Common-Keeper's Update August 2016

[cs_content][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text]The last month has seen brilliant summer weather but dry conditions have left The Green a little parched in places. Brown areas of grass will recover once we get significant rainfall. Indeed, the areas of grass flooded in June have recovered and are greener than anywhere else.High temperatures and sunlight levels have resulted in a steady lowering of the pond level and a seasonal algal bloom (non-toxic). Although unsightly this is a natural phenomenon and it will run its course until suspended nutrients in the water are used up. Then the algae will be broken down by bacteria which can cause de-oxygenation of the water. Works have been arranged to maximise the functioning of the pump system which needs some running repairs. It is currently pumping in available groundwater but the quantity barely matches that lost by evaporation and transpiration through the plants and trees around the pond. Subsequently, it is still the aim to top up further with the Thames Water supply in September, once all the maintenance works are completed. Despite the look of the water, the wildlife of the pond has thrived. I recorded 7 broods of tufted ducks in august plus a couple of individuals being reared by mallards. This is the highest number ever recorded for the pond and the survival rate has been high also. There have been 4-5 mallard broods plus coot and moorhen broods plus a failed brood to the Egyptian Geese (alas, most were taken by herring gulls) The meadows have finished flowering and will be cut over September, left to dry and shed seed, then raked over and finally dug over and re-sown in winter/spring. Other news includes the repainting of the Bridge and railings over the Brook, and the hosting of Dementia Awareness Consultation on 30th August aimed. The latter was aimed at gathering feedback from carers and sufferers about Barnes Green and possible improvements. If you wish to take part in this consultation forms are available at parks@richmond.gov.uk until 25th September.

Russell Greaves, Barnes Commonkeeper [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]