I will be taking part in the Natural History Museum Open Air Laboratories National biodiversity survey this Wednesday (22/09/2010)

I'll be surveying in and around the pond in Beckton District Park (near Dunnock Road/Andrews Gardens) and anyone is invited to come and help out!

Species File: Wasp Spider

Wasp Spider Agriope bruennichi

This striking species of spider is thought to have been introduced from continental Europe and was first recorded in Britain in 1922.

They were previously only found on the warmer south coast but are spreading north as the climate changes.

They can be found in long, unmanaged grass, and low vegetation and feed on flying insects, beetles and grasshoppers.

Females are 11-15mm with a silvery thorax and black yellow and white markings on the abdomen.
Males are much smaller (4-4.5mm) and are pale brown.

Check out the London Wildlife Trust's diary of the work being done on the Greenway Project/
This is a great project that ive been working on, helping to clean up the Greenway and build plenty of homes for birds, bats, reptiles and bugs.

The team meet every Tuesday at 9:30am outside Beckton DLR Station ifyour interested in joining in!

The Greenway Diary

Hello Nature lovers!

Most people have no idea just how much wildlife there is in Newham, and so miss out on alot of amazing experiences and discoveries.
With this blog i hope to not only share my knowledge and experiences with fellow wildlife watchers, but to try and raise awareness of the conservation efforts going on in Newham.

Every week i'll be giving you a little info on some of the animals and plants in the area, as well as keeping diaries of the Moorhen family at Beckton Pond, and the local foxes.
I'll also tell you all about the various parks and reserves open to the public (and any other interesting spots) and keep you up to date with any volunteering projects going on.

But for now, i'll leave you with just a couple of shots to show off the wide variety of wildlife on our very doorsteps

Grey Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris

Common Carder-Bee Bombusagrorum
Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare

Wolf Spider Pardosa spp.

Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii
Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare

Brown-Lipped Snail Cepaea nemoralis