Wild London Sydenham Hill Wood

Hello and welcome to this week's Wildlife Matters Podcast podcast.

Today you join us for a thrilling urban wildlife adventure as we explore the last remnants of the great woods in the city we now know as London.

With a focus on the stunning ancient woodlands of Sydenham Hill Wood.

This week's Wildlife Matters mindful moments encourages you to pause and be present, inspired by the simple act of noticing a sound and sharing a special moment.

But first, let's dive into this week's Wildlife Matters Nature News, where we share the wildlife and nature stories that have caught our attention this week.

Hello and welcome to this week's Wildlife Matters Nature News.

Our first story this week highlights that scientists are investigating why certain trees, such as the Crouch oak in Adelstone, Surrey and the Druids oak at Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire can live for centuries.

Trees are crucial for sustaining life on Earth as they absorb carbon dioxide and moisture release oxygen.

However, while some endure extreme weather, disease and climate change to thrive for centuries, others succumb to these conditions prematurely.

To uncover the reasons behind the longevity of these trees, the Woodland Trust and the arboricultural association are analyzing the DNA of some of these ancient giants.

Dr. Ed Pine, a conservation scientist from the Woodland Trust, collected a leaf sample from the Druids oak for DNA testing.

He remarked to Wildlife Matters, we know that this tree is a survivor.

Is it just that it's been lucky?

Has it had a stress free life or is there something special about its genes?

But if the scientists can identify unique traits in the DNA of these ancient trees, this knowledge could aid in restoring Britain's depleted woodlands.

By selecting the best oaks for planting, scientists can enhance the survival and growth prospects of new forests, thereby creating new habitats for wildlife, said Dr. Pye.

Dr. Emma Gilmartin from the Oboran Cultural association said by exploring the genome of ancient trees, we can understand how to manage them better, securing their future for generations to come.

Oak trees are considered ancient once they reach their 400th birthday, and the DNA study is set to analyze around 50 of the UK's most renowned ancient oaks.

This DNA study is just one of the initiatives prioritising oak tree conservation.

The National Nature Reserve adjacent to Mockass park in Herefordshire has prioritised oaks in its landscape restoration plans as part of efforts to restore a wood pasture, a habitat characterized by open grasslands and ancient trees.

Acorns from centuries old oaks in the area are being collected and these acorns are growing into young oak trees off site and will be replanted in their original locations, whilst non native conifers previously planted here are being relocated.

Tom Simpson from Natural England told Wildlife Matters that since the project's inception 16 years ago, there has been a remarkable boom in the local bird population along with a research emergence of rare species, including various species of fly beetle, bats and birds.

A notable example is the mocass beetle, which has been found living only on 14 ancient oak trees within Mocass Park.

Tom added, we are really seeing nature recover on this site.

In addition to ongoing studies of ancient oak trees, the Woodland Trust is employing 3D modeling techniques to enhance understanding and management of these magnificent trees for the future.

The Woodland Trust maintains an Ancient Tree Inventory which currently lists over 190,000 trees in its database.

The Woodland Trust likens these ancient trees to our stately homes, artworks and cathedrals, emphasizing their significance.

They encourage the public to submit and record old trees in their inventory to ensure better care for these vital natural assets.

Our second story this week is a disturbing one as a study reveals alarming levels of rat poison found in otters and other wildlife species New research by Wildlife Poisoning Research UK has uncovered concerning levels of rat pocket poison in British otters and other native species including foxes and birds of prey.

The study found that 91% of all otters tested had been exposed to second generation anticoagulant rodenticides or SGAR's, with 43% showing lethal levels of the poisons.

Beyond their immediate lethal effects, these poisons have chronic and debilitating consequences, with affected animals and birds exhibiting lethargy and a lack of awareness for several days before their death, rendering them more vulnerable to predation and trauma such as being struck by vehicles.

Recent evidence indicates that sub lethal doses of poisons can damage the immune system and elevate disease levels within wildlife populations and research shows that the proportion of otters exposed to these toxins in Wales and throughout Britain is significantly higher than in other countries, according to similar studies in Germany.

Investigations have revealed that otters are poisoned by consuming fish contaminated with SGAR's, which is caused by poorly treated sewage and direct runoff from drains.

These poisons are frequently used to control rat populations in sewers, often without any public knowledge.

Dr. Ed Blaine from WPR UK has spoken stress the urgent need to test sewage, effluent and river life for these poisons in Britain.

If this is so, then it is time to reassess the use of these poisons in sewer systems.

He said there are alternatives to SGAR poisons that do not pose the same level of environmental risk.

According to Dr. Blaine, many poisons currently found in our waterways should have been banned due to failing environmental risk assessments.

However, the British Government has permitted their continued use provided the chemical industry takes measures to significantly reduce poison exposure to wildlife.

This is a stance that has also been backed by the Welsh Government.

As a result, levels of poison detected in the livers of various wildlife species have surged by 220% in buzzards, 401% in foxes and 100% in peregrine falcons.

A significant contributor to this issue in the Wye catchment area is the prevalence of industrial chicken farms where the use of rat poison is considerably higher, leading to a substantial amount of the toxins entering watercourses.

This research has revealed the extent of pollution in our water courses and this is one of many reasons why we must prioritize cleaning up our rivers and water courses whilst ensuring that we stop this high level contamination from intensive farming and other environmental impacts from our current lifestyle.

Our third story is a heartfelt tribute to a true champion of wildlife, Debbie Bailey, who is taken from us far too soon.

Renowned for her unwavering dedication, Debbie led the largest volunteer based badger vaccination program in Britain.

Based in her home county of Derbyshire, Debbie's commitment to understanding the issues surrounding badgers and her tireless campaigning against the badger cole is.

One of her most significant achievements was persuading her then MP Andrew Bingham to defy party lines and vote against the cull by presenting the latest scientific research and highlighting public opposition.

Debbie even took him out into the field, showing him firsthand the beauty of badgers.

Debbie dedicated herself to the High Peak Badger Group and the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Vaccination Project, providing a practical alternative to shooting badgers.

This groundbreaking project demonstrated a viable alternative to culling at scale, involving multiple stakeholders and influencing discussions at the highest levels of government.

The tributes have poured in for Debbie, including A touching message from the Badger Trust, the leading authority on badgers in Britain, who said Debbie was a true ABAJA champion.

From leading pioneering vaccination projects to tackling wildlife crime, her passion, kindness and dedication leave a lasting legacy.

Debbie's fascination with badgers began when she discovered scrapes on her lawn, leading her to feed and to watch the badgers from her patio in the evenings.

Eager to share this experience, Debbie launched Badger Watch, allowing others to witness the badgers up close, separated only by a large window.

She encouraged every visitor to contribute to the Hypeak Badger Group in exchange for this unique experience.

Despite the challenges of coordinating the badger vaccination project and her local badger group, Debbie consistently found time to assist injured or sick badgers, hedgehogs, and indeed other wildlife, often nursing them back to health in her own home.

Working through her extensive network of wildlife friends to ensure their safe release back to the wild after their rehabilitation, Debbie forged partnership and inspired change on a national level, never shying away from standing up for what was right.

But above all, she will be remembered for her kindness, a guiding light to everyone who knew her.

Debbie didn't just speak for badgers, she fought for them.

And Debbie will be sadly missed.

Debbie was truly in her element when she was out in the fields with her beloved badgers, but she cherished hosting family and friends friends at her home.

Her funeral and wake served as a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual attended by her family, friends and many of us from the badger and wider wildlife community who all joined together to pay their respects in honor of her legacy of compassion and action.

Debbie's family has established the Debbie Bailey foundation for Badgers, ensuring her impact and legacy continues.

Badgers have truly lost a dear friend that has been this week's Wildlife Matters Nature.

Debbie bailey was just 58, but she achieved more for her beloved badgers than she could ever have anticipated.

And her remarkable legacy will live on through the Debbie Bailey foundation, which will continue to support badgers.

If you would like to donate to Debbie's foundation, we will put a link in the show notes.

We will also closely monitor the developing stock story of the high levels of rodenticides in wildlife over the coming weeks.

We love trees and plants here at Wildlife Matters, so celebrating some of these ancient trees is very important to us and we encourage you to get outside and enjoy your local trees, especially now as they begin their spectacular autumn displays of color.

This week, Wildlife Matters.

A mindful moment invites us to be present and to appreciate the often overlooked sounds of nature.

So join us and allow yourself to be in the moment and listen to the sounds of the ancient woodland in this week's Wildlife Matters.

Mindful moments.

It it's when you take a moment to stop and listen, what you hear can be truly remarkable.

This is the remarkable old tree in Sydenham Hill Wood in South London.

The tree is probably several hundred years old.

It has endured for many years and undergone numerous changes.

But on this particular day, it creaked as it swayed with the wind, its upper canopy leaves dancing in the breeze.

And standing by its base with my handheld recorder provided a unique insight into how trees flex and move in ways that are often unseen and unnoticed, but can certainly be heard if you choose to listen.

Now join me for the second urban wildlife adventure as we explore the magnificent woods that once covered all of London and discover the incredible wildlife haven of Sydenham Hill Wood in this week's Wildlife Matters main feature.

Hello and welcome to this week's Wildlife Matters main feature.

Wild London is a new series by Wildlife Matters that explores the wildest locations within our cities and urban centers.

We began this journey at West Norwood Cemetery back in July, which was featured in episode six of this series.

If you want to go back and have a listen.

But London is renowned as one of the greenest cities globally, boasting famous parks and green spaces.

But it also harbours lesser known wild places where one can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature.

For nearly 25 years, Wildlife Matters has been dedicated to wildlife and green spaces in and around London.

When discussing wildlife in the city, many people often look puzzled and ask me, is there any they might mention pigeons, squirrels and sometimes even foxes.

But there is so much more to discover, from peregrine falcons and grass snakes to red deer and tawny owls.

So join me as we explore one of my favourite spots in London for wildlife watching.

Sydenham Hill Wood.

Sydenham Hill Wood slopes from one of London's highest points down to Selhurst, and it's one of the last remnants of the historic Great North Wood, which once stretched from the River Thames down as far south to Croydon.

The word is home to a rich variety of wildlife that includes rare fungi, insects, birds, mammals and over 200 species of trees and plants.

And with plenty of fallen trees, branches and logs, there are opportunities to climb, swing or just sit.

The dense tree cover effectively blocks out the sounds and the sights of the city, creating a tranquil escape.

And you can explore historical features here, too, such as the railway tunnel that once transported Victorians to the Crystal Palace, a folly, a memorable bridge and a breathtaking view of the central London landmarks.

Walking in Sydenham Hill Wood has always brought me great pleasure, especially with its abundance of wildlife.

This morning, just after sunrise, I was fortunate enough to spot a pair of tawny owls engaged in their intricate communication.

Tawny owls possess a wide range of calls that are far more sophisticated than the infamous twit tu most people recognize.

2000 that explained how, based on the harshness, length, pitch of their calls and the relative proportions of certain syllables, the owls can discern the identity of the caller, its sex, build, weight, health, aggression level and even the quality of its territory.

I was amazed to discover that no two tawny owls sound alike and they all have their own local and regional accents.

Since learning this, I have become aware of the two pairs of tawny owls that live near my home and can now identify which one of them is calling.

Now, I'm no Dr. Dolittle, but like many of you who spend time in nature, you get to know your local wildlife.

The next bird I encountered was a stunning kestrel hovering in a classic kestrel style.

It's the only hawk capable of hovering for extended periods while scanning the ground for its breakfast.

Its white tail, edged with brown and black feathers, fanned out beautifully as it maintained its position.

The kestrel hovered for 20, maybe 30 seconds, allowing me ample time to admire its sleek body and long tapered wings before it dropped from the sky.

Unfortunately, it returned without breakfast, emitting that lovely kes kes call that gives it its name.

The fire crest is a tiny yet spectacular looking bird.

It competes with the gold crest for the title of the Britain's smallest bird.

It was once just a seasonal visitor, but it is now found breeding in woodlands across London and south of England.

It's similar in size to a gold crest, but the fire crest boasts a rich olive green top coat and a buff white underside.

The males are distinguished by their bright orange crown edged with black, whilst the females sport a yellow crown.

Its most distinctive feature is the bright white line above its eye, setting it apart from the gold crest.

Fire crests are now prevalent in coniferous woodlands and plantations throughout much of southern England.

London is also renowned in Wildlife World for being an excellent place to spot stag beetles.

And Sydenham Hill Wood is one of the best places where you will find them.

The wood features a considerable amount of fallen trees that have decayed over the years, providing the ideal habitat for stag beetle larvae.

These larvae can spend up to six years in a decaying branch or stump before emerging as adult stag beetles, living fast and furiously for just one summer.

They don't eat during this time, but will mate as often as possible before succumbing to the first frosts of autumn.

Whilst discussing insects, it's worth noting the abundance of butterflies here today.

I've already spotted a red admiral, a peacock and a comma species that would have sparked much discussion just a few years ago, but are now increasingly common as their populations expand across Britain.

I've also seen a brown argus feeding on some cranesbill, and although these are not rare, I was surprised to see it in a woodland, as this butterfly is more typically associated with the chalk grassland found about 30 miles south of here.

A little further along the path, basking in a small patch of sunlight that penetrates through the woodland canopy, is a speckled wood butterfly, again not rare.

It is an attractive sight, though, with its brown wings adorned with golden orange to yellow speckles that resemble eyes.

It is then that a foul odour drew me to a group of fungi that was sitting by a fallen tree bough.

Upon closer inspection, I identified them as the fetid Marasmirus.

The fetidus.

Part of the name aptly describes the potent sour smell of these mushrooms.

Their red to brown appearance reminds me of a jellyfish as they lie flat on the ground with their pleated edges.

It's funny, though.

Once you start looking for fungi, you can begin to spot them much more often.

In Britain, we have just a fraction of the approximately 2,000 thousand species of Cortinarius found worldwide.

That's the largest group within the agarix mushroom family.

While many of these distinctive fungi have a veil on the cap, some are toxic and a few are deadly, making them unsuitable for foraging.

As I walk deeper into the woodland, a small ring of large white mushrooms comes into view in a grassy clearing at the path's edge.

Investigating further, I discover a perfect fairy ring of fungi, each standing around 75 mil, or about 3 inches tall.

The gills and stems are white and the cap is also white with a stipe, but lacks a ring.

However, the unpleasant smell, a blend of radishes and honey, indicates that I might have found a white knight.

The white knight forms a symbiotic mycorrhizal relationship with sessile oaks, which are prominent here at Sydenham Hill Wood.

Despite its name, this species is not edible and is known for its bitter and even acrid taste.

I've never been tempted to even have a nibble.

The sessile oak, which can grow to 40 to 50 meters, is less well known than the English oak but plays a vital role in woodlands.

Its acorns are directly attached to outer twigs rather than held on stalks, allowing it to form dense single species woodlands if it is left to grow.

And although sessile oak timber is less highly regarded than that of English oak, it has been used for centuries mainly to make barrels and casks for the brewing industry, enhancing the flavour of wine and spirits.

In addition to the oak species, hornbeam is another main tree here in Sydenham Wood.

Although common in southern and eastern England, it is often overshadowed by other woodland species as it is a critical component of ancient woodlands which are unfortunately rare.

The common hornbeam, also known as the hard beam due to its demanding and challenging wood when working, it features a smooth grey twisting trunk and toothed edged leaves.

Its large catkins appear in late spring while the winged seeds can be seen dispersing in the autumn.

Although it may be mistaken for the common beech, the hornbeam's leaves are deeply veined with spiny edges and those distinctive bare three lobed seeds.

Hazel, on the other hand, supports a diverse ecosystem, providing food for moth caterpillars such as the large emerald, the small white wave bardumber and the nut tree tussock.

In managed woodlands where hazel is coppiced, the resulting open wildflower rich habitat fosters a thriving population of butterflies, particularly fritillaries.

Coppiced hazel offers shelter to ground nesting birds like the nightingale nightjar, yellowhammer and the willow warbler.

Hazel has long been associated with the dormouse.

Often called the hazel dormouse, these tiny animals rely on hazelnuts to help fatten them up for hibernation, whilst in spring hazel leaves serve as a good source of caterpillars for their diet.

Other wildlife, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, the tit species, wood pigeons, jays and small mammals, all consume hazelnuts.

Hazel flowers provide early pollen for the bees.

Although the non sticky nature of this pollen makes it challenging for bees to collect in large quantities.

Over the last couple of years I've helped with the dormouse surveys in the woods.

Where there is a healthy population, locating dormice can be pretty challenging and they are protected by law, making it illegal to handle them without a license.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid disturbing these dormice if you see one, its nest or the Dormice survey wooden or black plastic boxes that you can sometimes see hanging from the trees.

Please leave them undisturbed as disturbing them would not only be illegal, but it would also frighten any dormouse inside.

An easier way to see if you have mice species in your area is to do a nut hunt.

For example, wood mice, bank foals and dormice all gnaw round holes in hazelnut shells, leaving distinctive marks that can help identify which species have been feeding on the nut.

One method to locate these animals is through the nut hunt, a simple activity perfect for families.

The only equipment needed is a magnifying glass.

The best time for this survey is during the autumn and early winter when the trees are bare and discarded nutshells are easily visible on the woodland floor.

Nest tubes are another effective method for detecting dormice, particularly in areas where nut searches may be less fruitful.

Although these are typically used by licensed and trained ecologists, nest tubes are excellent tools for surveying but are not intended for long term population monitoring.

When surveying for dormice, small numbers of tubes may fail to detect their presence even if they are known to inhabit the area.

Natural nest searches are particularly valuable in the absence of other signs.

Dormice nests are about the size of a grapefruit, are typically found in brambles and low growing shrubs, generally around a meter above the ground.

They can inhabit nest tubes and boxes using materials such as grass leaves and honeysuckle bark to construct their homes.

Sydenham Hill Wood is a hotspot for mustelids too, hosting at least four species, including the iconic badger.

Badger is the largest of the UK mustelids and they measure between 60 and up to 85cm in length and are easily recognized by their stocky, muscular build, gray and white fur, long snouts, and of course, those distinctive stripes across their eyes.

Badgers are active from dusk until dawn, frequently foraging in open fields for worms and grubs.

They create established trails and sets their underground homes that are used by multiple generations.

This indicates a thriving population in the woods, especially if you are here at dawn and dusk.

In contrast to badgers, the weasel is the smallest mustelid in Britain, with the adults measuring a maximum of 20cm long.

But weasels are quick and elusive, sporting a chestnut brown back and sides with an off white underside.

Their short straight tails are also chestnut brown.

They can often be seen unexpectedly emerging from long grass or beneath hedgerows.

In colder winters their coats can change to white, a rare adaption here in southern Britain that provides camouflage against snowy environments, reducing vulnerability to predators such as hawks and Owls.

The stoat is a close relative of the weasel, can also be found here in Sydenham Hill Wood.

It can be distinguished from the weasel by the black tip on its tail, often referred to as a paintbrush tip, and by its larger size of up to around 30cm and the longer tail.

Stoats are remarkable hunters.

They're capable of preying on animals up to 33 times their own size.

They thrive in diverse habitats including woodlands, moorlands and hedgerows, particularly favouring areas with old dry stone walls and rocky mounds that provide excellent cover for both themselves and their prey.

The American mink is another mustelid that can be found at Sydenham Hill Wood.

Primarily, it inhabits rivers across the uk, having escaped or been released from fur farms during the six 60s and 70s.

These mink are significantly smaller than the native otter and feature a dark brown to almost black coat with small ears and a distinctive floppy black tail.

Unlike the otter's pointed tail, mink are active both day and night and can often be spotted exploring canals and small streams.

A mink are controversial among conservationists and are now classified as an alien species here in the uk uk.

Their presence in the woods indicates their adaptability and suggests they are well established in the area.

Sydenham Hill Wood is also home to several fascinating attractions that highlight its rich history.

This area of London rose to prominence in the mid 19th century after the relocation of the Crystal palace, attracting many distinguished families.

Today, only the folly stands as a testament to the past here.

Although some claim to have glimpsed Fairwood hidden beneath thick holly brambles and bracken deep in the woods.

Bridge is currently part of the Green Chain Walk and is undergoing substantial restoration by Southwark Council, although on the day we visited it remained closed for that restoration.

Next is the Crescent Wood Tunnel, also known as Upper Sydenham Tunnel.

It's adjacent to the station of the same name.

This is a 400 yard double bore tunnel that was constructed by the Crystal palace and South London Junction Railway to link Sydenham Hill woods to the proposed Upper Sydenham Station.

Wildlife Matters has helped to conduct two bat surveys in Sydenham Hill woods recording significant numbers of common and soprano pipistrelle bats alongside similar populations of Noctule ceratine and the Meiotis or mouse eared bat.

Additional surveys by the local bat group have also identified species such as the Leisler whiskered Alcato and brown long eared bat.

Watching the bats emerge from the tunnel as they came out to feed, swirling and circling me as I recorded the sounds of their wings and sonar, which of course is out of range of our hearing before they soared overhead, was a delightful conclusion to our day at Sydenham Hill Wood.

We hope you have enjoyed our visit here and that next time that you are in South London you you will make some time to visit this amazing woodland for yourself.

It is a wonderful place for people and for wildlife and that has been this week's Wildlife Matters main feature.

Nestled just a few miles from the vibrant urban landscape of London lies the tranquil beauty of Sydenham Hill Wood.

This ancient woodland serves as a sanctuary for both wildlife and people, offering a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Whether you're looking for a leisurely afternoon stroll or an adventurous day in out, Sydenham Hill Wood is worth a visit.

It truly is one of the hidden gems of wild London, contributing to the city's reputation as one of the greenest capitals in the world.

We have more urban wildlife adventures lined up, so if you enjoy our content, please subscribe, follow and like our podcast.

Taking a moment to leave a comment or review wherever you wherever you listen can greatly help fellow nature lovers discover us.

Thank you for your support.

In the next episode of the Wildlife Matters podcast, we will celebrate the changing seasons with a live storytelling special around the campfire in the heart of the deep dark woods.

So grab a drink and settle in as we share two nature inspired folklore stories for our Autumn Equinox storytelling special.

As always, we appreciate every one of you.

Thank you for taking the time to join us today.

Wildlife Matters will return in two weeks.

Until then, stay curious wild ones.

This is Wildlife Matters signing off.