Burnham Beeches and Stoke Common – City of London
| Looking after Stoke Common throughout the year Our four Exmoor ponies are currently grazing the west side of Stoke Common and will most likely remain there for the next few months. Please remember, none of our livestock are pets; do not approach them or try to pet them. Most importantly, DO NOT feed them; this can be very bad for their health, make them develop bad habits and is not good for the nature reserves. Meanwhile, the Friends of Stoke Common Volunteers will be holding their Annual General Meeting at Stoke Poges Village Hall, on Wednesday, 24 January 2024, 7 – 8.30pm. The group have played a really important part in the restoration of the Common in recent years and are always looking for new recruits. What better New Year’s Resolution could you have than to give some of your time to help look after this fantastic nature reserve on your doorstep? Get in touch with the Burnham Beeches Office for more information. |
| Please take care in icy conditions As the winter progresses, there are bound to be periods of frosty conditions. The Beeches can look stunning after a heavy frost or a snowfall but please enjoy it sensibly. Never walk onto the ice of a frozen pond or allow a dog to do the same, however ‘solid’ it appears. Also please don’t throw sticks or stones onto the ice as it always looks unsightly and as the ice melts, they will either sink and add to the silt or could float to the outflow and block it, causing flooding. If it snows please remember that as we are a nature reserve, we are not allowed to salt our internal roads and paths. If we are fortunate enough to have enough snow for sledging, please stick to slopes on the tarmac roads – the damage that can be caused to the habitats by ‘off road’ sledging can be surprisingly severe. |
| Please stick to the surfaced paths For the past few years, the Ranger team has carried out temporary winter path closures in areas of the Beeches that are most vulnerable to erosion – this has been repeated in several areas again this year. When the ground gets wet and muddy it can easily become compacted and eroded as people step around muddy patches to find firm ground. Some areas of the reserve are particularly vulnerable, such as the ancient monuments at the Moat and Seven Ways Plain where not only the habitat, but also the archaeology are at risk. Over the past few years, the team has carried out footpath improvements to ensure that there are plenty of places where you can walk on a firm, surfaced path. We use a mixture of signs, rope and dead hedges to temporarily close certain areas during the most vulnerable period. When you see a rope or sign, please abide by what it says to help us look after this Special Area of Conservation. |
| Help us to keep the reserves special The Ranger team will be working on some of our old pollards during the next month, taking out branches from the canopy where possible to reduce weight and minimise the risk of limbs breaking off. The dry summer of 2022 meant that we couldn’t risk working on the old trees in January 2023, so last year the focus was on creating young pollards and propping some of the more vulnerable older trees. If you see the team working on the trees whilst you are out walking, please follow any guidance on signage or from the Rangers. The Beeches is home to over 60 rare and endangered species, many of which are associated with the decaying wood habitat provided by our ancient pollards. Each year, many thousands of pounds are needed to ensure we keep the old trees alive for as long as possible, whilst the young pollards develop. Increasingly, we need donations to help provide the funding required for the essential work that we do. Why not start the New Year with a resolution to help look after the ancient trees of Burnham Beeches by donating here: Donate to Burnham Beeches ancient trees – City of London? All money donated in this way stays at Burnham Beeches and goes directly towards the cost of the work we carry out. |
| Volunteer days and events coming up: Burnham Beeches Volunteers Every Thursday 9am – 3pm – please call or email the office to book on. Next Friends of Stoke Common volunteer task: Saturday 6 January – 10am – 3pm please email the office to book on. Next Burnham Beeches Sunday volunteer task: Sunday 21 January – 10am – 3pm please email the office to book on. Simply walk This walk is on the second Wednesday of each month. The next date is: Wednesday 10 January. Meet by the Information Point at 10.45am on a Wednesday to join us for a gentle stroll around the reserve. Events and walks: An Introduction to Burnham Beeches Saturday 27 January 11.30 – 1pm Join one of the Rangers on this introductory tour to discover exactly what makes this incredible nature reserve such amazing place. Suggested donation £3. Booking required. |
