Recent news

Subscribe to the Group to read our interesting newsletter packed with information about Crofton and Sparrow Woods. Hard copy available on request if you are local. 

All welcome for an interesting talk about the birds of Crofton and Sparrow Woods by local RSPB expert Peter Smart – join us for a hot drink and cake. 

(Followed by short FoC&SW AGM)

Tuesday 7 May 2024 at 7pm at Garden Estates Association Hall, Woodhurst Ave, Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1AR

Every year we have reports in Spring of sightings of a pair of Mandatrion Ducks. This year is no exception - with Group member Kirsty making our first sighting report.  They are wood ducks and so nest in trees. Although there have yet to be any reports of successful breeding, perhaps 2024 will be the first year.

2024 is also proving a good year for frogspawn - member Sue spotted that one bomb hole is packed and shared this video. Let us hope that the hole does not dry out too soon this year. 

Come along and join us this Saturday.

The alternate Tuesday morning Work Group has restarted for 2024. More joiners very welcome - work is as hard or easy as suits you, and you are making a valuable contribution to our beautiful local area.

Colin found this spring buried in the leaf litter on our first session - litter picking is a constant task - litter pickers are available to borrow to collect it if you are happy to help.

Redwings are the UK's smallest thrush. They fly here in winter from Scandinavia. For the last couple of weeks they have been arriving and consuming holly berries, like this one in Sparrow Wood today.

The woods are beginning to turn to mud - but before it gets too deep, check out the fungi - wet weather does have benefits!

Caroline Potter is leading the first Saturday Work Group session of the Autumn next Saturday – 30^th September. She is planning to focus on the area behind the horses’ field (nearest road access Broadcroft Road), starting at 10.00am. 

Pease do come along and join – even if you only have a little time. Please bring your own equipment if you have it – although gloves and some spare tools will also be available. 

Meet in the field area end of the footpath from Broadcroft Road.

Every other Tuesday morning outside the summer we meet at 10.00am  at different locations around Crofton and Sparrow Woods for two and a quarter hours. 

We are a mixed ability (and age) Group - there are tree choppers and light-task workers, but between us we work to help maintain the Council-owned areas of the woodland. 

For example, we coppice hazel etc to open up areas to light to the benefit of ground flora and insects. We clear areas around oaks to ensure that their roots get the nutrients to thrive.  We try and re-open St Thomas Open Space so that it is more open again. 

All this is done in partnership with idverde, Bromley Council's contractor, as the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Many of us are working or have other committements, so we are used to people not coming every fortnight, and having to leave early.

Fancy joining us and seeing if is for you? Well, the plans for the next few sessions are on this site for the first time. 

Come suitably dressed - and for mud if it has been wet. 

Want to ask a question? Call Jane Andrews on 07968 269008, and she will try and get you the answer!