We were out in the reserve today despite the drizzling rain. The monthly volunteering sessions are going really well. We continued to battle against the Cow Parsley, Comfrey and Hogweed which if left unchecked would soon take over.

​Having lots of different plants creates a more stable place to live and this helps more species like butterflies, bees and bats to visit and stay!

The bird list for today:
Blue tit, Great tit, Blackbird, Songthrush, Robin Blackcap (male and female), Chiff-chaff, garden warbler. Carrion Crow (fly-over), Jackdaw (fly-over), Magpie, Starling, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Wren, Green woodpecker (heard only), Heron (fly-over) and Wood pigeon.

Saturday 27th May
Pimp Hall Nature Reserve
​11am to 3pm.
Fun for all ages, discover all about birds, bees and bats and join in with nature art and crafts. Children will love exploring the nature trail and then pond-dipping in search of amazing amphibians.

Refreshments available, bring a picnic as there will be plenty of open space in Pimp Hall Park to enjoy too.

•Toilets in the Learning Lodge building.
​•Small amount of car parking available.
•Bus: 212, 179, 397 on Kings Road, Chingford.
•There will be walking access from Pimp Hall Park on Simmons Lane into the Nature Reserve for the day only.

It was a beautiful sunny day at the reserve while we continued with tasks to help increase biodiversity across the site.

​If you would like to join in we meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Opportunity to be outside in the fresh air and do a bit of exercise and of course enjoy a cup of tea, biscuit and chat. All welcome.

Species Spotted March

Butterflies
Comma
Brimstone
Small tortoiseshell

Birds
Robin
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Song thrush
Long tailed tit
Wren
Black bird
Jay
Ring necked parakeet
Jack daw
Carrion crow
Wood Pigeon
Heron
Tawny Owl

It's been a great start to the new year with volunteers getting straight into preparing the reserve for a new season. All the bird boxes have been checked and cleaned ready for future nests and two extra bat boxes have been fitted. We have begun to clear some of the ivy which has started to take over the ground in areas. We even got to see the reserve covered in snow.

If you would like to help out and get involved, we will be meeting every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Email pimphallgroup@yahoo.co.uk to find out more.

Exciting news to announce as steps are being taken to breathe new life into the Dovecote situated at Pimp Hall Nature Reserve. A grade II listed building that has been put on Historic England’s at risk register will now be restored thanks to funding from Waltham Forest Council. The Pimp Hall dovecote is the last surviving structure from the historic Pimp Hall site in King’s Road.

Council Leader Chris Robbins said the authority was exploring how best to restore and protect the building so that it is removed from the at risk register managed by Historic England.
Cllr Robins said: "As well as saving Pimp Hall dovecote for future generations, we want to open it up to the community and enable residents and visitors to learn more about its history and the Pimp Hall site through a series of events and educational resources.
"We hope one day to see the dovecote being used for special events, exhibitions or open days, but first we need to fully understand the scale of work required in order to preserve it for all to enjoy.
"To that end, we’re currently carrying out a study to see what the restoration project could look like, and will work with the Friends of Pimp Hall Park and Nature Reserve, Pimp Hall Allotment Association, Hornbeam, Friday Hill Tenant Management Organisation and other local organisations to develop future proposals."
Claire Ford, chair of Friends of Pimp Hall Park and Nature Reserve, said: "We are all very excited that the dovecote is going to be restored. Funding from the council will mean that this beautiful, listed building can once again be a wonderful reminder of our joint history and heritage in Chingford.
The Friends Of group will provide updates on how the project progresses on its website and social media sites.

Photography Workshop
Thursday 28th January – 1-3pm. FREE.
At the Learning Lodge, Pimp Hall Nature Reserve,
​off 48 Kings Road, E4 7HR.

As part of the Hornbeams Wildlife Photography Competition, come and capture the beauty of the Reserve with a camera. Learn to take incredible pictures with guidance from a proffesional photographer. Bring any camera, take photos and enjoy tea and cake!

​Sign up to the event by emailing amy@hornbeam.org.uk.

​Photography Competition
submit photos by midnight 8th February.

Win fantastic prizes with your photographs! 
Whether you are a hobby-photographer
or a professional, come and take part. 

There are two categories:
1. Wildlife and 2. Still-life.
​
All pictures need to be of Pimp Hall Nature Reserve and submitted electronically or in print by the 8th February 2016.
​
Submit photo's by emailing amy@hornbeam.org.uk or sending prints to Amy Croome, The Hornbeam, 458 Hoe Street, E17 9AH London. 

The new path alongside the 'hidden' pond is well underway. The pond is not so hidden anymore and there is a great opportunity coming up to help with its maintenance at our next work day with TCV. Thursday 22nd October, 10am to 4pm.

On Wednesday the 12th August we had the Hackney Play Bus visit the Park and it was great! I have never seen so many children in the park, and all having a fantastic time too. As part of the afternoon the Friends Group opened the gate between the Park and the Nature Reserve, this proved really popular, as it meant people could easily explore the Reserve and enjoy the Park too.