Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Walking my dog yesterday I was surprised to see a number of people collecting holly and other winter foliage. I doubt there are many branches with berries left in the woods. I’m all for foraging in general but it’s a relatively small space that has been transformed by the work of volunteers. Would such actions be allowed in parks? I doubt it.
Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/318858-sydenham-woods/
Share on other sites

Yes, foraging in Sydenham Hill Wood can be one of the problems faced in conservation. The holly berries are a valuable food source for birds, especially in cold spells like the one approaching. Taking the branches with berries deprives them of the food when they need it most. Most of what is being taken will end up in the bin and landfill.

Holly is coppiced for use in the Wood but only the male holly which doesn’t produce berries. Buying holly from a sustainable and reputable source would be much better. There is a similar problem in spring when areas of wild garlic are trampled and stripped of much of that plant. It would be nice if people took the time to find out what impact their actions have.

I thought a sign would help children explain to their parents.

We accept street signs. Why not here?

 

There are numerous signs saying to keep dogs on a least from April-September and not a single dog owner pays the slightest attention to them. I can’t imagine a “Don’t take the holly” sign would be any more observed.

Ivy grows back really quickly, and there is loads of it in the woods.


I've been collecting some at the Solstice for decades, for wreaths and garlands around the house. It's also the day when my Christmas tree is brought into the house from my allotment. The day when the light starts to come back.


Because there is so much ivy in the woods, it never crossed my mind there would be a problem. The woods are not exactly a tiny patch of land.


However if everyone else is now doing the same, perhaps there is.


I can see that holly berries are a different case. I use artificial ones in my ivy wreaths.


If this is a conservation/wildlife issue, I do think notices should be put up, as for the wild garlic. Not everyone will comply, but I would have thought most people would.

Alex_b is right. There are signs in the Wood asking people not to allow their dogs off the lead during nesting season and hardly anyone complies. There are notices drawing attention as to why certain conservation strategies have been carried out but there has to be limit as to how many are desirable. As the Wood is a nature reserve and an important one, it would be undesirable and self defeating to have too many notices scattered around. Ultimately it is down to individual responsibility, however, frequent articles in weekend supplements extolling the virtues of foraging certainly don’t help.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • A bit of a long shot but I'm on the lookout for a portable pop-up counter or podium.   The kind you often see on a high street, used by charities or utility companies to advertise their wares.   I've included a photo to give you the idea. I'm a peckham-based artist and am looking for one for a free (and non-profit) community art project.  It can be in any workable condition and can already have signage on it as we will remove and redecorate ourselves.    Thanks in advance, Linzie
    • No I absolutely did not - that much is clear. Have you read the latest stories about Unite, Len and the hotel in Birmingham? The UK electorate were smart enough to reject a far-left party in 2019, let's hope they are smart enough to reject a far-right party at the next election too. If not we are all doomed.
    • I would also like to add my recommendation for James.  I had taken four names of electricians from the forum - in the order I had read the reviews.  First three no response - even days later. I phoned James this morning. He answered, gave me a time, stuck to it, messaged again 15 mins before arrival.  He fixed my problem on the spot.  Sensible charge out fee. Perfect service.  
    • Most recent polls for the next election suggest it will be a hung parliament, with Reform the largest party by a fair margin. But that is predicated on Reform finding around 300 candidates who are actually electable. Given the number of Reform council candidates who have had to drop out prior to or after the local elections, does that seem likely? Social media is pretty unforgiving when it comes to finding skeletons in cupboards; a retweet or a like seems enough to scupper political ambitions. A few may defect from other parties, but do you think the electorate would really vote for so many brand new MPs from a newish party?  I'm not so sure.
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...