key element of the flora since by its hemi-parasitic nature it suppresses grass vigour and thereby promotes wider floral diversity. However, Yellow Rattle was again prolific in 2017. Vetches too (Vicia spp.) were much more evident than in 2016 when the later date of peak flowering and the more vigorous grass growth appeared to suppress these species.

For 2017, the former uncut area of 2014-16 had been mowed following flowering in 2016. This area could now be more fully explored. The area showed numerous tree seedlings and despite the presence of some Purple Moor-grass clumps it was much drier than previously experienced. The Raynes Park record showed that rainfall in early a summer 2017 was less than half that of same period in 2016 and the 3rd

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driest year since 2005. However, the previously recorded patch of Southern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) (2016) was still evident with 10 individuals noted.

A definite highlight in 2017 was the presence of Bee Orchid (Orphrys apifera) with 6 specimens found in mid-June near the most easterly mown pathway across The Plain (Figure 3). Though a solitary specimen was recorded the initial 2014 survey, Bee Orchids were not seen in 2015 and 2016. Overall by the BioBlitz date (17-18th June) The Plain was a typical mosaic of colour and floral diversity. As noted in the late summer survey in 2016, Autumn Hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis) was characteristically prevalent and flowering by late August (Figure 4). Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) were also flowering abundantly in the late summer, post-mowing, sward.

Figure 3 Bee Orchid Amidst Yellow Rattle and Ribwort Plantain - The Plain, 16th June 2017

Figure 4 Autumn Hawkbit Flourishing in the Late Summer Mowed Sward - The Plain 31st August 2017

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Table 3 reveals a consistent pattern of species diversity. There are inevitable variations year to year due to the interplay of seasonal weather differences and recording dates. As is also well known in ecological survey work the extent of recording effort will influence the total species found. By 2016 the general nature of The Plain’s floral composition was understood and recorders turned their extra efforts to the Habitat Patches, the nearby vegetation units to be visited during the BioBlitz. This was consolidated further in 2017. Species not found in the 2016 and 2017 surveys in particular reflect peripheral woody and scrub zones from the southern edge of The Plain and include Hop Trefoil (Trifolium campestre), Clustered Dock (Rumex conglomeratus), St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), and Speedwells (Veronica chamaedris, V.hirsuta).

For the next, 2018, recording season it is proposed to keep this pattern of verifying surveys on The Plain, so that any key changes will be spotted, and to add in each year plant recording at a new habitat. Farm Bog is proposed for 2018.

Table 3 Recording Effort and Overall Plant Species Counts on The Plain 2014-17

Year 2014 2015 2016 2017 Number of full visits 6 4 3 2 Number of rapid back up visits 3 2 2 2 Number of species recorded 79 80 75 73

The Habitat Patches Plant surveys were conducted ahead of the BioBlitz at the likely stopping points on the general walks with the public (Table 4; Appendix 3b). The areas were also revisited in late summer to review the impact of the near drought summer conditions on the areas and to confirm identifications of late flowering species. Although Bluegate Pond and environs was not part of the 2017 BioBlitz route the area was also visited in late summer for comparative purposes. At both Bluegate and Hookhamslade Ponds, water levels were low by late summer. At Hookhamslade a very extensive area of Branched Bur Reed (Sparganium erectum) had colonised the shallow margins. At Bluegate, extensive marginal areas had become exposed. Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) was widespread and Trifid Bur-marigold (Bidens tripartita) was colonising (Figure 5). On the island area the invasive garden escape, Michaelmas Daisy (Aster (now Symphyotrichum) novi-belgii), was in flower. Table 4 The Habitat Patches (for detailed records see Appendix 3b)

Habitat Patch Number of Additional Plant Species to The Plain 2017

Total Plant Species

2017 only 2014-17

Hogweed Patch 4 25 31 Nettle Patch 3 18 22 Heath Patch 1 22 24 Around Hookhamslade Pond 5 15 21 Secondary Woodland 7 16 17 Wayside area Near the Wood Pile 6 (1 in common with

Nettle Patch) 15 15

Bluegate Pond and surrounds 3 Not recorded

-

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Figure 5 Trifid Bur Marigold and Marsh Pennywort on the Exposed Marginal Areas of Bluegate Pond

31st August 2017

Public Use of The Plain - Disturbance Factors Systematic recording of public use of The Plain was again not possible in 2017. From the casual observations of staff, W&C Forum members and visits from the plant recorders, public use was similar to 2016. Most people respected the temporary restriction area established to protect ground nesting birds during the breeding season and kept to the mown pathways with their dogs, usually, on-lead. In the early season where the restriction was new, there were still some breaches until revised behavioural patterns established as the sward grew. It did not seem that the new notices set up in late summer 2016, highlighting the general importance of The Plain for the wildlife, had majorly influenced behaviour. In general, however, the plant recorders rarely encountered members of the public when in the Conservation Zone of The Plain except in marginal areas. Most problems are seen close to the public pathway adjacent to the west side of The Plain. Here dogs frequently run from the pathway into the restricted area and often owners seem unaware of the signage since they are not actually on The Plain. Perennial Rye-grass (Lolium perenne) is a significant component of the sward in this area which may reflect this extra pressure. The dog presence brings with it the potential for nutrient enrichment of this area as well as direct disturbance factors affecting wildlife.

During a plant recording visit in May, a school group was noted exercising in the SW area of The Plain. This area has been disturbed by scrub clearance in recent years and while it is good to see young people enjoying the Commons, it is disappointing that the school concerned had not notified the Office of their visit. This simple act could have led to relocation of their activity to the recreational zone of The Plain. It would also have enabled staff to back up the visit with safety advice and medical emergency assistance, if needed, and it might have given a chance to share conservation news with these new visitors.

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WPC staff plan to increase the occasional presence of Keepers in this area during the spring and early summer nesting period and there are proposals to recruit volunteer dog wardens who could explain conservation objectives to the public through informal conversation and thus encourage more support for the temporary restriction. More reporting of public activity should become available from these sources during 2018.

Birds As noted previously, there were no systematic records taken for birds on The Plain in 2017 due to the illness and death of the regular and much-valued recorder, Dave Wills (DW). Reported here are observations made during plant recording, RT; noted occasionally by staff, mainly PH, and other volunteer bird recorders, mainly AP, JW, JWcz, and LE-H, and by DW in spring; or spotted during the BioBlitz and other expert-led walks. For consistency with earlier monitoring reports, the records shown here cover the period from 1st March to 30th September 2017. They are arranged in seasonal order to give a snapshot of change through spring, summer and early autumn (Table 5).

Table 5 Confirmed Bird Records for The Plain, March-September, 2017

Common Name Scientific Name

Date of record Comments

Carrion Crow Corvus corone Ever present Most abundant species

RT, more than 20 noted on former uncut area on 10th May

European Stonechat

Saxicola rubicola

March and September

DW, singles AP, JW, LE-H 3+ near Heather patch

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

March DW, JWcz, Heather patch on The Plain, singles

Linnet Linaria cannabina

March AP

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

May 1 noted 10th May RT

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

BioBlitz in June AP, JWcz, PH

Skylark Alauda arvensis

BioBlitz in June and August

BioBlitz RT, AP, singles

Common Swift Apus apus July AP; JWcz, PH 20 over The Plain in July Reed Bunting Emberiza

schoeniclus July AP and PH 2+ probably breeding

Common Whitethroat

Sylvia communis

July AP, Somerset Ride (southern border of The Plain), 3 fledglings

Swallow Hirundo rustica

July, August JWcz, PH, AE-H

Northern Wheatear

Oenanthe oenanthe

August AP single female and JW single male

House Martin Delichon urbicum

August AP 20 moving through and feeding on The Plain

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

September JW, Heather patch on The Plain

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

September AP, 32 in one hour moving SW over The Plain

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Mallard and Canada Geese were not recorded on The Plain in 2017 which was unsurprising given the much drier conditions compared with 2016. Mallards were in the top 10 for observational frequency on The Plain in 2014 (7th) and 2016 (8th) both wet years but were absent in 2015 which, like 2017 was drier. Skylarks, though again present in 2017, did not breed. Swallows (Hirundo rustica) and Swifts (Apus apus) were a noticeable high summer presence swirling above The Plain when in full bloom and buzzing with insect life. The European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) evidently relished Heather on the Plain and nearby during its spring and autumn migrations. However, in the absence of regular recording effort on The Plain very few inferences can reliably be made. It is hoped regular recording can resume in 2018. DW made over 50 visits to The Plain each spring-summer season for the records presented in 2014-16.

A fuller picture of the bird population on the Commons in 2017 is available from the Annual Bird Report, this year collated by AP (Podmore, 2017). Disappointingly, and very pertinent to the acid grassland – heathland areas and SSSI status, the Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata) noted on gorse and the heather area nearby at Ladies Mile in autumn 2016, though seen again in spring 2017, did not re-appear in the autumn. This area was affected by fire in April 2017 and, though similar habitat is found nearby, this may have been a disruptive factor. Long-tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus) which also favour this area were noted nest-building early in the year (DW in February) but there is no subsequent information on their numbers here following the fire.

Figure 6 Stonechat

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Butterflies The same two transects were recorded in 2017 as were recorded fully in 2016 and established mid-season in 2015. No records specific to The Plain were made in 2017 though the long-established transect now extended onto the plateau areas gives a reasonable insight into species and their abundance on The Plain. Anecdotally, all meadow species (which are typically those found on The Plain) seemed to do well in 2017 (Riley, personal communication). Overall 26 species were recorded; 23 were recorded on the long-established transect and 18 were seen in the new woodland transect (Appendix 4). This compares with 29 species overall in 2016. Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) was a new record in 2017 but Brown Hairstreak (Thecia betula), Purple Emperor (Apatura iris), Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) and Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus) were not recorded in 2017. Butterfly abundance, however, was noticeably greater than in 2016 when it would seem the prolonged cool and damp conditions may have depressed numbers. The increased abundance was most marked for the long-established transect where 901 individuals were recorded. This may in part have been a reflection of floral changes in the meadow areas, such as The Plain where the very wet cool spring and early summer in 2016 changed the balance of plant species and led to delayed flowering times. Total records from the woodland transect were similar to 2015 with 254 individuals noted.

Variation in abundance of the most frequently observed butterfly species 2015-17 on the two, now routine, transects is shown in Table 6. On the long-established transect, Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) and Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) are clearly the most commonly encountered species. Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) was much less abundant in 2016 when it was recorded just 5 times, while Comma (Polygonia c-album) was much less common in 2015, with just 3 records, than in the following two years. On the woodland transect Meadow Browns are still very abundant though other species, Small White (Pieris rapae), Peacock (Inachis io) and Gatekeeper are all abundant. On the woodland transect, Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) which showed 19 records in 2015 dropped to just 3 in 2016 and 5 in 2017. This species may have been affected by the holly clearance programme in part of the woodland area though it is known to be very variable in occurrence (UK Butterflies).

Variations in the butterfly records both in terms of presence and abundance do need cautious interpretation. Presence or absence of a particular species will reflect the interplay of recording visit dates with prevailing weather conditions at the time and well as longer term trends in habitat change and year to year variation in weather. Nevertheless, this growing data bank from consistently recorded walks gives a valuable insight into the Wimbledon Common butterfly populations.

Table 6 Comparison of the Most Abundant Butterfly Species Recorded 2015, 2016, 2017

6a Re-established Long-term Transect (Gay Carr and Now Including Plateau Sites including The Plain)

2015 2016 2017 Species in order of abundance

Number seen

Species in order of abundance

Number seen

Species in order of abundance

Number seen

Meadow Brown 184 Meadow Brown 131 Meadow Brown 405 Gatekeeper 96 Gatekeeper 77 Gatekeeper 203 Small / Essex Skipper

23 Small White 27 Speckled Wood 41

Common Blue 19 Specked Wood 22 Small/Essex Skipper

36

Large Skipper 15 Small Skipper 14 Ringlet 32

14

Speckled Wood 14 Ringlet 13

Large Skipper Small White

24 24

Small Heath 13 Comma

10

Comma

19

Purple Hairstreak Ringlet

6 6

Small Heath 9 Common Blue 18

Total recorded 407 Total all records 343 Total Records 901

6b New Transect Wimbledon Common SW and Fishponds Wood

2015 2016 2017 Species in order of abundance

Number Seen

Species in order of abundance

Number seen

Species in order of abundance

Number seen

Peacock 40 Meadow Brown 19 Meadow Brown 136 Meadow Brown 39 Small White 19 Small white 30 Gatekeeper Brimstone

34 34

Comma 16 Peacock 20

Holly Blue 23 Gatekeeper 14 Comma 14 Green-veined White

20 Peacock 9 Red Admiral 11

Comma

13

Speckled Wood Small Copper

7 7

Brimstone 10

Orange Tip 10 Small Tortoiseshell

6 Speckled Wood Orange Tip

6 6

Small White 7 Brimstone 5 Holly Blue 5 Total recorded 255 Total recorded 121 Total recorded 254

Note: The value of these readily retrievable long-term records and inter-year comparisons was clearly shown when it was realised that the record for 27 abundances had been wrongly attributed to Green-veined White in the 2016 report. Revisiting the records showed it was Small White with an abundance of 27.

Figure 7 Holly Blue

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The 2017 Bird Report also includes a listing of all (not solely 2017) butterfly species recorded on Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath, 2015-17. The overall 30 species seen to date suggest the Commons are a top location for butterfly observation in the Greater London area (Riley, personal communication). Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) is very occasionally reported though it has not been recorded on the transect routes. Given another year of similar recording, it may be possible to build a picture of seasonal change in the butterfly populations. Dragonflies and Damselflies 18 dragonfly and damselfly species were recorded during the regular surveys in 2017 (Appendix 5). Additionally, Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) was recorded at Beverley Brook by SR during a butterfly walk and Black Darter (Sympetrum danae) was sighted at Bluegate Pond in August by David Element. This Black Darter sighting was the first record for Wimbledon Common since 2009. Formerly, 1990s to early 2000s, there was a significant breeding population on the Common but currently the nearest other known site is Esher Common, Surrey about 12 miles SW (Budd, personal communication).

Work has started (BB) analysing earlier records for dragonflies and damselflies on The Commons which run from 1993 to 2005. These were recorded by Ron Kettle and co-workers. These records show 59 sightings of Black Darter which peak at 14 in 1998 but with just 1 recorded in the last year available, 2005. During the period 1993-2005 the species was seen once at 7-Post pond, once ‘away from water’, 29 times at Bluegate Pond, on 24 occasions at Hookhamslade Pond, and 5 times at Kingsmere. The most frequently observed species in this early record were in decreasing order Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum), Azure/Common Blue Damselfly (identification needs further work to clarify), Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) and Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa), all with over 100 records. Black Darter was the 6th most frequently recorded species from 22 noted overall. More work on these earlier records is still needed to verify details in terms of occasional identification uncertainties and understanding the recording effort in terms of frequency of site visits and their duration. The records are, though, a very valuable addition to, and reference point for, current observations.

Figure 8 Black Darter at Bluegate Pond, August 2017 © David Element

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In 2017 overall 20 species were found on The Commons. This compares with 19 species in 2016 and 17 in 2015 noted by the same recorders visiting the same locations. Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis), a highlight in 2015 and 2016, was again recorded at Bluegate Pond. Most abundant were Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella), Common Darter, Emerald Damselfly, Large-Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula), Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum) and Small Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion tenellum) which were all noted in abundances 6-20 (Appendix 5). The most ubiquitous were Emperor Dragonfly, found at 5 locations; Azure Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum), Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa), and Large Red Damselfly all seen at 4 locations and Common Darter found at 3 locations. The best sites for finding diverse and relatively abundant populations of Dragonflies and Damselflies were Bluegate Pond, Hookhamslade Pond and Queensmere (Table 7).

Table 7 Dragonfly and Damselfly Species Found at the Standard Sampling Locations 2017

Location Species Found Number of different species noted

7-Post Pond Azure Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly 2

Bluegate Pond Azure Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Broad-bodied Chaser, Common Darter, Emerald Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Large Red Damselfly, Migrant Hawker, Willow Emerald Damselfly

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Farm Bog Broad-bodied Chaser, Large Red Damselfly 2

Hookhamslade Pond

Azure Damselfly, Broad-bodied Chaser, Common Darter, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Hairy Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Ruddy Darter, Southern Hawker

9

Queensmere Azure Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly, Common Darter, Emperor Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, Small Red-eyed Damselfly

10

Ravine Pond Emperor Dragonfly 1

Rushmere Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser 2

The Plain Black-tailed Skimmer, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly 3

Rainfall in late summer and autumn 2016 and spring and early summer 2017 was less than normal (see environmental data) and by August 2017 Bluegate, which is a very shallow pond, was much reduced in area and, as noted when discussing flora, terrestrial plants were colonising areas normally underwater. Concerns have been expressed that this valuable site, in terms of dragonflies and damselflies, is under stress. This needs fuller investigation. Exploring the newly available earlier dragonfly and damselfly records alongside the recently supplied rainfall record which extends from 2005 to present would be a sensible first step.

A listing of all the dragonflies and damselflies recorded on the Commons in 2017, with brief notes on each species, has been included, on a trial basis, in the Wimbledon Common and Putney Commons Annual Bird Report for 2017.

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Moths 504 moth species were recorded in 2017 mainly at 1 Thatched Cottage, a staff residence on Wimbledon Common (Appendix 6). Recording was made on a regular weekly basis throughout the year. Unlike 2016, when the moth recording had to be suspended, predation was not a serious issue. For a brief period a Hornet (Vespa crabro) nest in a neighbour’s bird nesting box caused a minor problem but this was removed before any serious disruption to moth recording occurred. The total species number was very similar to 2015, the last year when a full record was made and 484 species were recorded. Of some concern, however, was the seeming drop in abundance across all species. While this is anecdotal observational information based on recorder impressions rather than robust data, it would be worth monitoring this tendency more closely in future years. It could be that the local moth populations are being depressed by the targeted spraying for Oak Processionary (Thaumetopoea processionea) since many species are in their larval stages the same time that Oak Processionary is being targeted; however, it could also be due to variation in climatic conditions during the year.

2017 was a very poor year for primary migratory moths with virtually no Silver Y (Autographa gamma) being recorded at all; other migratory species recorded albeit in low numbers included Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella), European Corn-borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) (recorded during the Bioblitz), Rusty-dot Pearl (Udea ferrugalis), Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella), Vestal (Rhodometra sacraria) and Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon).

Figure 9 Double Line Moth

Double Line (Mythimna turca) continues to be recorded annually; this moth which is normally associated with the SW of England has a small stronghold here on Wimbledon Common along with Richmond Park. A partial 2nd brood of Buff Ermine (Spilosoma lutea) was a possibility with an individual emerging on 16th October, indicative of favourable climate conditions; this moth is normally single-brooded between May and July. A new site record of Hornet Moth (Sesia apiformis) was taken at a pheromone lure on 20th June

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along Memorial Ride and during the Bioblitz Orange-tailed Clearwing (Synanthedon andrenaeformis) also came to a pheromone lure as witnessed by many members of the public. A few examples of a new pest species recently introduced into the UK, the Box-tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) were taken during the year, and noted quite often moving across The Plain. However, in nearby Putney, it was noted on the local SW15 forum as a major problem with widespread local infestations and hundreds of larvae found on the food plant. Other Insects Some additional adhoc records for other insects; e.g. bees, wasps, ladybirds, grasshoppers and beetles were noted during plant recording activities and especially during the BioBlitz. They are collated with the BioBlitz account. In addition, local entomological expert, David Element, recorded Pantalon Bee (Dasypoda hirtipes) along the edge of The Plain near Parkside and Bee Wolf (Philanthus triangulum) en route from the main car park to Queensmere both on 6th August 2017.

As in recent years (since 2014) the C&EO collated reports of Stag Beetle sightings (Lucanus cervus) supplied by members of the public in response to a general appeal for information. The abundance of Stag Beetles in the Wimbledon area, and on the Commons especially, is a key reason for the WPC designation as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). In 2017 there were 19 reports Stag Beetle sightings from the levy paying area of which 3 were from the Commons; one from Putney Lower Common on the Beverley Brook tow path, and two from Wimbledon Common at Westside and near Springwell Cottage. The overall numbers are similar to 2016 but, as noted then, reported sightings have been steadily declining (73 in 2014; 34 in 2016; 20 in 2016). While it is thought this may reflect ‘reporter fatigue’ rather than a real decline in this important species (Haldane, personal communication), it would be helpful to make a more concerted effort to garner reports directly from the Commons areas next year and in particular to review the success, if any, in promoting Stag Beetles, of loggeries established around the Commons in 2017 (Appendix C2, Taylor, 2016). Other Fauna A reptile survey was set up by the C&EO following the same methodology as 2015 & 2016. Ten corrugated metal sheets (refugia) were established in areas close to, and just south of, The Plain on Wimbledon Common and in the extensive heathland area to the north of this area on Putney Heath (Table 8; Figure 10). Additional observations were made while walking between the refugia. Overall walks and searching under and around the refugia lasted between 1-2hours. Though it was planned to record throughout the summer season, unfavourable weather and conflicting work pressure meant that just 3 formal surveys were completed. Some useful extra information was gathered through public reports and observations on volunteer workdays. Fire in early and mid-April meant that refugia 2 near Memorial Ride had to be relocated. No sightings of Common Lizards (Lacerta Zootoca vivipara) were reported near Memorial Ride during 2017.

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Figure 10 Common Lizard Sightings on Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath 2017

Note: The map only shows the areas where Common Lizards were sighted during 2017 and is not a map a of the refugia locations. The locations of the metal sheets refugia are kept as secret as possible to avoid unwanted disturbance. General grid references for sample sites are given in Table 8.

Table 8 Locations and Site Descriptions of Refugia

Refugia number

Grid reference

Site description Refugia number

Grid reference

Site description

1 TQ2314 71469

WC Close to Memorial Ride Heather and grass

6 TQ23239 72800

PH Overgrown heathland with bracken and invading scrub

2 TQ2300 71451

WC Memorial Ride, south of refugia 1 7 TQ23233 72809

PH Close to refugia 6 in similar vegetation

3 TQ2340 71456

WC Wooded clearing – small meadow area close to Centre Path

8 TQ23428 72959

PH Edge of heathland near diagonal path leading to 7-Post Pond

4 TQ2334 71966

WC Woodland opposite the south side of The Plain and close of Somerset Ride

9 TQ2316 72808

PH Close to Ladies Mile near Gorse bushes

5 TQ2328 72757

PH Close to a large dead tree on heathland

10 TQ23022 72815

PH Close to Roehampton Ride in grass near Gorse

Note: WC = Wimbledon Common; PH = Putney Heath

Overall 28 sightings of Common Lizard were reported between 18th April and 29th September 2017. The most active area for sightings was near the junction of Ladies Mile and Inner Park Ride.

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Figure 11 One of 9 Common Lizards Seen on Heathland during a Scrub-bashing Session Close to the

Junction of Ladies Mile and Inner Park Ride - 20th May 2017 (Map area 13)

Several sightings of Amphibians were reported from around the pond locations on Wimbledon and Putney Heath and from the gardens of staff residences on the Commons. Newts (Lissotriton vulgaris, Frogs (Rana temporaria) and Toads (Bufo bufo) were all noted (Table 9). At the ponds, it was clear that the presence of marginal vegetation was important for spawning. Toads were only found at Queensmere and Scio Pond which are both deeper than others on the Commons. In general, Toads prefer deeper ponds. Reports of Common Newts were all from gardens at residences on the Commons. Frogs seemed common throughout except at Queensmere where they were not recorded. This may reflect predation or lack of appropriate marginal vegetation and shallow water. Toads were quite abundant at this site.

Table 9 Summary of Frogs and Toads Sightings Reported 2nd March and 8th March 2017

Location Species seen Comments 7-Post pond 1 adult Frog

Frog spawn Large clumps of Frog spawn seen amongst New Zealand pigmyweed (Crassula helmsii) on 8th March

Hookhamslade Pond

Frog spawn Frog spawn is among thick vegetation at pond edge

Bluegate Pond Frog Spawn Frog spawn in narrow channel separating two sections of this pond

Rushmere Frog Spawn Small clumps of Frog spawn found nestled along marginal vegetation at the northern edge of the pond

Ravine Pond Frog Spawn One clump of Frog spawn seen amongst a section of waterlogged vegetation along the edge of the pond

Curling Pond Frog Spawn Large clumps of Frog spawn visible but water level very how and hence survival of the spawn unlikely unless rain occurs soon

Queensmere

Multiple sightings of mating Toads, Toad spawn

No Frogs or Frog spawn seen Toad spawn was wrapped around the

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submerged roots of Alder trees (Alnus glutinosa) growing at the edge of the pond

Kingsmere Frog spawn One clump of Frog spawn seen amongst Flag Iris (Iris pseudocorus) near the outlet of the pond. Very little marginal vegetation occurs around the edge of this pond

Scio Pond Frog spawn and Toad spawn Multiple sightings of mating Toads

Frog and Toad spawn seen amongst pond marginal Flag Iris

Heathland temporary pools

Frog spawn found in two flooded pools

Unlikely to survive unless further rainfall occurs

Farm Bog Frog spawn in a small pool No other information

Additional public sightings in 2017 included Common Newts in the gardens of staff residences. 2 were reported in April at The Bungalow; 8 in early June, again at The Bungalow; and 1 at Queensmere Cottage in June. Numerous reports of Frogs came from assorted heath areas where volunteers were scrub bashing and ditches on Wimbledon Common and records for Toads came from staff gardens, Roehampton Mounds, Westside and Southside Common.

In 2017 a small mammal capture-release survey was carried out in June as part of the BioBlitz activities with the public. 47 Longworth traps were set distributed, 10 along the woodland margins near Somerset Ride to the south of The Plain, 10 in a small area of Willow (Salix caprea) on The Plain and 27 in scrub vegetation with Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and Nettles (Urtica dioeca) and assorted long grasses also on the south of The Plain. The traps were set as dusk approached and revisited early the following morning around 6am.

3 wood mice were found in the traps in the scrub area and a bank vole was captured in a woodland clearing from a site with Ivy (Hedera helix) and bramble cover. The night was very warm and this may partially account for the limited numbers of traps found occupied. It is planned to repeat this survey in 2018 which will help to build a fuller picture of the small mammal populations in the vicinity of The Plain.

From general observations during field surveys, the BioBlitz event and the May expert-led Bat walk with the public, several other mammal reports were received for Wimbledon Common. Additional species were also noted at Putney Lower Common during the C&EO’s regular monthly walks (Table 10).

Table 10 Mammals Sighted on Wimbledon and Putney Commons 2017

Species – Common name

Scientific Name Location Comment

Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Queensmere, WC Bat walk in May BioBlitz Bat Monitoring by London Bat Group in May

Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus

Queensmere, WC Bat walk in May BioBlitz Bat Monitoring by London Bat Group in May

Nathusius Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus nathusii

Queensmere, WC Bat Monitoring by London Bat Group in May

Daubenton’s Bat

Myotis daubentonii

Queensmere, WC Bat walk in May BioBlitz

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Bat Monitoring by London Bat Group in May

Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Queensmere, WC Bat Monitoring by London Bat Group in May

Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus

The Plain, WC BioBlitz

Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus

The Plain, WC BioBlitz

Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus

The Plain, WC Field survey on The Plain More abundant than in 2016

Weasel Mustela rivalus Between Manor Cottage and Queensmere, WC

One report at BioBlitz time

European Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus

Staff garden Manor Cottage, WC PLC but both dead

Report from SL in April Dead PLC hedgehogs reported in May and September (Bill Rowland)

Fox Vulpes vulpes PLC & WC May at PLC Various report- WC

Grey Squirrel PLC & WC Recorded throughout the year

Rat Rattus novegicus PLC April and October

Common Vole Microtus arvalis PLC August record from Bill Rowland

Muntjac Deer Muntiacus reevesi REMPF & Sunset Road

Reported by John Shipton (Sunset Road) on 17.07.17 & by AE-H on 27.01.17

Badger

Meles meles Several reports of live Badgers on WC Dead Badgers also seen at Parkside near Bluegate Gravel Pit, at Parkside, opposite Parkside Hospital and at Queensmere (all in March) Telegraph Road (November)

Two badgers seen in the garden of Cross Road Cottage (13.03.17) One badger seen crossing Windmill Road (24.03.17) Active Setts: On 21.03.17, 14 Badger setts were visited by PH around the Commons. 10 out of the 14 known Badger setts were found to have signs of active digging.

Note: WC = Wimbledon Common; PLC = Putney Lower Common

Fungi New for 2017 are fungal records supplied by Andy Overall, who periodically leads fungal forays on Wimbledon Common. Two visits took place in autumn 2017 on 17th September, an advertised WPC public event, and on 21st October. Most records come from the later date. The main locations studied were the wooded area west of The Plain and the Hogweed and Nettle Patches (e.g. TQ23087218) near the Heathland Patch to the southwest of the Plain (e.g. TQ23117198), the wooded area north of Hookhamslade Pond (e.g. TQ23147193) and the area of secondary woodland stretching from the south of The Plain towards Bluegate Pond (e.g. TQ23407191). Almost all records are from locations near or under Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) or Silver Birch (Betula pendula) (Appendix 7). Over 100 different fungi were found. These included Leccinum melaneum (a black chestnut mushroom very similar to Brown Birch Bolete), L.schitophyllum (Bog Bolete), L.cyaneobasileucum (Greyshank Bolete)

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and Russula persicina (no agreed English name ) none of which had previously been recorded from the Common by AO or his co-surveyors. Brittlegills, (Russula spp.), with 7 different species found, MiIkcaps (Lactarius spp.) also with 7 different species recorded and Boletes (Leccinum spp.) with 5 species noted were especially prominent in the fungal record.

Figure 12 Leccinum melaneum

Putney Lower Common Most of the routine monitoring takes place at the larger contiguous area of Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath. There are few reliable records for the small and separate area of Putney Lower Common and no volunteers are currently actively recording at this location. Desk survey work for the NVC Report revealed 6 significant plant records from 1995-99 based on data from GiGL (GreenSpace Information for Greater London). These are two ‘nationally scarce’ species, Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Sickle Medic (Medicago sativa subsp. falcata) and 4 species which are of local conservation concern, Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium pratensis), Blubell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Burnet Rose (Rosa spinosissima) and Creeping Willow (Salix repens). Several species of concern under the London Invasive Species Initiative were reported to occur on Putney Lower Common including a range of Cotoneasters (Cotoneaster spp.), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens grandulifera) (PAA, 2016). During associated field surveys by the NVC surveyors, it was confirmed that Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam are indeed both present on the banks of Beverley Brook as it passes through Putney Lower Common. In the GiGL reports, the area north of Richmond Road is classified mainly as semi-improved grassland and south of this road as amenity grassland. The NVC surveyors list this as neutral (MG) and neutral/acid grassland (U) using the national (NVC) terminology (PAA, 2016). A small area (about 1ha according to the

24

NVC Report) of native and non-native broad-leaved woodland is listed recorded in the north west of the site and scattered trees and scrub and tall herbs occur throughout the site. Along the Beverley Brook riverine corridor is wet habitat described as NVC A and S and Phase1 G (Appendix 2, PAA, 2016).

Re-development work associated with the former Putney Hospital site means the area is publicly very sensitive, and a fuller picture of its ecology would be a valuable aid to sensitive management of the area and better public understanding of this asset. The C&EO has instigated routine monthly ‘walk-about’ visit recording fauna. Between January and December 2017 23 bird; 20 invertebrates; and 5 mammal species were noted (Table 11; for mammals see Table 10).

For 2018 it would be would be instructive to add some floral records and to build in some habitat information for the faunal species. A local volunteer to assist with making the record, possibly drawn from among the regular walkers on the site, would be a huge bonus in this respect. Linking any new information to the habitat parcels noted by the NVC surveyors would be helpful since it would put the data into a context directly relevant future management plans. While it is accepted that some herb species can be challenging to identify, an inventory of the tree species occurring within the small woodland area and an update on the species of local nature conservation concern should be readily achievable. This is especially pertinent to, for example, the woodland ground flora where priority species such as Bluebell may be affected by the presence of the Little Forest Folk, who are new users of the Common.

Putney Lower Common does pose some extra challenges for volunteer recorders who don’t live locally; parking is difficult, and there are no back-up facilities of any kind. Another potential source of recording help might be ‘nature conservation’ excursions with staff and pupils from the new school.

Table 11 Fauna at Putney Lower Common, January - December 2017

Birds When noted Invertebrates When noted Magpie All year Orange Tip March Parakeet All year Brimstone March Blackbird All year Speckled Wood May, July Mallard All year Meadow Brown June Teal January, February and

November Small White June

Robin All year Comma July Canada Goose Abundant nearby Red Admiral July and August Wren All year Gatekeeper July Great Tit All year Small Tortoiseshell July Carrion Crow All year Common Blue July Long-tailed Tit August Large White July Blue Tit March, April, August Banded Demoiselle May Moorhen Beverley Brook, March,

April November Jersey Tiger Moth July

Grey Heron Beverley Brook April, December

Rustic Sailor Beetle May, June

Great-spotted Woodpecker

April Thick-Legged Flower Beetle May

Blackcap March, August Plant Bug Calocoris stysi?

May

Jay July, August, November, December,

Oak Processionary Moth (caterpillars)

June

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Starling July, August Long Horn Beetle (Strangulata maculata?)

June

Goldfinch July Hornet Hoverfly July Kingfisher Beverley Brook, November Grasshopper July Chaffinch November Kestrel July Jackdaw March Environment Data Some soil sampling was undertaken as part of the new Countryside Stewardship application. Limited feedback is available for this report. One target area for future work was identified. This lies between Memorial Ride and the Southern Pound. The area currently has small amounts of Heather and Ant hills as well as tall grasses and scrub. Its pH at 5.1 is not sufficiently acid for inclusion in the current Stewardship Scheme but it was thought the area had the potential to become eligible for inclusion as an acid grassland and heathland mosaic when the current scheme is due for renewal in 5 years’ time. Recommended is cutting and removing vegetation on an annual or biennial basis together with selective removal of undesirable species such as Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Thistles (Cirsium spp.) Rainfall information from a nearby private recording station was made available this year for the first time. It covers the period 2005 to date (Appendix 8) and is from a location in Raynes Park about 2.5 miles distant from the Ranger’s Office. The data are usefully broken down into seasonal as well as annual totals. From the record, 2011 was the driest recent year (522mm) and 2007 the wettest (803mm); the average annual rainfall for the neighbourhood of the Commons is 651mm. Considerable variation from year to year is a characteristic feature. The data set invites fuller analysis and statistical testing. Much could be learnt of considerable management value most obviously in relation to the Commons ponds, mires and small wetland habitats but also for more pragmatic concerns such as footpath maintenance. Very relevant to wildlife and conservation management are the linked autumn and following spring totals reflecting the period of soil water replenishment. Looking at (Table 12) the low rainfall totals for winter 2016 and spring 2017 are immediately evident though they are not the most extreme; these were 2011/12 followed by 2005/06. However though 2011/12 is the lowest overwintering rainfall total it is followed by good early summer rainfall (April to June) whereas in 2005/06, and now again in 2016/17, the early summer rainfall was low. The lowest overwintering to early summer rainfall total is seen for 2016/17.

A further particular value of this data set is the potential to cross reference it with new on-site recording near the Ranger’s Office which it is proposed to start in 2018. Adding in temperature records would be another enhancement.

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Table 12 Wet and Dry Periods as Revealed by Raynes Park (SW20) Rainfall Data

Over winter period

Rainfall mm

Rank Driest to Wettest

Following early summer rainfall mm

Overall winter and early summer rainfall mm

Drought or flood years Driest to Wettest

05/06 260 2 137 397 2 06/07 413 10 161 574 11 07/08 341 8 167 505 7 08/09 323 6 88 411 3 09/10 442 11 84 526 9 10/11 304 4 110 414 4 11/12 189 1 268 457 6 12/13 404 9 109 513 8 13/14 523 12 183 706 12 14/15 340 7 86 426 5 15/16 310 5 259 569 10 16/17 263 3 103 366 1

REFLECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS It was a challenging year but the monitoring team proved resilient. The support and endeavour of the volunteer recorders and the back-up from key staff members, notably PH (the C&EO) and AE-H has been impressive. It motivates the volunteers. A valuable data base continues to be established and can contribute to day-to-day management practice; it has the potential to support funding bids with outside agencies. New work on linking in older records has started and should prove very insightful in terms of understanding longer-term trends, if any. The ‘bird community’ have met and re-established the long-term standard bird walks and the process of analysing the long-term records building on the existing 2009 Bird Report (Dawson, 2009) is underway. And, very pleasingly, some local rainfall data has been made available. Already its value for understanding exceptional weather conditions and their periodicity has been shown.

Some key points emerging from this year’s systematic monitoring are highlighted below. Looking back at the 2016 report and its predecessors in 2015 and 2014 some common issues persist and these too are indicated.

1. Recording is very dependent on volunteers and the pool of expert volunteers is small. It is heavily biased towards retired and older people. The C&EO’s new initiative to set up midweek volunteer opportunities for Estate Management tasks and, proposed for during 2018, to offer some training for wildlife monitoring assistance needs support. As well as his time this may need some small financial input for monitoring equipment e.g. for soil and water testing.

2. The monitoring focus on The Plain needs to continue since it directly supports the acid grassland / heathland SSSI and hence the Countryside Stewardship Scheme funding.

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3. There needs to be closer integration of the NVC and Phase1 Habitat Units into the monitoring. This can be achieved by mapping e.g. the butterfly transects and then relating key locations to the habitat units and vegetation types. Such integration could be assisted by an ‘in-office’ volunteer working in liaison with each of the expert recorders.

4. It is important to keep previous recommendations in mind: for example, fuller investigation

into the potential use of seasonal grazing; the benefits of on-site weather recording; the need for more analysis of soil and water quality; inclusion of more associated wildlife information; the potential impacts of air pollution; and eutrophication associated with the heavy use of the area for dog walking. It is pleasing to note, however, that two new volunteers for water quality monitoring have come forward so this area may be progressed during 2018.

5. It would be beneficial to continue to integrate older records, where available, and link these to

current survey activities. This has been started for dragonflies and damselflies. It needs further development for birds, building on the long-term standard walks, and for flora, where appropriate base-line information is also available, e.g. Farm Bog where a 1991 list of plants is authoritatively available.

6. Closer links with London Wildlife Trust (LWT) and a routine system for retrieval of their data for

Farm Bog and the Management Plan are needed. The planned MoU with LWT has yet to be realised despite discussions with the LWT Director of Conservation at a W&C Forum meeting.

7. Consider again the possibility of links with GiGL which were deferred after initial investigation

and meetings. This was partly a matter of finance but also genuine concerns about what GiGL could beneficially input to work at WPC. Nevertheless, WPC currently remains isolated from GiGL’s extensive data bank, though some volunteer recorders do independently feed their information into the GiGL data base. Data for Putney Lower Common has been extracted second hand via the NVC report rather than directly from GiGL.

8. A more fruitful immediate term approach for WPC (rather than GiGL partnership) might be a

short-term half-time appointment to work on collation and sharing of records, and undertaking research and preparation of materials for external funding bids. The post-holder could also support the C&EO pump-priming coordination of volunteers, especially for monitoring purposes and establishing a sustainable long-term strategy. This has been discussed during the year and, assuming financial pressures ease, could be revisited and, if agreed, integrated into the Charity’s Business Plan.

9. Establishing some systematic recording at Putney Lower Common and building a data base of

ecological information for this area should be considered.

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B. BIOBLITZ 17TH-18TH JUNE 2017

2017 saw the 4th WPC BioBlitz. As in previous years, all the activities were well supported. There were two new additions to the programme compared with previous years; small mammal trapping led by Alex Learmont (AL) from the Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) and a lunch time talk on Bee-Keeping by local expert and W&C Forum member, Alison Pelican (APel) (Appendix 9). Building on the very positive response to the inclusion of pond dipping in 2016 the same route was used again (Figure 13). This encompasses a diverse range of habitats found on the Commons and so encourages people to ‘see more’ when strolling on the Commons. Participants in the general wildlife walks were given guide sheets for meadow and woodland mini-beasts (Appendix 10) and the floral lists (based on Appendices 3a and 3b), indicating what might be found, for all the Habitat Patches to be visited and The Plain. Unlike 2016 when the weather had been very wet, 2017 was dry and sunny and hot, over 30◦C for most of the day time events. Additional water was ferried out to the general walk participants who could then re-hydrate themselves in the shadier areas around Hookhamslade Pond. This revitalised people for the pond dipping and the walks back to base through woodland and across The Plain where the Bee Orchids were in bloom.

Figure 13 The BioBlitz Route

WPC BioBlitz is as much about engaging people with ecology and wildlife management as searching and listing and counting as many different organisms as possible during the target weekend. When experts in particular organism groups join the event, then the hunt for rarities can really take off as in 2015 when a contingent from the London Natural History Museum entomology section joined in the searching. In 2017, however, extra specialist help was not available and the focus was very much on public engagement. For the W&C Forum members involved in monitoring activities throughout the summer it is

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very rewarding to share and explain the special, and indeed the regularly expected, wildlife of summertime on the Commons.

As usual Quekett Microscopical ran complementary activities in the Information Centre. Pond samples and leaf galls could be explored under a range of magnifications which captured the imagination of several young visitors. A member from their team also joined in the general walks and an excellent overview of the event is available on the Quekett website (http://www.quekett.org/about/reports/2017-wimbledon-bioblitz-public ).

As in previous years records of all the fauna seen on walks were entered on a BioBlitz Blackboard (Figure 14). In addition to these species were the BioBlitz plants, the full list being available from surveys conducted the on June 15th in preparation for the event (Appendices 3a and 3b). The full faunal list is given in Appendix 11 which also shows the species recorded in 2016 so a comparison can be made. It includes additions from various participants notebooks sent in to the C&EO in the week following the event and from the Quekett photographical record of the walks, notably Honey Bee (Apis mellifera), and Bumble Bee (Bombus sp.) and Iris Sawfly (Radinoceraea micans) which was seen near Hookhamslade by John Lock, an ecological expert who participated in the walks. Figure 14 The BioBlitz Blackboard

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Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) as caterpillars was noted on the general walk on a tree near the junction of the Heather Patch and the secondary woodland north-east of Hookhamslade Pond and the concerns related to its presence were explained by the C&EO (Figure 15)

Figure 15 Oak Processionary Moth Nest - 18th June 2017 (Quekett)

Overall, in 2017, 188 species were recorded during BioBlitz activities (Table13). However, for moths it should be noted the total on the 2017 Blackboard, viz 15, is a small snap-shot of those seen that weekend. It includes moths from the evening event with the public and a selection of the more interesting specimens from the overnight trapping at 1 Thatched Cottage which were shared with the public. Overall in the warm conditions prevalent at the BioBlitz weekend 101 different night flying moth species were recorded, mainly in the moth trap at 1 Thatched Cottage (Appendix 6). Looking back to previous BioBlitz records the impact of weather conditions on the ‘spot’ moth records is very evident. In the cooler conditions of 2016 all 19 ‘overnight’ moths were recorded on the Blackboard; in 2015 rain prevented overnight moth recording; in 2014, 42 extra overnight moths were noted (with a further independent record submitted). Thus there are some challenges in interpreting the BioBlitz data. In general, however, the records mirror previous years showing that for the time available for exploration with the public fairly consistent numbers of different species are found. The slight upward trend reflects growing knowledge of the ecology along the routes explored and hence the walk leaders’ opportunities to guide the public search. The special additions, such as the moths this year and the bees and beetles in 2015, are important for understanding the overall ecology of the Commons and enrich the systematic recording records.

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Table 13 Summary of BioBlitz Sightings, 2017

Organism Group

Total Reported on the BioBlitz Blackboard and to the CE&0

Activity Equivalent totals from previous years

2016 2015 2014

Mammals 8 Evening Bat walk Small mammal trapping General walks

5 6 7

Birds 30 Bird walk and extras from the Bat survey and general walks

32 33 33

Butterflies 15 General walks Dragonflies and Damselflies

10 General walks

Moths 15 (101)

Public night trapping and demonstration (+ overnight extras)

Other insects 16 General walks and Quekett photos and JL

Reptile 1 General walks Amphibians 1 General walks Crustaceans 1 General walks Gastropods 1 General walks Annelids 2 General walks Total Fauna 100 Total Flora 88 Survey and General walks 78 82 71*

Total BioBlitz 188

+ 86 extra moths in the overnight trap (274)

186 No extras noted

158 +124 expert insect records (280)

151 +43 moths 194 + 44 expert insect extras (238)

Note:* No separate Habitat Patches record was made before the general walks.

Among the highlights in 2017 was being able to show participants the Bee Orchids on The Plain; that a skylark was seen rising from the formerly uncut area of The Plain even though no successful breeding took place in 2017; and that the small mammal survey showed that were both Bank Vole and Wood Mouse present whereas in the preceding autumn only Wood Mouse was found. The lunchtime Bee-Keeping talk was a well-received addition to the programme and very appositely a Honey Bee was spotted visiting Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) during the general ecological walks (Figure 16).

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Figure 16 Honey Bee on Bird’s-foot Trefoil - The Plain 18th June 2017 (Quekett)

The biggest downside was finding a dog waste bag which had been thrown into the Hogweed Patch and was clearly visible at head height (Figure 17). That along with the very evident faecal contamination along the footpath cut through the Hogweed Patch demonstrated all too clearly the ‘dog problem’ on the Commons.

Figure 17 WPC’s Dog Waste Challenge is Clearly Seen at the Hogweed Patch - 18th June 2017 (Quekett)

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REFLECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Each year the W&C Forum review the BioBlitz event. Some of the main thoughts emerging from the 2017 BioBlitz are outlined below.

• Adding a lunch-time talk was a definite bonus and an equivalent event should be repeated for future years.

• As has been remarked on previously, the afternoon general walk is typically more subdued compared with the morning event. In 2017, as in 2016, more time was given to the general walks than in the 2014 and 2015. This allowed for more searching for species and gave better opportunities for interaction with the public participants, all of whom are very keen to find things. It also caters better for those who walk slowly. This approach, though much better than hurrying people along, does make for a very long day for the walk leaders. It is suggested that in 2018 there should be just one general walk. This could then incorporate a slightly longer break (rest) at Hookhamslade and would allow for relaxed searching and photography at all the habitats.

• Following this extended walk with refreshments, an appropriate talk or demonstration would nicely conclude the weekend of events.

• This revised formula should help to encourage more use of the ID texts and other information on display at basecamp. It should also encourage more use of stands and exhibits brought by associate participants such as the Wildlife Trusts. It would enable clarification of all data to the BioBlitz Blackboard or other agreed format to ensure consistency of records from year to year.

• Consideration should be given to relocating the base camp to the main car park area to promote more passing interest. However, at the same time, this must ensure adequate facilities for the Quekett Microscopy team who add a valuable special dimension to the WPC BioBlitz.

• Adding a further specialist search event for butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, as has been proposed, would be a sensible addition. It would add depth and reliability to this section of the BioBlitz data record and allow a second opportunity for searching should reverting to a single Sunday walk prove inconvenient for potential participants and also, indeed, should weather conditions on either day suppress activity of these species.

In previous years a short BioBlitz Report for the general public, as a pamphlet, and more recently as a web report has been issued in the week following the event. This was not achieved in 2017 due to competing work pressures in the following week. It is very strongly recommended that this is re-instated next year, even if a volunteer is needed to help put together the account. Asking for all ancillary observations to be fed in via the C&EO worked well and should be continued. These two records, Quekett and that from the C&EO, have been invaluable in assembling this account.

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C. REFERENCES BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) (2018) British hedgehogs are in decline: different surveys tell the same story. https://www.bto.org/science/monitoring/hedgehogs accessed February 2018 Dawson, D. (2009) Wimbledon Common Bird Monitoring. Available from the Ranger’s Office GiGL http://www.gigl.org.uk/london-bap-priority-species/ accessed March 2018 Gimingham, C. H. (1972) Ecology of Heathlands. London: Chapman & Hall The Guardian (2018) (07.02.18) Hedgehog numbers plummet by half in UK countryside since 2000. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/07/hedgehog-numbers-plummet-by-half-in-uk-countryside-since-2000 accessed February 2018 PAA (Penny Anderson Associates Ltd) (2016) Wimbledon and Putney Commons National Vegetation Classification and Habitat Assessment. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office Podmore, A (Ed.) (2017) The Birds of Wimbledon and Putney Commons 2017 Incorporating the Butterfly and Dragonfly Reports for 2017. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office PTES & BHPS (People’s Trust for Endangered Species and British Hedgehog Preservation Society) (2011) The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs, 2011. Available as a pdf https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u12/state_of_hedgehog.pdf accessed February 2018 Quekett Microscopical Club (2017) Wimbledon Common BioBlitz: Sunday 18th June 2017, http://www.quekett.org/about/reports/2017-wimbledon-bioblitz-public accessed March 2018 Symes, N. C. and Day, J. (2003) A Practical Guide to the Restoration of Lowland Heathland. The RSPB, Sandy, UK Taylor, R. (2014) Monitoring on The Plain 2014. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office Taylor, R. (2015) Wimbledon and Putney Commons Monitoring Report Spring/Summer 2015. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office Taylor, R. (2016) Wimbledon and Putney Commons Monitoring Report Spring/Summer 2016. Available from WPC Ranger’s Office UK Butterflies Holly Blue. www.ukbutterflies.co.uk accessed February 2018 Webb, N. (1986) Heathlands. The New Naturalist Series. London: Collins

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Appendix 1 A THE WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION FORUM AND VOLUNTEER RECORDERS 2017

a. Membership of the Wildlife and Conservation Forum (W&C Forum)

Role with WPCC

Key external affinity

Participant Contributing Expertise Initial identifier in text

Field recorder for The Plain PM BioBlitz BB Other WPC activity O

In- h

ouse

staf

f

Chief Executive Simon Lee Environmental overview SL BB

Conservation and Engagement Officer

Peter Haldane General ecology and wildlife management, reptiles and amphibians

PH PMBBO

Chief Operations Manager Steve Bound General ecology and data management

SB O

PA to the Chief Executive Angela Evans -Hill

Moths, wildlife, communication

AE-H BBO

Cons

erva

tors

Conservator Derek Frampton

Birds, natural history DF

Conservator W&C Forum Chair

Ros Taylor Plants, general ecology and environment monitoring

RT PMBBO

Volu

ntee

r mem

bers

Volunteer Bill Budd Dragonflies and damselflies BB BB, (PM) O

Volunteer Local street tree warden

Peter Fischer Trees, volunteer ‘scrub basher’, rainfall monitoring

PF O

Volunteer Butterfly Conservation

Les Evans-Hill Butterflies and moths, (birds), data management

LE-H BBO

Volunteer Formerly children’s nature club leader, local bee keeper

Alison Pelikan Small mammals, engaging young people

APel BBO

Volunteer Local street tree warden

Jane Plant Trees, volunteer ‘scrub basher’

JP O

Volunteer New Coordinator for Annual Bird reports

Adrian Podmore

Birds AP BBO

Volunteer Simon Riley Butterflies SR BBO

Volunteer Natural History Museum link

Duncan Sivell Insects especially flies and beetles

DS

Volunteer Wimbledon Mires expert

Una Sutcliffe Plants US PMBB

Volunteer Coordinator Annual Bird Reports for Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath

Dave Wills Birds DW Died early summer 2017 See obituary in Appendix 1b

Volunteer Richmond Park link

Jan Wilczur Birds JWcz O

b. BioBlitz expert walk leaderAlex Learmont (AL) Small mammal surveys - Surrey Wildlife Trust John Tovey (JT) - London Bat Group - Bat expert

c. Other key volunteers John Weir (JW) - Retired volunteer, seasonal changes in vegetation, birds and environmental conditions on The

Plain; public activities on The Plain Derek Coleman (DC) - Caddisfly recorder at Farm Bog Andy Overall (AO) - Fungal Foray leader Martin Brown (MB) - New butterfly recorder assisting SR Quekett Microscopical Club (Q) - Regular contributors to the BioBlitz event

Forum members can be contacted through the Ranger’s Office Tel: 020 8788 7655 E-mail: rangersoffice@wpcc.org.ukwww.wpcc.org.uk

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Obituary David Leonard Wills - 7th August 1939 – 22nd June 2017

Alongside E.D. McMillan and R.H. Kettle, part of the legacy that Dave Wills has left behind has been a record of bird reports that spans 42 years of bird life on Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath.

In addition to the species lists that he provided, each annual report would also contain an introductory passage where Dave would highlight certain significant bird sightings that had been made during the year, weather patterns that had affected the bird life on the Commons or the effects that certain habitat management had had on specific species.

Dave once said “one of the pleasures of compiling the Commons’ annual bird report is that no two years are ever quite the same” and while some things such as the level of disturbance that effected the ground nesting birds on the plateau remained a particular concern for Dave, reading through past bird reports there were obviously many other things that provided a great deal of delight for him.

Never slow to thank the contributions made by those he called the Commons’ ‘dependable team of contributors’, some of the many highlights that have been mentioned during the course of Dave’s annual bird reports have included the eighth successful year (2008) that Hobbys nested on the Commons, the return of nesting Skylarks to The Plain in 2015, the return of the Dartford Warbler to the heathland in 2016 after an absence of almost 78 years and the first time in which the Commons achieved the recording of over 100 birds (101 to be accurate) in a single year (2010).

Due to his unwavering enthusiasm, the number of people who benefited over the years from Dave’s expertise and knowledge of the Commons’ bird life is impossible to estimate but reading through the bird reports from 1999, there is perhaps one passage that highlights so much about the way he felt about the area that he affectionately referred to as ‘his patch’.

“All things considered we have much to be grateful for. Thanks to careful management, the Commons continues to host a rich variety of habitats and can boast a wildness that few places so close to the centre of London can equal, and, of course, it unfailingly attracts a wide range of birds, usually between 80 and 90 species each year. For those of us who do much of our bird watching in its heather clad plateau or its woodland glades, the Common and its birds are inseparably linked: for us, it is a special place, a place where the disappointment of the odd, unproductive visit is easily tempered by its prevailing qualities, or where, conversely, the occasional highlight, perhaps in the form of a Firecrest or a Wheatear or the flushing of a snipe, instils an elation that is infinitely greater for having occurred on this well-trodden patch of ours.”

Peter Haldane, Conservation & Engagement Officer

Dave's shoes will be hard to fill - last year alone he put in over 500 hours on the Commons watching our bird life. He also participated in the Wildlife and Conservation Forum, sharing his insightful long-term knowledge of the Commons. Fittingly Dave’s ‘Commons’ dependable team of contributors’ has stepped in to ensure his work recording the Commons birds continues. A long-time friend of Dave's, Adrian Podmore, has very kindly offered to co-ordinate these volunteers’ observations and all the bird data and to join in the planning and monitoring work of the Wildlife and Conservation Forum.

OBITUARY DAVE WILLS Appendix A1 B

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Appendix 2 WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION EVENTS AT WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017 AND ASSOCIATED W&C FORUM AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

Date Event January NVC Survey and Habitat Assessment Report received

W&C Forum meeting February Winter Talk - Hedgehog Conservation March Annual Bird Report published

W&C Forum meeting April Spring Walk with Senior Management Team at Putney Lower Common

Monitoring Report, 2016 published May Bird Walk

Bat Walk W&C Forum meeting with LWT attending

June BioBlitz 17 & 18 June July Summer Evening Walk with Senior Management Team

Butterfly, Dragonfly and Damselfly Walk W&C Forum meeting

August Annual Mowing - on The Plain on 04.08.17 September W&C Forum meeting

Fungal Foray October Autumn Walk with Senior Management Team - Putney Heath November W&C Forum meeting December -

Volunteer Activities:

Two Saturday morning Scrub Bashing events were held during each month throughout 2017. Approximately 360 hours were provided by this group with an additional 500 hours of extra volunteer contribution provided by local schools and organisations on areas including the heathland and Farm Bog. The number for Saturday Scrub Bashers is down from 2016 due to regulating the group size to a maximum of 15 volunteers as opposed to the much more open method of attendance that was employed previously.

Overall the total number of volunteering hours for 2017 mirrored that of 2016 as the Commons maintained a steady number of volunteers who were involved in diverse activities such as litter picking, wildlife recording, administration and events. Thus the total number of volunteering hours for 2017 was in the region of 3500 hours.

Mid-week Volunteer Estate Team: In December 2017, the Commons’ mid-week Volunteer Estate Team (VETs) formed with the intention of undertaking a wide range of tasks required for the upkeep of the Commons. Meeting on a Wednesday morning every three weeks, the group began with some woodland thinning at the Brickfield Cottages site.

Walking for Health events continued on a fortnightly basis during 2017. The highest number of walkers to attend a single event during 2017 was 24. (This number was subsequently beaten in January 2018 when 27 walkers attended.)

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Appendix 3a Floral Records for The Plain: Wimbledon and Putney Commons 2017 10th May 17 7th June17 15th June 17 tbc July 31st August

Recorders: Ros Taylor (RT); Una Sutcliffe (US); John Weir (JW) Comments RT RT JW RT US RT USDuration search (hours) 3hours short walks only 3hours not achieved 3hourss denotes confirmed presence in 2017 Blank means recorded in 2014 and /or 2015 and /or 2016 or noted 2017 but not on a survey date

Spring Early summer BioBlitz Pre- mowing Post mowingFerns (and mosses) preview walk about Dryopteris felix-mas male fern main elements only Ophioglossum vulgatum adderstongue s s

Pines and allies

Flowering plants Dicotyledons Achillea millefolium yarrow s s s sAnthriscus sylvestris agg. cow parsley s sArctium minus lesser burdockBetula sp. birch seedling or sapling s s s sCalluna vulgaris ling (heather) s s s sCardamine hirsuta hairy bittercressCardamine pratensis lady's-smock s (JW)Centaurea nigra knapweed s s sCerastium fontanum common mouse-ear s s sChamerion angustifolium rosebay willowherb s?Cirsium arvense creeping thistle s s sConvolvulus arvensis field bindweedDactylorhiza maculata heath spotted orchidDactylorhiza praetermissa southern marsh orchid s (JW) s (photo)Epilobium montanum broad-leaved willowherb s?Epilobium parviflorum hoary willowherbErica tetralix crossed-leaved heathFilaginella uliginosa (Gnaphalium uliginosum) marsh cudweedGalega officinalis goat's rue s s s sGalium aparine common cleavers sGalium saxatile heath bedstraw s (photo)Galium verum lady's bedstraw

Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017

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Geranium pratense meadow crane's-billHeracleum sphondylium hogweed s s s sHypericum perforatum agg. perforate St John's-wort Hypochaeris radicata common catsear s s s sLamium purpureum red deadnettle Lathyrus nissolia grass vetchling s s sLathyrus pratensis meadow vetchling s sLeontodon autumnalis autumn hawkbit s gainLotus corniculatus bird's-foot trefoil s s s sLysimachia vulgaris yellow loosestrifeMedicago lupulina black meddickNarcissus spp. daffodil (garden escape)Ophrys apifera bee orchid s (photo)Plantago lanceolata ribwort plantain s s s sPopulus tremula poplar(aspen) seedlingsPotentilla anserina silverweedPotentilla erecta tormentil s s s sPolygonum persicaria redshank sQuercus cerris turkey oak seedlings s s sQuercus robur oak saplings / seedlings s s s sRanunculus acris meadow buttercup s s sRanunculus bulbosus bulbous buttercup sRanunculus ficaria lesser celandineRanunculus repens creeping buttercup s s s sRhinanthus minor yellow rattle s s sRosa canina dog rose sRubus fruticosus agg. bramble s s sRumex acetosa common sorrel s s sRumex acetosella agg. sheep's sorrel s s sRumex conglomeratus clustered dockRumex crispus curled dock sSalix caprea agg. goat willow s s sSalix repens creeping willow s sSenecio jacobea ragwort sSorbus aucuparia rowan sapling sStellaria graminea lesser stitchwort s (photo)Taraxacum officinalis dandelion s s s

Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017

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Tilia cordata small-leaved lime saplingTrifolium campestre hop trefoilTrifolium dubium lesser trefoil s gainTrifolium pratense red clover s s s sTrifolium repens white clover s s s sUrtica dioica stinging nettle s s sVeronica chamaedrys germander speedwellVeronica persica common field-speedwellVicia cracca tufted vetch sVicia hirsuta hairy tare s?Vicia sativa agg. common vetch s s sVicia tetrasperma smooth tare s

MonocotyledonsAgrostis capillaris (tenuis) common bent s s sAgrostis stolonifera creeping bentAlopecurus pratensis meadow foxtail s sAnthoxanthum odoratum sweet vernal-grass s s sArrhenatherum elatius false oat-grass sCarex sp. (distachia?) possibly brown sedge Carex elata tufted sedgeCarex hirta hairy sedge sCarex nigra common sedge s sCarex ovalis oval sedge sCarex sp. tbcDactylis glomerata cocksfoot sDeschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass sFestuca arundinacea tall fescue s s sFestuca ovina agg. sheep's fescue s sFestuca rubra red fescue s sHolcus lanatus Yorkshire fog all over hairy s s sHolcus mollis creeping soft-grass rhizomes and 'hairy knee'sJuncus bufonius toad rush verified by archive specimenJuncus conglomeratus compact rush s sJuncus effusus soft rush s s sJuncus squarrosus heath rush sJuncus tenuis slender rush s

Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017

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Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass sLuzula campestris field wood-rush s sLuzula multiflora heath wood-rush s sMolinia caerulea purple moor-grass s s sNardus stricta mat grass s s sPoa annua annual meadow-grass recreation zone mainly Poa trvialis rough meadow-grass s

Number of species noted-full surveys 49 (+1) 62

Cummulative total 49 50 70 2 autumn survey

BioBlitz public event additonal records 1 BioBlitz public eventOverall 73

NOTES10/5/17 first floral search rt UK winter totals less than 50% of average: local recorder showed only 3mm rainfall in April The main plants flowering are Dandelion, Taraxacum officinalis , by now mainly seed heads, with Tormentil, Potentilla erecta, starting to flower Common Mouse-ear, Cerastium fontanum, is in bloom and widespread though occasional; all 3 Buttercups, Ranunculus bulbosus , R. repens, R.acris in flower; occasional Common Vetch, Vicia sativa agg. in bloom and Cow Parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris Some Yellow Rattle leaves, Rhinanthus minor , are starting to show.Field Wood-rush, Luzula campestris, is very fequent and flowering; similarly Sweet Vernal Grass, Anthoxanthum odoratum; occasional Mat Grass, Nardus stricta , in bloom.Sward is beginning to increase in height but still typically 15-20cms,except in uncut area Willows, Salix spp., are in flowerGPS not used but general walk routes noted - 15 stops in 2-3 hours plus a search at the Hogweed patch and subsequently on SSE side looking for Speedwells, Veronica spp., but none were found.Adders Tongue Fern, Ophioglossum vulgatum, was hard to find; seen just starting to show near the line of tall Fescues. These Fescue clumps have again increased in numberFew signs of rabbit grazing in south area but droppings evident patchily in SW Heather, Calluna vulgaris , is present across The Plain- mainly pioneer and building phase except for taller area linked to new uncut area which is predominantly mature phaseSaw an orange beetle; brown moth and white butterfly

07.06.17 rt very short survey on 07/June/17 ; and jw occasional records from walkabouts on 04/05/06/ June /17Lady's-smock, Cardamine pratensis, a single specimen noted in area where there has been tree felling and stump grinding during last two years - plant may have colonised from nearby heathland triangle (JW) One Southern Marsh Orchid, Dactylorhiza praetermissa, (JW) seen when searching in the vicinity of the SW side of the previously uncut area of 2016 the location of previous 20+ colony

Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017

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Some Yellow Rattle is in bloom; also Bird's-foot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus

General commentDry and cool No nesting skylarks to date

15.06.17 recent weather cool and dry, turning very hot at time of recording Yellow rattle is now flowering abundantly

10+ Southern Marsh Orchids found - flowers fading Bee orchid, Ophrys apifera, flowering - 6 specimens near eastern mown path (path nearest access road to Ranger's Offfice complex) Vetches, Vicia spp,. more abundant than in the equivalent (pre-BioBlitz) 2016 survey ; This possibly reflects the drier conditions and reduced grass vigour.

31.08.17 Post cutting survey Follows heatwave conditions from BioBlitz time (mid June) Autumn Hawbit, Leontodon autumnalis, is the predominant flowering plant with also very evident Dandelion and Red Clover, Trifolium pratenseNo sign of Cross-leaved Heath, Erica tetralix Also re-visited Hookhamslade and Bluegate ponds and the Heathland Patch SW of The Plain Confirmed no Hazel, Corylus avellana , around Hookham slade, this must be an error in Quekett report, suspect was Alder, Alnus glutinosa Bluegate margins are greatly dried back; Trifid Bur-Marigold, Bidens tripartita, is colonising exposed area Also very evident is Marsh Pennywort, Hydrocotyle vulgaris; Michalemas Daisy, Aster novi-belgii, is flowering on the island At Hookham slade there is a large extent of Branched Bur-Reed, Sparganium erectumRosebay Willowherb, Chamerion angustifolium, is flowering in the cleared area near Bluegate and on the Heath Patch to the SW of The Plain

Appendix 3a FLORAL RECORDS FOR THE PLAIN, WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS 2017

43

Appendix 3b Bioblitz Plant Communities - beyond the main area of The Plain - 2017y denotes plant recorded and verified (US / RT) 2016 (blanks indicate species yet to be re-confirmed (in 2017) at a specific site) s denotes plant recorded and verified (US / RT) 2017a denotes plant species not recorded on The Plain to date in 2017 but noted in a Habitat Patch

2017 2016 Extras to The Plain 2017 record Hogweed patch TQ2305972261Acer pseudoplatanus sycamore s BioBlitz aAgrostis capillaris (tenuis) common bent sAnthriscus sylvestris agg. cow parsley s y in MayArrhenatherum elatius false oat-grass s yBromus sterilis barren brome BioBlitzCardamine hirsuta hairy bittercress s yCardamine pratensis lady's smock / cuckoo flower s yChamerion angustifolum rosebay willowherb s not seen to date Cirsium arvense creeping thistle s yCirsium vulgare spear thistle sConvolvulus arvensis field bindweed s yDactylis glomerata cocksfoot s yDeschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass yEquisetum arvense field horsetail s y aGalium aparine common cleavers s yGeranium dissectum cut-leaved crane's-bill s y aHeracleum sphondylium hogweed s yLamium album white deadnettle s BioBlitz aLamium purpureum red deadnettle yLathyrus pratensis meadow vetchling yLolium perenne perennial ryegrass s yPlantago lanceolata ribwort plaintain s yRanunculus repens creeping buttercup s yRubus fruticosus agg. bramble s yRumex acetosa common sorrel yScilla non-scripta / S.hispanica Bluebell - English & Spanish y in May a not recorded in 2017Trifolium repens white clover s yUrtica dioica stinging nettle s yVicia cracca tufted vetch s yVicia sativa common vetch s yVicia tetrasperma smooth tare s BioBlitz

Nettle Patch TQ2312472169Artemesia vulgaris mugwort s y aBetula pendula silver birch seedling s yChamerion angustifolum rosebay willowherb s yCirsium arvense creeping thistle yCirsium vulgare spear thistle s y aDactylis glomerata cocksfoot sDryopteris felix-mas male fern sEpilobium hirsutum great willowherb s aGalium aparine common cleavers/ goosegrass s yGeranium pratense meadow crane's bill s BioBlitzHolcus lanatus yorkshire fog yHeracleum sphondylium hogweed s yLathyrus pratensis meadow vetchling sQuercus robur pedunculate oak seedling yRanunculus repens creeping buttercup s yRubus fruticosus agg. bramble s yRumex acetosa common sorrel yTrifolium dubium lesser trefoil s a seen on Plain in late sumer survey Trifolium repens white clover s yUrtica dioica stinging nettle s yVicia cracca tufted vetch s yVicia sativa common vetch s

Heath Patch Near Reptile Refuge TQ2320772002Betula pendula silver birch sapling s yCalluna vulgaris heather/ ling s yChamerion angustifolium rosebay willowherb s yDactylis glomerata cocksfoot sDeschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass s yEpilobium montanum broad-leaved willowherb sFestuca rubra red fescue sHolcus lanatus yorkshire fog s yJuncus bufonius toad rush yJuncus effusus soft rush s yJuncus squarrosus heath rush s yJuncus tenuis slender rush s yLolium perenne perennial ryegrass s yLuzula campestris field wood-rush s yMolinia caerulea purple moor-grass s yPotentilla erecta tormentil s yPteridium aquilinum bracken sQuercus cerris turkey oak sapling s yQuercus robur pedunculate oak sapling s yRosa arvensis field rose s? confirm when flowering y a

Appendix 3b BIOBLITZ PLANT COMMUNITIES - BEYOND THE MAIN ATREA OF THE PLAIN - 2017

44

Rubus fruticosus agg. bramble s ySalix repens creeping willow yVicia cracca tufted vetch sVicia sativa common vetch s

Around Hookhamslade TQ2321371794Alnus glutinosa alder s y aBetula pendula silver birch s yChamerion angustifolium rosebay willowherb sDeschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass yEpilobium montanum broad-leaved willowherbEpilobium parviflorum hoary willowherbGlyceria maxima reed sweet-grass yHolcus lanatus yorkshire fog yIris pseudacorus yellow flag s y aJuncus effusus soft rush s yJuncus tenuis slender rush s yLolium perenne perennial ryegrass sMolinia caerulea purple moor-grass s yNymphaea alba white water lily s y aPteridium aquilinum bracken s yPopulus tremula aspen (poplar) sQuercus robur pedunculate oak yRubus fruticosus agg. bramble s ySalix caprea goat willow s ySorbus aucuparia rowan s y aSparganium erectum branched bur-reed s a BioBlitz

Secondary woodland - short route TQ2331271865Betula pendula silver birch sCarex pendula pendulous sedge s yCastanea sativa sweet chestnut s on 2015 route aDeschampsia flexuosa wavy hair-grass s yFagus sylvatica beech (copper) s y aGeum urbanum herb bennet (wood avens) s y aHedera helix ivy s aIlex aquilinum holly s y aJuncus tenuis slender rush s yMolinia caerulea purple moor-grass s yPopulus tremula poplar s on 2015 route a?Prunus avium wild cherry on 2015 routeQuercus cerris turkey oak s yQuercus robur pedunculate oak s yRubus fruticosus bramble s ySorbus aucuparia rowan / mountain ash s yTaxus baccata yew s y a

Wayside Area Near Wood Pile TQ2303572253Arrhenatherum elatius false oat-grass s yArtemesia vulgaris mugwort s y a (repeats Nettle Patch)Capsella bursa-pastoris shepherd's purse s aChamomilla recutita /Matricaria recutita scented mayweed s y aCirsium vulgare spear thistle sDactylis glomerata cocksfoot s yHeracleum sphondylium hogweed s yHordeum murinum wall barley s y aLapsana communis nipplewort s y aLeucanthemum vulgare oxeye daisy s y aLolium perenne perennial ryegrass s yPlantago lanceolata ribwort plantain s yTaraxacum officinalis dandelion sTrifolium repens white clover sUrtica dioica stinging nettle s

Plant species recorded on The Plain by BioBlitz date in 2017 70Plant species in pre-BioBlitz survey of The Plain on 15th June 2017 62Plant species noted on The Plain by 31.8.17 73Additional plants recorded along BioBlitz route 2017 (BioBlitz time ) 25Additions on BioBlitz public walks plus 1 26Overall 'BioBlitz' record to date (from pre-survey of The Plain and additional Habitat Patches)and BioBlitz event 88

Final tally 31.08.17 Branched Bur-reed noted above and including 3 additions from Bluegate Trifid Bur-Marigold, Bidens tripartita , Marsh Pennywort, Hydrocotyle vulgaris and Michaelmas Daisy, Aster novi-belgii 73 The PlainMinus Lesser Trefoil, Trifolium dubium, which has since has been confirmed on The Plain 26 minus 1 Extras from the Habitat Patches

3 Bluegate

101

Appendix 3b BIOBLITZ PLANT COMMUNITIES - BEYOND THE MAIN ATREA OF THE PLAIN - 2017

45

Appendix 4a 2017 TRANSECT SUMMARYTransect Name: Wimbledon Common (2015 route)

Week Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 TotalDate 1/4/17 8/4/17 15/4/17 22/4/17 29/4/17 6/5/17 13/5/17 20/5/17 27/5/17 3/6/17 10/6/17 17/6/17 24/6/17 1/7/17 8/7/17 15/7/17 22/7/17 29/7/17 5/8/17 12/8/17 19/8/17 26/8/17 2/9/17 9/9/17 16/9/17 23/9/17Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Small/Essex Skipper Small/Essex Skipper 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 15 11 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 3 2 6 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2Large White Pieris brassicae 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1Small White Pieris rapae 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 4 0 3 0 1 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 24Green-veined White Pieris napi 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 0 10Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Purple Hairstreak Neozephrus (Quercusia) que 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 6Common Blue Polyommatus icarus 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 7 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 18Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 8Painted Lady Vanessa (Cynthia) cardui 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6Peacock Inachis io 1 0 1 4 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11Comma Polygonia c-album 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 2 0 2 0 2 1 1 1 3 0 0 19Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 3 4 3 5 1 3 5 7 41Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 27 66 42 30 12 8 4 0 0 0 0 0 203Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina 0 0 0 0 0 2 15 22 89 99 27 22 48 1 34 14 10 13 8 1 0 0 0 405Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 1 6 9 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 8 1 0 0 1 40Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 18 8 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32

Total (Summary) 2 4 0 0 0 6 12 14 9 22 29 118 153 70 64 131 47 80 29 28 31 24 8 6 6 8 901

Recorder: Simon Riley

Appendix 4a BUTTERFLIES RECORDED ON THE LONG-ESTABLISHED TRANSECT - WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017

46

Appendix 4b 2017 TRANSECT SUMMARYTransect Name: Wimbledon Common SW and Fishponds Wood

Week Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 TotalDate 1/4/17 8/4/17 15/4/17 22/4/17 29/4/17 6/5/17 13/5/17 20/5/17 27/5/17 3/6/17 10/6/17 17/6/17 24/6/17 1/7/17 8/7/17 15/7/17 22/7/17 29/7/17 5/8/17 12/8/17 19/8/17 26/8/17 2/9/17 9/9/17 16/9/17 23/9/17

Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10Small White Pieris rapae 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 6 6 1 0 0 5 2 0 2 0 30Green-veined White Pieris napi 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines 1 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5White Admiral Limenitis camilla 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11Painted Lady Vanessa (Cynthia) cardui 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4Peacock Inachis io 2 2 0 1 9 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20Comma Polygonia c-album 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 5 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 6Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 19 6 40 21 23 11 2 3 1 0 3 0 0 136Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

Total (Summary) 10 4 0 9 14 6 2 4 0 0 15 33 9 49 28 32 15 0 3 4 10 2 0 3 2 0 254

Recorder Simon Riley

Appendix 4b BUTTERFLIES RECORDED ON THE NEW WOODLAND TRANSECT - WIMBLEDON COMMON SW AND FISHPONDS WOOD 2017

47

Appendix 5 DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017

Record

er

Determiner

Loca

lity

Grid Ref.

VC No. Date Record

Type

Specie

s Name

Ad Co Ov La Ex Em Comment LNHS

are

aSe

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LNHS

LWT

area

Sent

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iGL

Surr

ey V

C17

Sent

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Sent

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War

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Wim

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on

Sent

to Le

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Mor

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Hall

Park

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BB BB 7-post Pond TQ2373 17 18/06/2017 field Azure Damselfly + Y Y Y Y Y YBill BuBB 7-post Pond TQ2373 17 18/06/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017-06/07/2017 field Azure Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 10/06/2017-17/06/2017 field Black-tailed Skimmer 2-5 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 29/07/2017 field Blue-tailed Damselfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017-17/06/2017 field Broad-bodied Chaser 2-5 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 25/07/2017-06/10/2017 field Common Darter 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 17/06/2017-29/07/2017 field Emerald Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017-06/07/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017-17/06/2017 field Four-spotted Chaser + Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017-10/06/2017 field Large Red Damselfly 6-20 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 02/09/2017 field Migrant Hawker + Y Y Y Y YBB BB Bluegate Pond TQ2371 17 13/09/2017 field Willow Emerald Damselfly 2-5 Y Y Y Y YBB BB Farm Bog TQ223712 17 09/05/2017-15/06/2017 field Broad-bodied Chaser 1 Female Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Farm Bog TQ223712 17 09/05/2017-23/05/2017 field Large Red Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017-18/06/2017 field Azure Damselfly + Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017-06/07/2017 field Broad-bodied Chaser 2-5 Male Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 10/06/2017-06/07/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017-06/07/2017 field Four-spotted Chaser + Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 26/05/2017 field Hairy Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 21/05/2017 field Large Red Damselfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 02/09/2017 field Ruddy Darter + Y Y Y Y YBB BB Hookhamslade Pond TQ2371 17 29/07/2017-02/09/2017 field Southern Hawker 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 26/05/2017-29/07/2017 field Azure Damselfly + Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 25/07/2017 field Black-tailed Skimmer + 2 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 17/06/2017 field Blue-tailed Damselfly + Y Y Y N Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 17/06/2017-02/09/2017 field Brown Hawker 2-5 Y Y Y N Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 17/06/2017-02/09/2017 field Common Blue Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y N Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 06/10/2017 field Common Darter + Y Y Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 17/06/2017-25/07/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 2-5 Y Y Y N Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 21/05/2017-25/07/2017 field Large Red Damselfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 26/05/2017 field Red-eyed Damselfly 2-5 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Queensmere TQ226724 17 25/07/2017-02/09/2017 field Small Red-eyed Damselfly 6-20 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Ravine Pond TQ228720 17 17/06/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Rushmere TQ235710 17 06/07/2017 field Black-tailed Skimmer 2 Male Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB Rushmere TQ235710 17 06/07/2017 field Broad-bodied Chaser 1 Male Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB The Plain TQ2372 17 18/06/2017 field Black-tailed Skimmer 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB The Plain TQ2372 17 18/06/2017 field Brown Hawker 1 Y Y Y Y Y YBB BB The Plain TQ2372 17 18/06/2017 field Emperor Dragonfly 1 Y Y Y Y Y Y

Recorder Bill Budd (BB)

Appendix 5 DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017

48

Taxon Code Recommended Taxon Name Recommended Common Name Comment2.001 Dyseriocrania subpurpurella Common Oak Purple2.008 Eriocrania sangii Large Birch Purple3.001 Triodia sylvina Orange Swift3.002 Korscheltellus lupulina Common Swift4.025 Stigmella nylandriella Common Rowan Pigmy4.034 Stigmella tityrella Small Beech Pigmy4.045 Stigmella aurella Golden Pigmy5.001 Opostega salaciella Sorrel Bent-wing6.003 Heliozela sericiella Oak Satin Lift7.001 Nemophora degeerella Yellow-barred Long-horn7.006 Adela reaumurella Green Long-horn7.015 Nematopogon swammerdamella Large Long-horn8.002 Incurvaria masculella Feathered Bright

10.001 Tischeria ekebladella Oak Carl10.003 Coptotriche marginea Bordered Carl Bioblitz11.006 Taleporia tubulosa Brown Smoke11.012 Psyche casta Common Sweep12.010 Morophaga choragella Large Clothes12.012 Triaxomera parasitella Large Brindled Clothes12.020 Nemapogon variatella Pale Corn Clothes12.032 Tinea semifulvella Fulvous Clothes12.033 Tinea trinotella Bird's-nest Moth12.037 Monopis weaverella Carrion Moth12.038 Monopis obviella Yellow-backed Clothes13.002 Roeslerstammia erxlebella Copper Ermel15.003 Caloptilia populetorum Clouded Slender15.005 Caloptilia betulicola Red Birch Slender15.008 Caloptilia alchimiella Yellow-triangle Slender Bioblitz15.014 Gracillaria syringella Common Slender15.015 Aspilapteryx tringipennella Ribwort Slender15.034 Phyllonorycter harrisella White Oak Midget15.039 Phyllonorycter quercifoliella Common Oak Midget15.040 Phyllonorycter messaniella Garden Midget16.001 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine Bioblitz16.014 Pseudoswammerdamia combinella Copper-tipped Ermel16.015 Swammerdamia caesiella Birch Ermel16.017 Swammerdamia pyrella Little Ermel16.020 Paraswammerdamia nebulella Hawthorn Ermel

Appendix 6 MOTHS RECORDED ON WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017

49

16.021 Cedestis gysseleniella Gold Pine Ermel17.003 Ypsolopha dentella Honeysuckle Moth17.005 Ypsolopha scabrella Wainscot Smudge17.008 Ypsolopha alpella Barred Smudge 02/08/201717.010 Ypsolopha parenthesella White-shouldered Smudge17.011 Ypsolopha ustella Variable Smudge17.012 Ypsolopha sequella Pied Smudge18.001 Plutella xylostella Diamond-back Moth Migrant18.003 Plutella porrectella Grey-streaked Smudge18.007 Eidophasia messingiella Bitter-cress Smudge20.007 Argyresthia cupressella Cypress Tip Moth20.011 Argyresthia brockeella Gold-ribbon Argent Bioblitz20.018 Argyresthia spinosella Blackthorn Argent20.019 Argyresthia conjugella Apple Fruit Moth20.023 Argyresthia albistria Purple Argent21.001 Lyonetia clerkella Apple Leaf Miner Bioblitz22.002 Prays fraxinella Ash Bud Moth25.001 Scythropia crataegella Hawthorn Moth Bioblitz27.001 Oegoconia quadripuncta Four-spotted Obscure28.009 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House-moth28.010 Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown House-moth28.012 Borkhausenia fuscescens Small Dingy Tubic28.014 Crassa unitella Golden-brown Tubic28.015 Batia lunaris Lesser Tawny Tubic Bioblitz28.019 Esperia sulphurella Sulphur Tubic28.022 Alabonia geoffrella Common Tubic28.024 Tachystola acroxantha Ruddy Streak Bioblitz29.001 Diurnea fagella March Tubic31.001 Carcina quercana Long-horned Flat-body Bioblitz32.007 Agonopterix ocellana Red-letter Flat-body32.017 Agonopterix arenella Brindled Flat-body32.031 Agonopterix alstromeriana Brown-spot Flat-body32.039 Depressaria daucella Dingy Flat-body32.052 Telechrysis tripuncta Treble-spot Tubic35.012 Anacampsis blattariella Birch Sober

35.0191 Anarsia innoxiella35.020 Anarsia spartiella Small Crest35.028 Brachmia blandella Gorse Crest35.031 Helcystogramma rufescens Orange Crest

50

35.038 Bryotropha domestica House Groundling35.040 Bryotropha terrella Cinerous Groundling35.049 Bryotropha similis Obscure Groundling35.056 Metzneria lappella Burdock Neb35.058 Metzneria metzneriella Meadow Neb Bioblitz35.093 Mirificarma mulinella Gorse Groundling35.099 Gelechia senticetella Cypress Groundling35.109 Scrobipalpa acuminatella Pointed Groundling35.123 Scrobipalpa costella Winter Groundling35.143 Teleiodes luculella Crescent Groundling Bioblitz35.147 Carpatolechia decorella Winter Oak Groundling35.152 Pseudotelphusa scalella Black-spotted Groundling35.157 Recurvaria leucatella White-barred Groundling35.160 Stenolechia gemmella Black-dotted Groundling35.161 Parachronistis albiceps Wood Groundling Bioblitz37.048 Coleophora mayrella Meadow Case-bearer37.063 Coleophora albicosta Gorse Case-bearer38.037 Elachista canapennella Little Dwarf38.045 Elachista utonella Bog Dwarf39.001 Blastodacna hellerella Hawthorn Cosmet40.008 Mompha subbistrigella Garden Cosmet40.010 Mompha epilobiella Common Cosmet40.011 Mompha langiella Clouded Cosmet41.002 Blastobasis adustella Dingy Dowd41.003 Blastobasis lacticolella London Dowd44.001 Alucita hexadactyla Twenty-plume Moth or Many-plumed Moth45.008 Gillmeria pallidactyla Yarrow Plume45.010 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla Beautiful Plume45.030 Pterophorus pentadactyla White Plume45.044 Emmelina monodactyla Common Plume Bioblitz47.005 Epermenia chaerophyllella Garden Lance-wing48.001 Anthophila fabriciana Nettle-tap Bioblitz49.004 Ditula angustiorana Red-barred Tortrix49.005 Epagoge grotiana Brown-barred Twist49.013 Archips podana Large Fruit-tree Tortrix Bioblitz49.014 Archips crataegana Brown Oak Tortrix Bioblitz49.015 Archips xylosteana Variegated Golden Tortrix49.018 Choristoneura hebenstreitella Great Twist49.023 Pandemis cinnamomeana White-faced Twist

51

49.024 Pandemis corylana Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix49.025 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix Bioblitz49.026 Pandemis heperana Dark-barred Fruit-tree Tortrix Bioblitz49.026 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix49.028 Syndemis musculana Dark-barred Twist49.029 Lozotaenia forsterana Large Ivy Twist Bioblitz49.038 Clepsis consimilana Privet Twist49.039 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth Bioblitz49.044 Tortricodes alternella Winter Shade49.050 Cnephasia stephensiana Grey Tortrix49.059 Tortrix viridana Green Oak Tortrix Bioblitz49.060 Aleimma loeflingiana Yellow Oak Button Bioblitz49.062 Acleris forsskaleana Maple Button49.069 Acleris sparsana Ashy Button49.071 Acleris emargana Notch-wing Button49.076 Acleris cristana Tufted Button49.078 Acleris aspersana Ginger Button49.080 Acleris hastiana Sallow Button49.083 Acleris ferrugana Rusty Oak Button49.084 Acleris notana Rusty Birch Button49.086 Acleris logiana Grey Birch Button49.087 Acleris literana Lichen Button49.090 Eulia ministrana Brassy Twist49.091 Pseudoargyrotosa conwagana Yellow-spot Tortrix Bioblitz49.091 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana Yellow-spot Tortrix49.109 Agapeta hamana Hook-marked Straw Moth Bioblitz49.110 Agapeta zoegana Knapweed Conch49.120 Aethes smeathmanniana Yarrow Conch49.127 Aethes cnicana Thistle Conch49.128 Aethes rubigana Burdock Conch49.133 Cochylis nana Birch Conch49.139 Cochylis atricapitana Black-headed Conch49.144 Eudemis profundana Diamond-back Marble49.149 Apotomis turbidana White-shouldered Marble49.150 Apotomis betuletana Birch Marble49.155 Hedya salicella White-backed Marble Bioblitz49.156 Hedya nubiferana Marbled Orchard Tortrix49.157 Hedya pruniana Plum Tortrix Bioblitz49.161 Celypha striana Barred Marble

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49.166 Celypha lacunana Common Marble Bioblitz49.215 Ancylis achatana Triangle-marked Roller49.216 Ancylis mitterbacheriana Red Roller49.223 Rhopobota naevana Holly Tortrix Bioblitz49.224 Spilonota ocellana Bud Moth49.225 Spilonota laricana Larch-bud Moth49.231 Epinotia brunnichana Large Birch Bell Bioblitz49.240 Epinotia immundana Common Birch Bell49.254 Epinotia bilunana Crescent Bell49.255 Epinotia nisella Grey Poplar Bell49.260 Zeiraphera isertana Cock's-head Bell49.265 Eucosma cana Hoary Belle Bioblitz49.266 Eucosma hohenwartiana Bright Bell49.269 Eucosma campoliliana Marbled Bell49.279 Gypsonoma dealbana Common Cloaked Shoot Bioblitz49.288 Epiblema foenella White-foot Bell49.289 Epiblema costipunctana Ragwort Bell49.292 Notocelia cynosbatella Yellow-faced Bell49.294 Notocelia uddmanniana Bramble Shoot Moth Bioblitz49.297 Notocelia rosaecolana Common Rose Bell49.304 Clavigesta purdeyi Pine Leaf-mining Moth49.306 Rhyacionia pinicolana Orange-spotted Shoot49.325 Cydia ulicetana Grey Gorse Piercer49.338 Cydia pomonella Codling Moth49.341 Cydia splendana Marbled Piercer49.342 Cydia fagiglandana Large Beech Piercer49.345 Lathronympha strigana Red Piercer49.367 Pammene fasciana Acorn Piercer49.376 Pammene aurita Sycamore Piercer49.379 Pammene aurana Orange-spot Piercer49.381 Strophedra weirana Little Beech Piercer49.382 Strophedra nitidana Little Oak Piercer50.002 Zeuzera pyrina Leopard Moth Bioblitz52.002 Sesia apiformis Hornet Moth52.010 Synanthedon andrenaeformis Orange-tailed Clearwing Bioblitz62.001 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth Bioblitz62.006 Galleria mellonella Wax Moth62.007 Cryptoblabes bistriga Double-striped Knot-horn62.029 Phycita roborella Dotted Oak Knot-horn

53

62.034 Acrobasis repandana Warted Knot-horn62.035 Acrobasis advenella Grey Knot-horn62.038 Acrobasis consociella Broad-barred Knot-horn62.042 Myelois circumvoluta Thistle Ermine62.054 Homoeosoma sinuella Twin-barred Knot-horn Bioblitz62.058 Phycitodes binaevella Ermine Knot-horn Bioblitz62.065 Ephestia unicolorella Ephestia unicolorella Bioblitz62.070 Synaphe punctalis Long-legged Tabby62.072 Pyralis farinalis Meal Moth62.074 Aglossa pinguinalis Large Tabby62.075 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle Bioblitz62.076 Hypsopygia glaucinalis Double-striped Tabby62.077 Endotricha flammealis Rosy Tabby63.005 Pyrausta despicata Straw-barred Pearl63.006 Pyrausta aurata Small Purple & Gold63.018 Anania coronata Elder Pearl63.025 Anania hortulata Small Magpie Bioblitz63.028 Ostrinia nubilalis European Corn-borer Bioblitz-migrant63.031 Udea ferrugalis Rusty-dot Pearl Migrant63.034 Udea prunalis Dusky Pearl63.037 Udea olivalis Olive Pearl Bioblitz63.038 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl63.052 Nomophila noctuella Rush Veneer Migrant63.054 Cydalima perspectalis Box-tree Moth63.057 Evergestis forficalis Garden Pebble63.062 Scoparia subfusca Large Grey63.063 Scoparia basistrigalis Base-lined Grey63.064 Scoparia ambigualis Common Grey63.066 Scoparia pyralella Meadow Grey63.067 Eudonia lacustrata Little Grey Bioblitz63.069 Eudonia angustea Narrow-winged Grey63.074 Eudonia mercurella Small Grey Bioblitz63.075 Eudonia pallida Marsh Grey63.077 Chilo phragmitella Reed Veneer63.079 Calamotropha paludella Bulrush Veneer63.080 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer Bioblitz63.081 Crambus pascuella Inlaid Grass-veneer63.086 Crambus lathoniellus Hook-streak Grass-veneer Bioblitz63.088 Crambus perlella Satin Grass-veneer

54

63.089 Agriphila tristella Common Grass-veneer63.090 Agriphila inquinatella Barred Grass-veneer Bioblitz63.092 Agriphila selasella Pale-streak Grass-veneer63.093 Agriphila straminella Straw Grass-veneer63.095 Agriphila geniculea Elbow-stripe Grass-veneer63.099 Catoptria pinella Pearl Grass-veneer63.102 Catoptria falsella Chequered Grass-veneer63.109 Pediasia contaminella Waste Grass-veneer63.112 Platytes alpinella Hook-tipped Grass-veneer63.114 Elophila nymphaeata Brown China-mark63.115 Acentria ephemerella Water Veneer63.116 Cataclysta lemnata Small China-mark63.119 Musotima nitidalis Musotima nitidalis65.001 Falcaria lacertinaria Scalloped Hook-tip65.002 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-tip65.005 Drepana falcataria Pebble Hook-tip65.008 Thyatira batis Peach Blossom Bioblitz65.009 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches Bioblitz65.010 Tethea ocularis subsp. octogesimea Figure of Eighty65.014 Cymatophorina diluta subsp. hartwiegi Oak Lutestring65.015 Polyploca ridens Frosted Green65.016 Achlya flavicornis subsp. galbanus Yellow Horned66.001 Poecilocampa populi December Moth68.001 Saturnia pavonia Emperor Moth69.002 Smerinthus ocellata Eyed Hawk-moth69.003 Laothoe populi Poplar Hawk-moth69.007 Sphinx pinastri Pine Hawk-moth Bioblitz69.016 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth70.004 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet70.006 Idaea fuscovenosa Dwarf Cream Wave Bioblitz70.008 Idaea seriata Small Dusty Wave70.011 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave70.012 Idaea trigeminata Treble Brown Spot Bioblitz70.013 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave Bioblitz70.016 Idaea aversata Riband Wave Bioblitz70.018 Idaea straminata Plain Wave70.024 Scopula imitaria Small Blood-vein70.029 Timandra comae Blood-Vein70.032 Cyclophora albipunctata Birch Mocha

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70.036 Cyclophora punctaria Maiden's Blush Bioblitz70.037 Cyclophora linearia Clay Triple-lines70.038 Rhodometra sacraria Vestal Migrant70.045 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-bar70.049 Xanthorhoe fluctuata subsp. fluctuata Garden Carpet70.051 Xanthorhoe spadicearia Red Twin-spot Carpet70.053 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet70.054 Xanthorhoe montanata subsp. montanata Silver-ground Carpet70.059 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell70.061 Epirrhoe alternata subsp. alternata Common Carpet Bioblitz70.067 Anticlea derivata Streamer70.074 Hydriomena furcata July Highflier70.079 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet70.081 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet70.084 Plemyria rubiginata subsp. plumbata Blue-bordered Carpet70.086 Electrophaes corylata Broken-barred Carpet70.087 Cosmorhoe ocellata Purple Bar70.089 Eulithis prunata Phoenix70.090 Eulithis testata Chevron70.092 Eulithis mellinata Spinach70.093 Gandaritis pyraliata Barred Straw70.094 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix70.095 Chloroclysta siterata Red-Green Carpet70.097 Dysstroma truncata subsp. truncata Common Marbled Carpet Bioblitz70.100 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet70.106 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth70.114 Hydrelia flammeolaria Small Yellow Wave70.126 Horisme vitalbata Small Waved Umber70.137 Perizoma albulata subsp. albulata Grass Rivulet70.138 Perizoma flavofasciata Sandy Carpet70.141 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug70.144 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug Bioblitz70.156 Eupithecia abbreviata Brindled Pug70.157 Eupithecia dodoneata Oak-tree Pug70.160 Eupithecia tripunctaria White-spotted Pug70.168 Eupithecia nanata Narrow-winged Pug70.171 Eupithecia indigata Ochreous Pug70.173 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Pug70.183 Eupithecia vulgata Common Pug Bioblitz

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70.184 Eupithecia exiguata Mottled Pug Bioblitz70.190 Eupithecia subfuscata Grey Pug Bioblitz70.198 Lobophora halterata Seraphim70.199 Pterapherapteryx sexalata Small Seraphim70.200 Acasis viretata Yellow-barred Brindle70.203 Archiearis parthenias Orange Underwing70.204 Boudinotiana notha Light Orange Underwing70.207 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border Bioblitz70.211 Macaria notata Peacock Moth70.222 Petrophora chlorosata Brown Silver-line Bioblitz70.224 Plagodis dolabraria Scorched Wing Bioblitz70.226 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth Bioblitz70.231 Apeira syringaria Lilac Beauty70.235 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn70.236 Ennomos erosaria September Thorn Bioblitz70.237 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn70.239 Selenia tetralunaria Purple Thorn70.241 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak70.243 Ourapteryx sambucaria Swallow-tailed Moth70.244 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 15/09/2017 - early date.70.245 Alsophila aescularia March Moth70.246 Apocheima hispidaria Small Brindled Beauty70.247 Phigalia pilosaria Pale Brindled Beauty70.248 Lycia hirtaria Brindled Beauty70.251 Biston strataria Oak Beauty70.252 Biston betularia Peppered Moth Bioblitz70.253 Agriopis leucophaearia Spring Usher70.255 Agriopis marginaria Dotted Border70.256 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber70.257 Menophra abruptaria Waved Umber70.258 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty70.265 Alcis repandata subsp. repandata Mottled Beauty Bioblitz70.267 Hypomecis roboraria Great Oak Beauty Bioblitz70.268 Hypomecis punctinalis Pale Oak Beauty70.270 Ectropis crepuscularia Engrailed70.277 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave Bioblitz70.278 Cabera exanthemata Common Wave Bioblitz70.280 Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver Bioblitz70.282 Theria primaria Early Moth

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70.283 Campaea margaritaria Light Emerald Bioblitz70.299 Geometra papilionaria Large Emerald Bioblitz70.300 Comibaena bajularia Blotched Emerald Bioblitz70.305 Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald Bioblitz71.001 Thaumetopoea processionea Oak Processionary71.005 Furcula furcula Sallow Kitten71.011 Drymonia ruficornis Lunar Marbled Brown71.012 Notodonta dromedarius Iron Prominent71.013 Notodonta ziczac Pebble Prominent71.017 Pheosia tremula Swallow Prominent71.018 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent71.020 Pterostoma palpina Pale Prominent71.021 Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent71.025 Phalera bucephala Buff-tip71.027 Clostera curtula Chocolate-tip72.001 Scoliopteryx libatrix Herald72.002 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot72.003 Hypena proboscidalis Snout Bioblitz72.010 Lymantria monacha Black Arches72.011 Lymantria dispar Gypsy Moth72.015 Calliteara pudibunda Pale Tussock72.017 Orgyia antiqua Vapourer72.019 Spilosoma lutea Buff Ermine 16/10/2017 - partial 2nd brood72.020 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine Bioblitz72.022 Diaphora mendica Muslin Moth72.024 Phragmatobia fuliginosa subsp. fuliginosa Ruby Tiger72.030 Euplagia quadripunctaria Jersey Tiger72.031 Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar Bioblitz72.035 Miltochrista miniata Rosy Footman Bioblitz72.042 Atolmis rubricollis Red-necked Footman72.043 Eilema depressa Buff Footman72.044 Eilema griseola Dingy Footman72.045 Eilema lurideola Common Footman72.046 Eilema complana Scarce Footman72.047 Eilema caniola Hoary Footman72.049 Eilema sororcula Orange Footman Bioblitz72.052 Macrochilo cribrumalis Dotted Fan-foot72.053 Herminia tarsipennalis Fan-foot Bioblitz72.055 Herminia grisealis Small Fan-foot Bioblitz

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72.066 Parascotia fuliginaria Waved Black Bioblitz72.069 Laspeyria flexula Beautiful Hook-tip Bioblitz72.078 Catocala nupta Red Underwing72.083 Euclidia glyphica Burnet Companion73.001 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle73.002 Abrostola triplasia Dark Spectacle73.012 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass73.015 Autographa gamma Silver Y Migrant73.024 Deltote pygarga Marbled White Spot Bioblitz73.032 Colocasia coryli Nut-tree Tussock73.040 Acronicta leporina Miller73.045 Acronicta rumicis Knot Grass73.047 Craniophora ligustri Coronet73.052 Cucullia umbratica Shark73.059 Calophasia lunula Toadflax Brocade73.062 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing73.063 Amphipyra berbera subsp. svenssoni Svensson's Copper Underwing73.068 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent73.069 Xylocampa areola Early Grey73.074 Heliothis peltigera Bordered Straw73.082 Cryphia algae Tree-lichen Beauty73.084 Bryophila domestica Marbled Beauty73.092 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic73.095 Caradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow73.099 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic73.101 Charanyca trigrammica Treble Lines73.102 Rusina ferruginea Brown Rustic Bioblitz73.105 Dypterygia scabriuscula Bird's Wing Bioblitz73.107 Mormo maura Old Lady73.109 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing73.113 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades73.114 Euplexia lucipara Small Angle Shades73.120 Eremobia ochroleuca Dusky Sallow73.123 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic73.128 Amphipoea oculea Ear Moth73.131 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic73.142 Coenobia rufa Small Rufous73.144 Denticucullus pygmina Small Wainscot73.147 Photedes minima Small Dotted Buff

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73.154 Apamea remissa Dusky Brocade73.158 Apamea sordens Rustic Shoulder-knot73.162 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches73.163 Apamea lithoxylaea Light Arches73.169 Mesapamea secalis Common Rustic73.170 Mesapamea didyma Lesser Common Rustic73.171 Litoligia literosa Rosy Minor73.172 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor73.176 Oligia fasciuncula Middle-barred Minor73.179 Tiliacea citrago Orange Sallow73.180 Tiliacea aurago Barred Sallow73.181 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow73.182 Cirrhia icteritia Sallow73.189 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker73.190 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker73.192 Agrochola circellaris Brick73.193 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing73.194 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut73.195 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut73.197 Conistra rubiginea Dotted Chestnut73.201 Lithophane socia Pale Pinion73.202 Lithophane ornitopus subsp. lactipennis Grey Shoulder-knot73.210 Eupsilia transversa Satellite73.215 Cosmia affinis Lesser-spotted Pinion73.216 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar73.221 Parastichtis suspecta Suspected73.224 Griposia aprilina Merveille du Jour73.225 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green73.231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart73.233 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic73.242 Orthosia incerta Clouded Drab73.243 Orthosia miniosa Blossom Underwing73.244 Orthosia cerasi Common Quaker73.245 Orthosia cruda Small Quaker73.246 Orthosia populeti Lead-coloured Drab73.249 Orthosia gothica Hebrew Character73.250 Anorthoa munda Twin-spotted Quaker73.252 Tholera cespitis Hedge Rustic73.253 Tholera decimalis Feathered Gothic

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73.254 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth73.261 Polia nebulosa Grey Arches Bioblitz73.263 Lacanobia w-latinum Light Brocade73.267 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye73.273 Hada plebeja Shears73.288 Mythimna turca Double Line73.291 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot73.293 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot Bioblitz73.297 Mythimna albipuncta White-point73.298 Mythimna ferrago Clay Bioblitz73.301 Leucania comma Shoulder-striped Wainscot Bioblitz73.317 Agrotis exclamationis Heart & Dart Bioblitz73.319 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth73.320 Agrotis clavis Heart & Club Bioblitz73.325 Agrotis puta subsp. puta Shuttle-shaped Dart73.327 Agrotis ipsilon Dark Sword-grass73.328 Axylia putris Flame Bioblitz73.329 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder Bioblitz73.333 Diarsia mendica subsp. mendica Ingrailed Clay73.334 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot73.338 Lycophotia porphyrea True Lover's Knot73.342 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing Bioblitz73.343 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing73.345 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing73.348 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing73.353 Xestia baja Dotted Clay73.357 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic73.358 Xestia sexstrigata Six-striped Rustic73.359 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character Bioblitz73.361 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot73.365 Eugnorisma glareosa Autumnal Rustic74.002 Meganola albula Kent Black Arches74.003 Nola cucullatella Short-cloaked Moth Bioblitz74.004 Nola confusalis Least Black Arches74.007 Bena bicolorana Scarce Silver-lines74.008 Pseudoips prasinana subsp. britannica Green Silver-lines Bioblitz74.009 Nycteola revayana Oak Nycteoline Bioblitz

Recorder Les Evans-Hill LE-H Main Location 1 Thatched Cottage, Wimbedon Common

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Species Common name Site Grid ref Date Recorder Associated withAuricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear WC TQ23377236 17/09/2017 AO ElderClitopilus prunulus The Miller WC TQ23207240 17/09/2017 AO LimeAgaricus arvensis Horse Mushroom WC TQ23207240 17/09/2017 AO LimeXerocomellus cisalpinus Bluefoot Bolete WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak

Tricholoma sulphureum WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakScleroderma verrucosum Scaly Earthball WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakScleroderma areolatum Leopard Earthball WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak

Russula parazurea Powdery Brittlegill WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakRussula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakPolyporus leptocephalus Blackfoot Polypore WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakMycena galopus WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLactarius quietus Oakbug Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLaccaria laccata Deceiver WC TQ23407191 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLaccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver WC TQ23397193 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak

Inocybe geophylla WC TQ23407196 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakGymnopus dryophilus Russet Toughshank WC TQ23437197 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakCortinarius parvannulatus WC TQ23427193 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakCortinarius hinnuleus Earthy Webcap WC TQ234719 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakClitocybe gibba Common Funnel WC TQ23397235 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakChlorophyllum brunneum Brown Parasol WC TQ23327237 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakChlorociboria aeruginascens Green Elfcup WC TQ23267239 17/09/2017 AO Pedunculate OakPiptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchLeccinum variicolor Mottled Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchLeccinum schistophilum Bog Bolete WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchLeccinum scabrum Brown Birch Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchLeccinum melaneum Brown Birch Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchLeccinum cyaneobasileucum Greyshank Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius vietus Grey Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius helvus Fenugreek Milkcap WC2 SU90884553 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchHapalopilus nidulans Cinnamon Bracket WC TQ23447198 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchGanoderma applanatum Artist's Bracket WC TQ234719 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchAmanita fulva Tawny Grisette WC TQ23467185 17/09/2017 AO Silver BirchMycena galopus WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AO

Appendix 7 FUNGI RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017

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Lycoperdon pyriforme Stump Puffball WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AOLycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball WC3 TQ23137196 17/09/2017 AOTricholoma sulphureum WC3 TQ23037193 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakTrametes versicolor Turkeytail WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakScleroderma verrucosum Scaly Earthball WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakScleroderma areolatum Leopard Earthball WC2 TQ23127190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakRussula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill WC3 TQ23167193 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakRussula atropurpurea Purple Brittlegill WC TQ23087218 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakPluteus salicinus Willow Shield WC TQ23037211 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakPluteus cervinus Deer Shield WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakOtidea onotica Hare's Ear WC2 TQ23127189 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakMycena polygramma Grooved Bonnet WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakMycena galericulata Common Bonnet WC2 TQ23117190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLepista nuda Wood Blewit WC3 TQ23157193 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLaccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver WC2 TQ23147190 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakInocybe lacera WC3 TQ23137196 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakGalerina marginata Funeral Bell WC TQ23137188 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakClitocybe gibba Common Funnel WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakPaxillus obscurisporus WC4 TQ23177181 07/10/2017 AO SallowEntoloma rhodopolium Wood Pinkgill WC TQ23137192 07/10/2017 AO SallowTricholoma fulvum Birch Knight WC3 TQ23147193 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchScleroderma citrinum Common Earthball WC3 TQ23067190 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchRussula versicolor Variable Brittlegill WC3 TQ23127193 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchRussula claroflava Yellow Swamp Brittlegill WC3 TQ23107194 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchRussula betularum Birch Brittlegill WC3 TQ23147193 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchPiptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore WC2 TQ23117189 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchPhlebia tremellosa Jelly Rot WC2 TQ23117190 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchPaxillus involutus Brown Rollrim WC2 TQ23177193 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchMycena epipterygia Yellowleg Bonnet WC3 TQ23157194 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLeccinum scabrum Brown Birch Bolete WC2 TQ23187192 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius turpis Ugly Milkcap WC2 TQ23147192 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius torminosus Woolly Milkcap WC2 TQ23107190 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius tabidus Birch Milkcap WC2 TQ23117190 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius pubescens Bearded Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius helvus Fenugreek Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 07/10/2017 AO Silver Birch

Appendix 7 FUNGI RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017

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Laccaria proxima Scurfy Deceiver WC3 TQ23137196 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchHypholoma fasciculare WC2 TQ23147190 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchHebeloma leucosarx Birch Poisonpie WC TQ23127196 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchDaedaleopsis confragosa Blushing Bracket WC TQ23157205 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchCortinarius tabularis WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchChalciporus piperatus Peppery Bolete WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchAmanita muscaria WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchAmanita citrina False Deathcap WC TQ23077213 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchAmanita fulva Tawny Grisette WC TQ23087221 07/10/2017 AO Silver BirchMycena olivaceomarginata Brownedge Bonnet WC3 TQ23117193 07/10/2017 AOMycena megaspora Rooting Bonnet WC3 TQ23107195 07/10/2017 AOHygrocybe reidii Honey Waxcap WC TQ23127195 07/10/2017 AOHumaria hemisphaerica Glazed Cup WC TQ23137189 07/10/2017 AOGliophorus laetus Heath Waxcap WC TQ23127196 07/10/2017 AOEntoloma sericeum WC TQ23107194 07/10/2017 AOEntoloma sericeum WC TQ23107195 07/10/2017 AOCystoderma amianthinum Earthy Powdercap WC TQ23117194 07/10/2017 AOXylaria hypoxylon Candlesnuff Fungus WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakTricholoma sulphureum WC2 TQ23037199 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakTrametes versicolor Turkeytail WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakStereum subtomentosum Yellowing Curtain Crust WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakStereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakScleroderma citrinum Common Earthball WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakRussula persicina WC2 TQ23127191 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakRussula fragilis WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakRhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap WC2 TQ23117191 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakPanellus stipticus Bitter Oysterling WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakMycena vitilis Snapping Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakMycena pura Lilac Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakMycena inclinata Clustered Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakMycena haematopus Burgundydrop Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakMycena galericulata Common Bonnet WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLepista flaccida Tawny Funnel WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLactarius fulvissimus Tawny Milkcap WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakLaccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate Oak

Appendix 7 FUNGI RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017

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Hygrocybe coccinea Scarlet Waxcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakGymnopus dryophilus Russet Toughshank WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakGrifola frondosa Hen of the Woods WC2 TQ23167186 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakGanoderma australe Southern Bracket WC TQ23077213 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakCrepidotus cesatii Roundspored Oysterling WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakClitopilus prunulus The Miller WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakClitocybe nebularis Clouded Funnel WC2 TQ23167192 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakChlorophyllum rachodes Shaggy Parasol WC2 TQ23147189 21/10/2017 AO Pedunculate OakTricholoma fulvum Birch Knight WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchRussula claroflava Yellow Swamp Brittlegill WC3 TQ23147193 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchRussula betularum Birch Brittlegill WC3 TQ23147193 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchPiptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchPhlebia tremellosa Jelly Rot WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLeccinum scabrum Brown Birch Bolete WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius vietus Grey Milkcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius turpis Ugly Milkcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLactarius tabidus Birch Milkcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchLaccaria proxima Scurfy Deceiver WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchHypholoma fasciculare WC2 TQ23147190 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchAmanita muscaria WC3 TQ23077218 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchAmanita fulva Tawny Grisette WC2 TQ23227196 21/10/2017 AO Silver BirchHygrocybe miniata Vermilion Waxcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AOGliophorus laetus Heath Waxcap WC3 TQ23137196 21/10/2017 AO

NOTES: Some nice records were picked up during the 2017 forays, some of which I've not recorded before from the Common They are as follows; Leccinum melaneum, Leccinum schistophyllum, Leccinum cyaneobasileucum and Russula persicina.

Appendix 7 FUNGI RECORDED AT WIMBLEDON COMMON 2017

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Appendix 8 RAINFALL FIGURES FOR SW20 8DX, 2005 to the present

ALL FIGURES IN MM.

JAN. FEB. MCH. 3 MTH. TOTAL

APR. MAY JUNE 3 MTH. TOTAL

6 MTH. TOTAL

JULY AUG. SEPT. 3 MTH. TOTAL

OCT. NOV. DEC. 3 MTH. TOTAL

6 MTH. TOTAL

12 MTH. TOTALS

2005 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 36 71 64 171 80 36 40 156 327 n/a

2006 17 46 41 104 39 75 23 137 241 31 66 82 179 81 62 70 213 392 633

2007 62 93 45 200 4 88 69 161 361 113 47 35 195 39 92 49 180 375 736

2008 67 11 83 161 61 71 35 167 328 62 49 48 159 40 78 40 158 317 645

2009 70 60 35 165 27 34 27 88 253 70 30 23 123 31 154 77 262 385 638

2010 51 98 31 180 30 34 20 84 264 7 94 51 152 91 38 38 167 317 581

2011 83 40 14 137 3 19 88 110 247 55 84 24 163 20 33 59 112 275 522

2012 42 18 17 77 116 27 125 268 345 101 38 48 187 100 66 105 271 458 803

2013 52 26 55 133 40 45 24 109 242 27 71 56 154 82 64 106 252 406 648

2014 156 87 28 271 38 101 44 183 454 44 90 13 147 76 107 29 212 359 813

2015 64 43 21 128 20 53 13 86 214 57 87 79 223 31 51 48 130 353 567

2016 73 38 69 180 37 60 162 259 439 21 20 28 69 36 94 7 137 206 645

2017 68 37 21 126 4 61 38 103 229 102 74 40 216 17 43 88 148 364 593

Averages 01/2006 –12/2017 inclusive

67 50 38 155 35 56 55 146 301 57 62 44 163 54 73 60 187 350 651

n/a = not available Monthly averages: wettest – Nov/Jan/Aug/Dec/Jul/May/Jun/Oct/Feb/Sep/Mch/Apr – driest.

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Ranger’s Office, Manor Co age, Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common London SW19 5NR ‐ 020 8788 7655 ‐ rangersoffice@wpcc.org.uk ‐ www.wpcc.org.uk ‐ Twi er @wimbledoncommon

Wimbledon and Putney Commons

17th & 18th June 2017Join us as we explore

our wildlife at the

Wimbledon Common

BioBlitzWeekend of Nature

at the Ranger’s Office Full details at wpcc.org.uk

Bats and moths, birds, butterflies, bees and

plants Join us for our

weekend of nature, exploring the

Commons with our team of experts!

67

15

Woodland Minibeasts

Identification Sheet 1

Slug Snail

Beetle larva

Bumble bee

Earwig Springtail

Millipede

Spider

Blowfly

Illustrations by Graham Giddens © RBKC Ecology Service

Ground beetle Ladybird

Centipede

Earthworm

Woodlouse

Ant

Devil’s Coachhorse Harvestman

Wasp

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16

Moth

Bumblebee Blowfly

Wasp Shield bug

Grasshopper Snail Spider

Slug Cricket

Damselfly

Meadow Minibeasts

Identification Sheet 2

Illustrations by Graham Giddens © RBKC Ecology Service

Ladybird

Harvestman

Dragonfly

Cranefly

Caterpillar

Peacock butterfly Speckled wood butterfly

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Appendix 11 BIOBLITZ FAUNA AND OVERALL TOTALS FOR THE MAIN FAUNAL GROUPS 2017

Common English Name

(denotes 2016species not seen in 2017)

Species count check

Scientific name Comments (3) etc. denotes 2016 count√ denotes species also seen at atBioBlitz 2016

Bats 3 (3) Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii √ Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus √ Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistellus pygmaeus √

Other Mammals 5 Fox Vulpes vulpes √ Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus √ Weasel Mustela nivalis Track from Manor Cottage to

Queensmere Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus Secondary woodland edge Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus Bramble scrub south side of The

Plain

Total Mammals 8 (5)

Birds - early morning walk 26 (28) Black Cap Sylvia atricapilla √ Blackbird Terdus merula √ Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus √ Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs √ Chiff Chaff Phylloscopus collybita √ Coal Tit Periparus ater Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis √ Carrion Crow Corvus corone √ Dunnock Prunella modularis Garden Warbler Sylvia borin √ Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis √ Great Tit Parus major √ Herring Gull Larus argentatus Jackdaw Corvus monedula √ Jay Garralus glandarius Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Magpie Pica pica √ Mallard Anas platyrhynchos √ Moorhen Gallinula chloropus √ Parakeet Psittacula krameri Robin Erithacus rubecula Song Thrush Turdus philomelos √ Starling Sturnus vulgaris Swallow Hirundo rustica √ Swift Apus apus √ Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus √ Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Mute Swan Cygnus olor Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Stock Dove Columba oenas Nuthatch Sitta europea Coot Fulica atra

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Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Tree Creeper Certhia familiaris Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Other Birds noted 4 4 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus √ Over The Plain Red Kite Milvus milvus Over Ladies Mile Robin Erithacus rubecula √ NE corner of The Plain- listed

2016 walk but not 2017 walk Skylark Alauda arvensis √ The Plain Tawny Owl Strix aluco √ Queensmere, Bat Walk Total Birds 30 (32) Insects Butterflies 15 (10) Comma Polygonia c-album Hogweed Patch Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus Unsure of Location Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus √ Nettle Patch and The Plain Large White Pieris brassicae Marbled White Melanargia galathea The Plain ( SR) Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina √ Mainly at The Plain and Nettle

Patch Painted Lady Vanessa cardui √ Peacock Inachis io as caterpillars Purple Hairstreak Favonius quercus √ Unsure of location Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Nettle Patch near ant hills Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Unsure of location Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus √ The Plain Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae √ Nettle Patch and The Plain Small White Pieris rapae Unsure of exact location Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria √ Woodland Edge between Heath

Patch and Hookhamslade White Admiral Limenitis camilla Dragonflies / Damselflies 10 (5) Broad-Bodied Chaser Libellula depressa √ Hookhamslade Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis √ Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum √ Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator √ The Plain and surrounds and

Hookhamslade Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata √ Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula Nr Ranger’s Office, bungalow

garden Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella Hookhamslade Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa Moths 15 Blotched Emerald Comibaena bajularia √ Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata √ Common Emerald Hemithen aestivaria √ Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella Garden Grass Veneer Chrysoteuchia culmella but on BB total moth list 2017

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Great Oak Tortrix Tortrix viridana but on BB total moth list 2017 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba but on BB total moth list 2017 Lime Hawk-moth Mimas tiliae No 2017 record Maiden’s Blush Cyclophora punctaria but on BB total moth list 2017 Mottled Beauty Alcis repandata subsp.

repandata √

Orange Footman Eilema sororcula but on BB total moth list 2017 Pammene Aurita No 2017 record Shuttle-shaped Dart Agrotis puta subsp. puta Silver Y Autographa gamma but on BB total moth list 2017 Spectacle Abrostola tripartita Straw Dot Rivula sericealis Treble Brown Spot Idaea trigeminata but on BB total moth list 2017 Vapourer Moth Orgyia antiqua Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria Buff Arches Habrosyne pyritoides Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Silver Lomographa temerata Giant (Great) Oak Beauty Hypomecis roboraria Large Emerald Geometra papilionaria Leopard Zeuzera pyrina Light Emerald Campaea margaritaria Oak Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea

processionea Oak Tree on woodland corner beyond Heath Patch en route to Hookhamslade

Orange-tailed Clearwing Synanthedon andrenaeformis

Hogweed Patch

Waved Black Parascotia fuliginaria Other Insects 16 (23) Bishops Mitre Bug Aelia acuminata Click Beetle Prosternon tessellatum Click Beetle (red and black) Ampedus sanguinolentus Conopid fly Sicus ferruginalis Larva is a parasite of Bumblebees Cricket Pholidoptera

griseoaptera? Or Tettigonia viridissima?

√Species not confirmed, e.g. Dark bush-cricket? Great Green Bush Cricket? On The Plain in 2017

Dock Bug Coreus marginatus Ghost larva Chaoborus crystallinus √ Hookhamslade Greater Water Boatman/backswimmer

Notonecta glauca Hookhamslade

Honey Bee Apis mellifera √ (Q) Hoverfly Xylota segnis Ichneumon Wasp spp. Ichneumon spp. Parasitic wasp of other

invertebrates Lesser Water Boatman Corixa punctata √ Hookhamslade Midge Larvae Chironomidae spp. (Red-tailed) Bumble bee Bombus (lapidarius ) sp. √ (Q) not lapidarius in 2017 Saw Fly Rhadinoceraea micans On Yellow Flag at Hookhamslade Scarab Beetle Scarabaeidaespp. No further information on ID Seven Spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata √ The Plain (RT), Hogweed Patch Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina Common Green? Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva ? Common Red? Soldier Fly Chloromyia formosa Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus

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Thick-kneed flower beetle Oedemera nobilis √ Hogweed Patch Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris Common wasp? ID not confirmed Nettle Weevil Phyllobius pomaceus Common Green Grasshopper Omocestus viridulus The Plain Green Tortoise Beetle Cassida viridis Hogweed Patch Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis Hogweed Patch Longhorn Beetle Strangalia maculata Hogweed Patch Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata Hogweed Patch Adonis Ladybird? Adonia variegata The Plain Stink Bug/ Shield Bug Palomena prasina Bramble near Nettle Patch Summer Chafer Amphimallon solstitiale Grassland near windmill Yellow Meadow Ant Lasius flavus Heathland Patch Total Insects 56 (57) Others Arachnids 0 (2) Cucumber spider Araniella cucurbitina Tick Ixodes spp. Species not confirmed Crustaceans 1 (2) Freshwater Shrimp Gammarus pulex √ Woodlouse Oniscus asellus Common shiny woodlouse? Not

confirmed Amphibians 1 (3) Froglet Tadpoles

Rana temporaria Especially abundant in the heath patch pools at Hookhamslade

Smooth Newt tadople Lissotriton vulgaris √ Toad Bufo bufo Reptiles 1 Common Lizard Lacerta Zootoca vivipara √ Hogweed Patch and The Plain Gastropods 1 (4) Ramshorn Snail Planorbarius corneus White-lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis Possible confusion in common

names between years? Grove (Brown-lipped) Snail Cepaea nemoralis See above Slug Arion( Mesarion) subfucus Hedgehog Slug Arion intermedius Annelids 2 (2) Bloodworm Glycera spp. √ Species not confirmed Leech Hirudinea spp. √Species not confirmed Total fauna 100 Total Flora 88 Details in Appendix A4a (June) and

A4b Habitat patches Total BioBlitz 2017 188 (186)

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