Germander Speedwell
Surrey Docks Farm Natural History Survey, 2012
This survey contains just a small sample of the wild flora and fauna at Surrey Docks Farm – i.e. what we were able to find, photograph and identify from March to June 2012. The aim was to bring attention to the fascinating variety of creatures and plants at the farm, and point out some of the inter-relationships and life-cycles which the farm site provides the space and habitats for. The photographs can also be used to help identify future findings.
This survey was compiled and photographed by Germander Speedwell, with assistance and further photographs by Sandra Doyle, and sightings by other participants in the Amateur Naturalists’ Saturday Sessions. This project was funded through the Vodafone World of Difference programme.
Click on these links for each section:
Most of the contents of this survey were identified by amateur naturalists, with the identity of some species confirmed from photos by professionals and specialists, such as members of the Dipterists Forum (The Society for the Study of Flies), members of BWARS (Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society), and staff at the Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity at the Natural History Museum.
Holly Blue on bark path
Yellow Shell on shed door
Hydra under microscope
And red mite on riverwall.
Speedwells by bee hives
Crane’s-bill by goose pond
Carpet Beetle on office table
And Black Lace Weaver under log.
Spotted Medick, Scarlet Pimpernel
Bladder Senna and Henbit Deadnettle;
Greenfinches at birdfeeders
Mining Bees in burrows
Nipplewort in Madder bed
And Seven-spot on Nettle top.
Pied Wagtail in paddock
Greenbottle on bramble
Bird Cherry by muck pile
And bumblebees in compost bin.
Hog Louse, Horse Leech
Owl Midge and Mint Moth;
Caddis Flies in cases
Coral Spot on twigs
Pipistrelle over foreshore
And Flower Bee on Phacelia
Ladybird larva eating aphids on elder
And colour-changing Crab Spider camouflaged in Dye Garden.
Weevils in Hollyhocks
Harlequin on Goldenrod
Jelly Ear on dead wood
And Blue Tit at nest box.
Holly in hedge
Frog under log
Blackbird in orchard
And aphid on notebook
Lacewing on tree trunk
Flesh Fly on Sage sign
Wren on fence
Newt in net
Cyclops in pond
And blackfly in eye!
Nature surveying at Surrey Docks Farm © Germander Speedwell 2012
