Magnificent Manure!

Compost heaps are fantastic habitats for invertebrates and the animals that feed on them.  Worms, beetles, slugs and snails will all make their homes in the rotting waste attracting a variety of animals including hedgehogs, foxes and birds.


Ground Beetle larvae

In Beckton District Park, there is a fantastic spot that the Newham City Farm uses to compost manure. Blackbirds, Magpies and Wood Pigeons are often seen foraging for worms and last year a family of foxes even burrowed into the huge pile and made a cosy home for the winter.

This is also one of the best spots in the park to find mushrooms.

Blistered Cup

for more information on compost and its benefits check out this article from BBC Wildllife
http://www.discoverwildlife.com/wildlife-gardens/how-make-most-compost

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.

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