Commons ranger James Adler provided a great introduction to this large area of Surrey County Council-owned land, now managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust Countryside Services. James brought us up to date with many of the interesting projects that have been initiated on Wisley and Ockham recently, including the fencing of much of the Wisley site for grazing. After a protracted legal battle, the rare breeds cattle have now arrived for their first season's work.
Summer 2005 saw the introduction of Silver- tudded Blue Butterflies to Ockham, from three local sites; these butterflies depend on Meadow Ants to nurture their larvae, so conditions have needed to be exactly right for this exercise. We will need to wait until this summer to find out whether the introduction has been successful.
The Sand Lizard was reintroduced to Ockham about 15 years ago and seems to be thriving; Adders have never gone away, but in their isolation have thrown up unusual colour forms, such as melanistic (all-black) beasts. Another unusual arrival on Wisley recently has been a species of red heather!
On Bolder Mere lake, an attempt last year to lure in terns, by constructing a small artificial island, was successful within days! A brood was successfully raised, and they have returned this year. The lake has also been cleared of alien species of various kinds including terrapins - and carp angling has now ceased. Conifers will continue to be removed where necessary, much having been cleared already in attempts to restore the lowland heath that was a historical feature of the area but is now in decline.
James also introduced us to some of the special features of the site, including the unique Chatley semaphore tower, and the spooky Samuelson mausoleum, which might have yet another life, as a bat hibernaculum. He also showed us photographs of his favourite Wood Ant nest, including a picture of them dragging along a Hummingbird Hawk Moth caterpillar! Thanks to James for a very lively and entertaining show.
DICK ALDER