An idea

 When we decided to focus on having closer look at the small scale organisms in the site, the first tool came into mind was magnifying glass.
 As a means to connect such organisms and people, without allowing public access to the site, the use of various sensors- webcam, humidity, temperature, vibration sensor, etc.- seemed appropriate. With the help of high-tech devices and internet, "accessing the site not with our senses, but with sensors" sounded like a great idea.

Visit to Angela Marmont Centre

December 3rd 2010


A visit to Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity. 

 Located within Natural History Museum, the "Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity is for anyone with an interest in UK natural history. The center offers an identification and advisory service; a fully equipped visitor space for your own research; access to UK reference collections and UK natural history library; workshop and meeting room facilities; hands-on resources and nature surveys."


 We made a reservation for a desk at 10:30am. It was our goal to learn more about mosses and fungi. There, we got help from Mark Spencer, a Botanist, who also used to be involved with London Wildlife Trust. For the Bryophytes specialist was not present, he provided the basic knowledge on mosses and fungi. He started off by informing us that mosses are quite diverse and are very difficult to identify. They help break down minerals; hold onto water; are the source of carbon sink. Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) are good bio-indicators: they are very sensitive to pollution and climate. British isles are designated as the internationally important region for bryophytes.


 The introduction to bryophytes lasted quite a while and what we were told is only a drop in the ocean. In order to work with our site, Mark suggested we take a look at GiGL (Greenspace Information for Greater London) and London Biodiversity Partnership. We left the place, overwhelmed. There is too much to be studied and discovered in the world of bryophytes and fungi. 


 Nevertheless, such put us in a different direction: we want to take part in building up database and conserving what is often thought as unwanted.

Lewisham Consultation Portal

Corner Vesta Road & the Brockley to New Cross Gate Railway and ‘Scout Hut’ is found on the list of Reject sites at the website of  Lewisham Consultation Portal. 


As the 'Designated Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC) and of Metropolitan Importance', the reasons for being rejected to be used as residential area are: 

This site performs a valuable open space function in the area. It also contains some of the finest railside wildlife habitats in London. As a greenfield site, residential development would be contrary to PPS3. 

Forest Hill to New Cross Gate Railway Cutting

An extensive railway cutting between New Cross Gate and Forest Hill stations, in a strongly urban area of south London. The most representative site in London for habitats developing on active railsides, it also demonstrates well their important role in allowing natural vegetation to develop in the heart of the inner city. The site is unusual however, in containing three nature reserves that allow access to a large section of the cutting. Two of these are managed by the Council; a third is managed by the London Wildlife Trust.

The woodland is dominated by sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior), with some birch (Betula spp.). Several locally uncommon ground flora plants include bitter-vetch (Lathyrus linifolius), ramsons (Allium ursinum) and goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea). Open grassy habitats indicate a wide range of underlying soil conditions. More neutral grassland supports the London rarities common restharrow (Ononis repens) and common centaury (Centaurium erythraea). Extensive dry reed (Phragmites australis) beds are probably a relic of the Croydon Canal, which once floowed the route now occupied by the railway.

The breeding avifauna includes tawny owl, lesser spotted woodpecker and bullfinch. A surprisingly diverse invertebrate fauna includes several nationally scarce species, amongst which is the white-letter hairstreak butterfly.

Site Type: Metropolitan

Access: Can be viewed from adjacent paths or roads only

Borough: Lewisham ; Southwark

Ownership: Network Rail

Habitats: Acid grassland ; Pond/lake ; Reed bed ; Scrub ; Secondary woodland ; Semi-improved neutral grassland ; Tall herbs

Sites of Metropolitan Importance ('Met Sites'): 

There are about 140 Met sites, including the best examples of wildlife habitats in London. They often contain many rare plants and animals. They are selected as the most important sites for biodiversity by the Mayor of London and his officers at the Greater London Authority. They include the Thames, the canals, the London section of Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, Hyde Park and Camley Street Natural Park in Kings Cross.

Information from:    http://wildweb.london.gov.uk/wildweb/PublicSiteView.do?siteid=7252 

Lichens: indicators of air pollution

The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) are researching the relationship between lichens and air pollution and at the same time have created an initiative to educate people about it.

"The OPAL air survey is studying lichens found on trees and also looking for tar spot fungus on sycamore leaves. Both can tell us a great deal about local air quality."

In their website they provide a kit for people to go out and take samples of lichens that they can later upload to the site, creating a database that contributes to the research.

collection from/around the site

from the site