Members Update October 2023

FRIENDS OF JERSEY LANE

MEMBERS UPDATE – October 2023

Firstly, cordial Autumn greetings to all our members and friends.

Since we last updated you, the Committee has pressed on with several exciting and productive initiatives, foremost among which are the truly remarkable outcomes of our   BAT SURVEY, which was carried out with the much-valued assistance of Tim Hill and colleagues at the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.  In fact, the bat detector identified in excess of 7500 contacts!  Whilst the vast majority were of the Common Pipistrelle, we were amazed to find that, quite unexpectedly, a further six bat species had been detected, including the soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius pipistrelle, Leisler’s bat, Noctule bat, Daubenton’s bat and brown, long-eared bat.

A second initiative, which took place last month, was a BUTTERFLY WALK of the section of the Lane between Rose Walk and Sandringham Crescent.  For this we were able to call upon the expertise of Malcolm Hull, Chair of Herts. & Middlesex Butterfly Conservation, who explained initially that a pathway bordered by tall trees is not normally the ideal habitat for butterflies, preferring, as they do, open, sunny spaces and sunlit patches.  This is clearly something to be borne in mind alongside the future consideration of tree-planting in the Lane, as is the need to prevent the encroachment of vegetation onto the path and to create and maintain a graduated, ‘woodland edge’ habitat.

Although this time of year is not the best for butterfly spotting (most wild flowers having long since died down) the following were seen:  a significant number of speckled woods, red admirals and small whites; as well as a few large whites and a green-veined white.

We were also advised on the removal of non-native hedgerow species such as laurel and snowberry, neither of which provides a suitable habitat, some tree-thinning in places and ways in which more open areas might be managed to encourage the growth of wild flowers and the presence of butterflies.  As far as tree species are concerned, we were told that elms – of which there are quite a number at the Marshalswick end of the Lane – are the best tree species for butterflies, whilst oaks and holly also provide good habitats.  Other, valuable food sources for butterflies are evident in places, including nettles, brambles, ivy and a variety of wild flowers and grasses.

Accompanying committee members on a recent TREE WALK were representatives of the HCC Woodland Creation Project and the Land Management Project.  The brief was to examine the health of trees and identify suitable sites for hedgerow plants between Rose Walk and Harness Way.  We were given some very useful advice regarding previously identified trees, as well as suggestions of species and sites for hedgerow planting, including hazel, hawthorn, dogwood, field maple, buckthorn and spindle.  We are able to obtain

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hedgerow packs with an appropriate mix of trees from St. Albans District Council. Any planting will need to be carried out before Christmas (or by mid-February at the latest).

We are delighted to let you know that our GRANT APPLICATION to Sandridge Parish Council for the sum of £1500 has been successful.  This will enable us to fund the purchase of tools, meet the costs of setting up and maintaining the FoJL website, and plan future projects such as a botanical survey.

Further FIRST AID and LEADERSHIP TRAINING has been undertaken by a number of volunteers.  Alongside this, the organisation of working groups for planned projects is now underway, and you will shortly receive an email requesting details from those willing to help.

Just a reminder that our FACEBOOK page (‘Friends of Jersey Lane’) is up and running.  Perhaps you have information to post that our membership would find of interest?  For example, you could use the excellent Merlin Bird ID app to record and identify bird song in the Lane.  Do, also, let us have your ideas, opinions and observations about the Lane.

The latest issue of ‘NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS’ includes an article on FoJL’s activities since its inception.

As you are probably aware, consultation on the DRAFT LOCAL PLAN has been ongoing for some time and, following careful consideration of the proposals, the Committee recently submitted its detailed response.  If you are interested in reading the full response, please contact a Committee member.  For the purposes of this email, however, we would wish to make you aware of FoJL’s aims as shown in our response.  These are to:

  • Engage and work with residents to promote stewardship of non-built heritage along Jersey Lane, conservation of natural assets and the enhancement of biodiversity.
  • Support the existing Greenspace Action Plan (GAP) and contribute to the development of future plans at local and strategic levels.
  • Identify key natural assets along and adjacent to Jersey Lane, promote their protection and work with all levels of Local Government to protect and enhance the green infrastructure of the Lane.
  • Promote the safety of all Lane users, especially at highway junctions.

 

With very best wishes to you and your families, and continued enjoyment of all that the Lane has to offer.

Andy Boxer