Take a walk with the wildlife
Did you know that the Great Austin Preservation Area is a wildlife haven?
The Great Austin Area in Farnham is known for its attractive tree-lined roads and its beautiful houses, many of which have historic significance.
Yet, despite being within easy walking distance of the station and town centre, the area remains semi-rural and offers a safe environment within which both humans and wildlife can thrive.
On Saturday 19th October, the Great Austin Area Preservation Group (GAAPG) spear-headed a community ‘tidy-up’ and, to the delight of many, some exotic and interesting wildlife, of the flora and fauna variety, were discovered!
A local conservationist was on hand to capture some beautiful and interesting fungi.
Why not see if you can find them next time you’re in our area?
Wrinkled peach mushroom
Rhodotus palmatus(1)
On the Global Fungi Red list
1.A rare mushroom, illegal to pick, loves dead and rotting elm hence, since the outbreak of Dutch elm disease is rarer
2.Bitter and poisonous; contains steroidal toxins that can cause V&D, convulsions
Sulphur tufts
Hypholoma fasciculare (2)
Most fungi love to live in cool, dark moist places that are rich in dead matter.
Cloud Funnel
Clitocybe nebularis (3)
Oakmoss
Evernia prunastri (4)
3.A common, gilled fungi that is reported to be tasty but beware - it is poisonous!
4.A species of lichen; loves oak
Whilst the emphasis of the GAAPG is very much on maintaining the special character of the area by monitoring the planning applications, we are mindful of the area’s natural beauty; the two are symbiotic.Thank you for your support and for helping us to preserve and maintain the beauty of this special area.
Foot Note: We have been asked by a neighbouring conservation group to report any sightings of hedgehogs in the Great Austins area. Whilst hedgehogs used to be common wildlife inhabitants, the increasing use of insecticides and garden chemicals is threatening their very existence. Please use the following link to report your sightings:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wya4anEV4eYzJjLC/?mibextid=K35XfP
The Great Austins Area Preservation Group’s Big Clean Up unearths some unexpected finds
Community tidy up days may sound boring, but not so if you’re a member of the Great Austins Area Preservation Group (GAAPG).On Saturday 19th October, the weather threatened to put the dampers on things, but mac-clad residents defied the odds and turned out in force to support what was a ‘first’ for the Great Austins area.
Attention focused on uprooting the weeds that threaten the cobble-stoned verges; residents armed with brooms, trowels, secateurs and strimmers did a great tidy-up job whilst a team of eagle-eyed litter-pickers scoured the kerb-side hedges, removing empty beer cans, crisp packets and sweet wrappers.
The Big Clean Up was also supported by Waverley Council's Environmental Services team who sent road sweepers out in advance to clear the roads of debris.
But perhaps the most surprising find was a bag of jewellery, stuffed into a hedge on Greenhill Road. Evidence of a foiled burglary?
The Bourne Conservation Group lent a hand, or many, as was the case! Their team cleared footpaths that cross-link the area. With the added benefit of a naturalist in their team, came the news that an exotic and rare (red category) fungus had been unearthed in the mulchy verges.
GAAPG Chair Tim Young, declared "The day has been a great success and I'd like to extend my thanks to everyone involved. An initiative like this puts into practice the purpose of the group, which is to preserve the nature and amenities of the area in which we are fortunate to live.”
Lastly the police have been informed of the jewellery find, so if you have lost some and think this might be yours please contact Surrey police on 01483 571212.
AGM
On Thursday 25th April 2024 the GAAPG held its AGM at the Jubilee Room,
St Thomas on the Bourne at 7pm.
Please see attached minutes