Month: June 2023

Families, walkers and budding conservationists visiting Painshill, in Cobham, joined local conservation groups this weekend to help find and document the plants and wildlife that live on the site.

Dubbed the ‘Space4Nature Earth Search’, the mass recording event – known as a bio blitz – was part of the new Space4Nature programme, awarded by Postcode Dream Fund thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The programme aims to protect more of Surrey’s Wildlife by mapping and connecting habitats using satellite imagery, Artificial Intelligence and citizen science.

During the one-day event on Sunday June 25, local specialist conservation groups, Surrey Wildlife Trust and Painshill Park Trust volunteers and members of the public who visit Painshill were invited to help investigate and record the varied plant and animal life within the park. Around 300 species were recorded on the day, including Nuthatches, Goldcrests, Sparrowhawks, Smooth Newts, Downy Emerald and Back-tailed Skimmer Dragonflies, Red-belted Clearwing Moths, Silver-washed Fritillary Butterflies and a rare plant called Smooth Cat’s Ear. The event contributed to the collection of vital data for the Space4Nature project and helped inform the evolution of its Artificial Intelligence systems. This technology will then be used across Surrey to enable the team to pinpoint which areas of land should be joined up to other habitats of similar type, making it easier for wildlife to move to access food, safe havens from predators and opportunities to breed. 

Paul Griffiths, Director of the Painshill Park Trust said:

“Painshill takes conservation seriously, and we are on a mission to help local people learn more about the amazing biodiversity that shares our site. It was hugely encouraging that so many people chose to join us on Sunday. 

“Space4Nature will take those principles further, and will help restore wildlife across the county – and we look forward to working with local communities to deliver a better future for wildlife and people.”

Space4Nature received £1.25 million thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery and has also since been awarded £200,000 by the Garfield Weston Foundation. It is delivered by Surrey Wildlife Trust, the University of Surrey, Buglife and the Painshill Park Trust.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said:

“The Dream Fund Space4Nature project combines nature and leading technology to create and support healthier wildlife and biodiversity throughout Surrey. It’s fantastic that our players are supporting the monitoring of wildlife habitats, helping to secure the survival of native species for future generations. The Painshill Park BioBlitz event was a fun and interactive way for people to get involved with the nature, wildlife and biodiversity on their doorstep.”

Throughout the next two years, schoolchildren who visit as part of Painshill’s ongoing programme of curriculum-based outdoor learning activities will learn how to record species and investigate nature as they examine the park’s plants and animals and their habitats as part of the Space4Nature project.

The June event is not your only chance to get involved with this exciting and important project. The Space4Nature team will be asking hundreds of local volunteers to help survey and assess habitats across Surrey, including on Chobham Common, Quarry Hangers and Puttenham Common. To register your interest, please visit: www.surreywildlifetrust.org

Photography by Jon Hawkins

At the entrance to Painshill, close to the Visitor Centre, is a feature that is often overlooked. Two large walled gardens were part of the original 18th century estate and vital to Charles Hamilton’s operations. They were built in 1756 to grow fruit and vegetables for his estate and its workers.

Today the Kitchen Garden is once again thriving due to the charity’s gardening team and our landscape volunteers. It produces a huge variety of fruit and vegetables. Each week from spring to autumn they harvest whatever is in season and the produce is available in the Gift Shop. In exchange for a small donation you can take some home with you.

This year our landscape team are trialing the ‘no dig’ method.

‘No dig’ involves layering compost and mulch, rather than digging over the bed, to ensure the capture of carbon, fungi and worms in the soil. The no-dig gardener allows the fungi and soil organisms to break down and incorporate the organic matter into the soil, emulating natural processes. The method should control weeds, feed the soil and hopefully leads to healthier, stronger plants.

Lesley Shepherd, one of our landscape team, can tell you more… 

Painshill is a small independent charity and relies on nearly 300 volunteers to operate.

For Volunteer’s Week 2023, Paul Griffiths, Painshill’s Director, pitched in with some volunteer roles.

Painshill offers a huge variety of different ways for volunteers to get involved. Whether you would like to develop a new skill, make friends, improve your mental health or have a regular form of exercise, volunteering at Painshill can offer a huge amount to your life. And in the process you help and support a small charity preserve and protect this beautiful place for generations to come.

Find out, from Paul, all about the different roles he pitched in with:

Ticket Hut

“For my first shift of the day I was in the ticket hut.

This role is for anyone who enjoys being around people. We had a queue this morning of excited children who are coming to see the Bugs and Butterflies Trail and it was a lovely atmosphere. The volunteers hand out maps, take ticket bookings and advise people on their visit. The volunteers in the hut get to know each other well and it is a lovely role if you want to make new friends.”

Gift Shop

“Today we received a generous donation of books and I helped the volunteers in the Gift Shop sort and shelve them. Gift Shop roles are brilliant for anyone with a bit of a creative flair. You can get involved writing chalkboards or creating an attractive display.”

Ranger

“After being in the Visitor Centre, I joined Brenda and Bob, on Bob’s first day, for a walk around the landscape. Rangering is another very important role at Painshill. Rangers are our eyes and ears in the landscape and report back any problems. They help visitors, pick up litter and ensure everyone is safe and following our codes of conduct. If you would like to walk the landscape regularly as a great source of exercise and to watch the seasons change then this is a brilliant role.”

Landscape

“If you are looking for something to help improve your mental and physical health then you must consider volunteering in the landscape. Gardening can offer huge health benefits by getting you to connect with nature and enjoy time outdoors. With 160 acres at Painshill there is always something to do and a new skill to learn. The landscape volunteer team often get to know each other well and make good friends during their time at Painshill. On my shift I did some weeding and edging.”

All of the trustees and staff would like to thank the volunteers who give their time, skills and enthusiasm to keeping Painshill open, thriving and looking stunning.

If you are interested in joining our friendly team, please contact us today!