Activities in 2024

Footpath repair

Rain erosion of footpaths is a recurring theme because of the sandy soil and significant slopes in Sable Wood, but it is relatively easily checked by adding log steps to interrupt the free flow of runoff.

This repair was carried out at the head of Marjorie’s Path (FP218B) between February and July. Building rubble filling the gaps between the logs provides bulwark against further erosion.

 

Habitat protection

This area in sub-compartment Com 1 was once heavily shaded with Scots pine and birch, and invaded by gaultheria. Heather and bilberry are growing strongly now, forming a dense vegetation mass providing cover and habitat for reptiles and insects.

 

 

This common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) emerged from the vegetation in this area to settle on a log on 17 August. Common lizards seem relatively tolerant of human presence.

The five refugia in Sable Wood, part of the survey network of the Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group (SARG), continued to be sampled approximately monthly. On one occasion, slow-worm were found under all five refugia, indicating their presence throughout Sable Wood.