Brentmoor Heath in Surrey covers more than 60 hectares (149 acres) and is part of Colony Bog and Bagshot Heath SSSI. It has been managed as a nature reserve by Surrey Wildlife trust since 1988. Scott Dodd presented a fascinating talk on his work on the Reserve, where he has been a Ranger with the Trust for about two years and, with help from local volunteers, works hard throughout the year removing birch, pine and bracken etc., in order to ensure that the more specialised heathland species thrive. Ponds, bridleways and paths also have to be maintained so that visitors can enjoy and explore the site.
Listed below are just some of the flora and fauna of the Heath that were not only described by Scott, but demonstrated through a range of specimens brought along to the meeting.
Plants: the three heather species (ling, bell heather and cross-leaved heath), dodder, heath spotted orchid, common fleabane, sphagnum mosses, common sundew, oblong-leaved sundew, bog asphodel and blue marsh gentian.
Invertebrates: silver-studded blue butterfly, grayling butterfly, dung, stag and tiger beetles, seven-spot scarce ladybird, ground nesting bees and wasps, dragonflies, wood ants and raft spider. The latter is one of Britain's largest arachnids, and hunts on the surface of bog pools. The wood ant makes large nest mounds of pine needles on the edge of the woodlands: in winter green woodpeckers may be seen emerging from holes in the base of the mounds after feeding on hibernating ants.
Fungi: recent records show that there at least 150 species of fungi on the Heath.
Galls: Galls and their causers are found on oak, willow and many other plants.
Reptiles and amphibians: adder, grass snake, common lizard, slow worm and palmate newt.
Mammals: badgers, roe deer, and harvest mouse (Scott brought in a nest made by the latter).
Birds: since Surrey Wildlife Trust increased the area of open heather a number of rare heathland birds have returned, including Dartford warbler, woodlark, nightjar, stonechat and hen harrier.
Our thanks go to Scott, who inspired us all with his enthusiasm and the dedication to the work that is constantly carried out by the Trust in order to maintain the Surrey Heaths for the future.
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