Want to do some exercise that gets you out of doors and helps wildlife? I’m a volunteer at the Gunnersbury Triangle nature reserve, managed by the London Wildlife Trust. I’ve been going on Tuesdays for a couple of years and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve learnt a lot about conservation, am getting much better at recognising butterfly species, have made friends and got (a bit) fitter.
What does it involve? Turning up on a Tuesday or a Thursday (from 1030 to about 1530) and helping Netty Ribeaux (the warden) with whatever tasks are needed on the reserve (there is also volunteering on some Sundays if that’s more convenient for you). Typically this involves maintaining paths, mending fences, building dead hedges, cutting back brambles (to keep paths clear) and digging up brambles (to stop them completely taking over and free up space for other plants). I also look after the pollinator friendly planters at the entrance, with plants donated by CHAS. In the warmer weather, there’s usually a butterfly survey in the afternoon, for which we send the data to Butterfly Conservation and contribute to national records. Occasionally, we fell trees (but only if they are diseased or have been damaged by high winds) and don full chest-high waders to clear the pond of blanket weed. But it’s not all hard work – sometimes we just enjoy the reserve and the Trust is generous with biscuits.
As readers of this blog will know, there are also opportunities to get involved in wildlife projects such as Vole Patrol. There are also public-facing events, for children during school holidays and the annual summer open day for everyone, where we have wildlife walks & talks, tea and cakes, a plant stall & a raffle or tombola. And there are educational visits by primary school groups that you can help with, if that’s more your thing than digging and drilling.
The Triangle is only a small reserve but it’s a gem – an oasis of peace and quiet with a wide range of plants and animals, moments from the High Road, much enjoyed by folk from Chiswick Business Park at lunchtime. Among the birds you’re likely to see are robins, jays, long tailed tits, blackcaps in summer; you may hear (if not see) green woodpeckers; sparrowhawks nest in summer. The pond has common toads, smooth newts, common frogs and azure and large red damselflies. Depending on the season, you might see butterflies such as the speckled wood, gatekeeper, holly blue, orange tip and brimstone; you may even glimpse a purple hairstreak high in an oak tree (although I’ve not seen one yet). There’s a range of bee species from the hairy-footed flower bee (how could you not love an animal with a name like that?), to the ivy bee (a recent arrival) and buff-tailed bumble bee. And if you’re very lucky, you might also see a stag beetle, field vole, wood mouse or pipistrelle bat.
We’d be interested in hearing about other voluntary activities enjoyed by CHAS members – please contact me at editor@growchiswick.org if you’ve a story to share.
If you’d like to join me at the Triangle, contact Netty Ribeaux at nribeaux@wildlondon.org.uk.
All photos by Ian Alexander, a fellow Gunnersbury Triangle volunteer, whose blog Obsessed by Nature is well worth a read.
I’ve always thought it amazing there could be such complete natural wilderness right in the heart of our city. I now see it’s partly due to your hard work!
Thanks from us all.
Kind regards,
Henry